Record number of entries received for 2025 awards cycle
CAPE TOWN, 1 JUNE 2026 — The Board of Directors of the Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ) expresses its sincere gratitude to the editors, journalists and photographers from community newsrooms across South Africa whose enthusiastic participation has resulted in yet another record-breaking number of entries for this year’s AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards.
Judges’ convener Dr André Gouws confirmed that a total of 599 individual entries were received. Of these, 34 entries were unfortunately disqualified on procedural grounds and could not be considered for adjudication.
The categories that attracted the highest volumes of entries were Hard News — including investigative reportage (78 entries), Front Pages (76 entries) and Human Interest (63 entries). Two newly introduced categories also drew notable interest: Municipal/Local Government Reporting received 36 entries, while the Story of the Year category attracted 22 entries.
This year’s judging panel comprises highly regarded industry experts, consistent with the standard set in previous years. Dr Gouws confirmed that three adjudicators have been assigned to each category. The panel will dedicate the next four weeks to a thorough and meticulous review of every entry, with the aim of ensuring that the most deserving work in the community journalism sector receives the recognition it merits.
The AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards ceremony will be held in Pretoria on 21 August, coinciding with the FCJ’s national seminar, which will take place on the same day. A full list of adjudicators is appended hereto.
Read more… FCJ Press release 2026 – Judges announced with profiles