On the pulse of global innovation: Nonn Botha reflects on journalism in 2025

From global platforms to ground-level conversations, Botha’s work throughout the year demonstrates how international reporting can remain firmly rooted in the lived realities of ordinary South Africans.

A year on the pulse of innovation

Reflecting on the year, Botha describes 2025 as a period in which MDNtv was firmly on the pulse of innovation.

The newsroom embraced new formats and platforms to ensure South African voices were present in global conversations. This approach required adaptability, creativity, and the courage to move beyond conventional reporting models.

The most impactful story of 2025

Among the most defining stories of the year was MDNtv’s coverage of the G20 Pop Up Online Radio Station.

The initiative went beyond traditional broadcasting by creating a real time space where global policy discussions intersected with grassroots perspectives. It allowed ordinary citizens to engage with international conversations in a direct and meaningful way.

News Maker of the Year

Botha nominated Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as News Maker of the Year, describing him as a mirror of who we have become as a society.

The story sparked national reflection and debate, highlighting deeper questions about values, accountability, influence, and the social climate shaping South Africa.

South African of the Year

In a strong affirmation of belief, Botha nominated MDNtv as South African of the Year.

As a people-driven independent media house, MDNtv continues to prioritise community voices, ethical reporting, and accessibility. From taxi ranks to international summits, MDNtv remains committed to placing the public at the centre of the national conversation.

Ethics and responsibility

Ethical journalism remained central throughout 2025.

Speaking to everyone with respect, from taxi drivers at Bree Street Taxi Rank to national and international leaders, was a guiding principle in ensuring dignity, trust, and credibility in reporting.

Looking ahead to 2026

Looking to 2026, Botha aims to travel more extensively and produce more documentary-style reporting.

A key focus will be strengthening camera and visual storytelling skills to deliver deeper, more immersive journalism that brings global stories closer to the people.

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The newly launched Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry report marks a hopeful moment for the sector, outlining plans to fund national, community, and vernacular media through content licensing, innovation grants, and capacity-building initiatives.

The package will include support for newsroom innovation, contributions to the Digital News Transformation Fund, and training in vernacular languages through the Media Development & Diversity Agency.

As part of the agreement, Google will introduce tools to highlight local news sources, provide technical assistance to improve website performance, and share enhanced audience data. The company will also create an African News Innovation Forum. Microsoft has agreed to expand its MSN news contracts to include five more South African publishers.

The inquiry found that Google dominates online news distribution through its Search platform but does not compensate local media for their content. The new agreement aims to address this imbalance and support media sustainability.

Meta will establish a Media Liaison Office in South Africa, expand monetisation opportunities through workshops and ad credits, and remove follower limits for media partners. YouTube will give South African media automatic access to its Partner Programme, assist the SABC with ad sales, and help digitise its archives.

TikTok will introduce its Publisher Support Suite locally, while X (formerly Twitter) will expand monetisation and training opportunities. All major platforms have also committed to promoting digital literacy and combating misinformation.

The report recommends that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition allow South African media to collectively negotiate with digital platforms on monetisation and licensing terms. It also calls for new content-moderation regulations and the creation of an independent Social Media Ombud to handle public complaints.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Parks Tau, praised the report, saying it offers a lifeline to the country’s media and promised to present it to Parliament within ten days for approval.

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The two-day gathering, taking place from 4–5 November 2025 at DHL Stadium, will bring together academics, policymakers, creative professionals, and industry leaders to explore critical questions shaping the future of creativity in an era defined by artificial intelligence, digital disruption, and rapid cultural transformation.

SACO Executive Director Unathi Lutshaba said the conference could not be more timely:

“As we stand at the intersection of technological disruption, shifting global power dynamics, and unprecedented creative innovation, this conference will bring the brightest minds together to envision tomorrow’s creative and sports economies from an African perspective.”

Since its establishment in 2015, SACO, often described as a “Stats SA for the cultural and sports economy,” has played a pivotal role in mapping the contribution of the creative and sports sectors to South Africa’s GDP, which currently stands at around 3.9%, employing more than one million people nationwide.

Uniting Sports and Creativity

This year’s conference expands SACO’s focus to include the sports economy, following the department’s 2023 decision to recognise sports as a cultural force with significant creative and economic impact.

