The North West Media Awards (NWMAs) have confirmed that North West University (NWU) will again be the headline sponsor for the 2026 ceremony, organisers announced on 13 August. The awards will take place on 10 December 2026 at the Sun City Resort, following a new partnership with Sun International.
Growth in entries and new partnerships
Organisers said the renewed NWU sponsorship has helped drive growth in participation across the province’s press, broadcast and communications sectors. Nomination numbers rose from 109 in 2025 to 180 in 2026, representing media houses and communication professionals from across the North West.
| Year | Number of nominees |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 109 |
| 2026 | 180 |
The awards’ founder and convenor, Ananias Ndlovu, said the partnership with NWU and the move to Sun City have helped the event grow into “one of the province’s flagship celebrations of media excellence.” He linked the expansion to broader ambitions to position North West media on a continental stage.
“Hosted under the theme: ‘Taking North West to Africa’, this year’s awards will welcome ambassadors from various African countries, traditional leaders, including the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela Traditional Authority, government leaders, media executives and communication professionals from across South Africa,”
Honouring long service in police communication
As part of the 2026 programme, the NWMAs will recognise long-serving communicators from the South African Police Service. Two former SAPS spokespersons will be honoured for their service: Elsabé Augoustides, the former Rustenburg police spokesperson, for 40 years of service, and Sabata Mokgwabone, the former North West police spokesperson, for 36 years. A special posthumous tribute will also be paid to Waldie Volschenk.
Who the event will attract
Organisers expect attendance from a cross-section of public and private sector figures. Announced invitees include:
- Ambassadors from several African countries
- Traditional leaders, including representatives of the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela Traditional Authority
- Government leaders and media executives
- Communication professionals and representatives from media houses across the province
The awards cover journalism, broadcasting, digital media and communications. The organisers say the competition gives an opportunity to recognise regional talent and to strengthen networks between media practitioners and institutions such as universities and tourism partners.
Local impact and context
The NWMA’s growth comes amid broader efforts in the North West to stimulate civic and cultural activity outside the province’s main urban centres. By choosing Sun City as the venue, organisers aim to combine a high-profile setting with easier national and international access for guests and diplomats. For local journalists and communication practitioners, the awards provide a platform to gain recognition and move provincial stories into national and continental conversations.
NWU’s continued sponsorship signals the university’s ongoing role in supporting journalism and media training in the province. University partnerships with media awards can strengthen pathways for students and early-career journalists, although organisers have not yet released details on bursaries, internships or student awards linked to the 2026 ceremony.
Practical information
Organisers have announced the date and venue but have not yet published the full programme, ticketing arrangements or nominee categories. Entrants and interested guests should watch the NWMA communications channels and the organisers’ announcements for:
- Finalised programme and list of categories
- Ticketing and attendance protocols
- Details on honourees and special tributes
The North West Media Awards have grown from a smaller provincial event into one that now seeks to connect the province’s media to national and continental networks. With NWU returning as headline sponsor and a new partnership with Sun International, organisers are positioning the 2026 edition as both a celebration of local craft and an opportunity to showcase North West stories on a broader stage.
Further announcements are expected ahead of the December ceremony.