DSAC Director-General Dr. Cynthia Khumalo emphasised this link:

“Sport is national culture. It is collective creativity. It is the golden economy. Sports drive broadcasting, fashion, entertainment, and digital media, contributing about 1% to GDP. We cannot talk about culture and creativity without sport.”

A special panel on “At the Intersection of Sport, Arts, and Culture” will headline Day One, exploring how play, performance, and national identity converge in the creative economy.

African Voices at the Centre of Global Debate

With South Africa holding the G20 Presidency in 2025, the SACO conference is positioned as a defining platform for African leadership in global creative economy discourse.

“For too long, the future of creativity has been debated through Western frameworks,” Dr. Khumalo added. “Hosting this conversation on African soil allows us to centre African experiences, innovations, and solutions.”

The programme includes eleven thematic tracks covering AI collaboration in creativity, copyright evolution, digital labour, creative entrepreneurship, and equitable policy models for the next decade.

Why Cape Town? Why DHL Stadium?

The DHL Stadium, an iconic symbol of sport, culture, and global events, was chosen as the venue for its symbolic and practical resonance. “It represents exactly what we’re discussing,” said Ms. Lutshaba. “The intersection of sport, culture, creativity, and economic impact.”

Cape Town, one of Africa’s most vibrant cultural capitals, will serve as the backdrop for exploring inclusive and sustainable creative economies across the continent.

Programme Highlights

 • Keynote Address: The Future of Creative Economies

 • Panel Discussions: The Changing Economics of Creativity; Between Human and Machine: Navigating Creative Tech Futures

 • Day Two Tracks: Creative Labour and Wellbeing, Gig Economy, Digital Piracy, and Economic Music Migrancy

 • Interactive Sessions: PechaKucha presentations, policy labs, and live podcasting sessions

About SACO

A project of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, SACO operates as South Africa’s national research centre for cultural and creative industries data and insights. Hosted by Nelson Mandela University in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Rhodes University, it provides critical evidence for national planning and policy implementation under the Creative and Cultural Industries Masterplan.

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27 October 2025 | Johannesburg, South Africa – The All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA), in partnership with CNBC Africa, SNG Grant Thornton, and Henley Business School Africa, will host its 13th edition on 12 November 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Widely regarded as Africa’s premier business recognition platform, the annual event honours individuals and organisations that exemplify leadership, innovation, and impact across the continent.

Now in its thirteenth year, the AABLA continues to celebrate the continent’s most dynamic and visionary leaders. For more than a decade, it has showcased stories of perseverance, enterprise, and purpose, reinforcing the power of business leadership to drive positive change and sustainable growth in Africa.

In the past year, Africa’s economic resilience and innovation have stood out on the global stage. According to the African Development Bank’s 2025 outlook, the continent’s average GDP growth is projected at 3.8%, with several economies – including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Côte d’Ivoire – experiencing a strong recovery driven by entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and intra-African trade. Venture funding into African start-ups surpassed US$4 billion, demonstrating global confidence in the continent’s innovation potential.

Platforms such as the AABLA are therefore more vital than ever, as they shine a spotlight on the businesses and leaders who are redefining the narrative of Africa, transforming it from a continent of potential into one of proven performance and global influence.

Previous recipients of AABLA honours include Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB); Econet Group; Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of the Gift of the Givers Foundation; Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank; Melvyn Lubega, Executive Chairperson, Baobab Group; Daniel Ndima, CEO of CapeBio; Mohammed Dewji, President, MeTL Group; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation; and Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group; Nedbank; Ivan and Lynette Saltzman, Founders of Dis-Chem Pharmacies. Each embodies the vision that continues to shape Africa’s economic future.

This year’s awards will recognise excellence across several categories:

All Africa Sports, Arts & Culture Award

All Africa Innovator of the Year

All Africa Businesswoman of the Year

All Africa Chief Financial Officer of the Year

All Africa Company of the Year

All Africa Business Leader of the Year

All Africa Chairperson of the Year

Speaking ahead of the event, Roberta Naicker, Managing Director of the ABN Group, said,

“The All Africa Business Leaders Awards were created to recognise not just commercial success but meaningful leadership. Each winner represents the values of integrity, vision, and innovation.

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The year-long trial followed 25,000 adults across the US and Canada. Nearly one in every 100 participants received a positive result, and cancer was later confirmed in 62% of those cases. Researchers say the test could revolutionize cancer detection by spotting the disease before symptoms appear.

Developed by the American firm Grail, the test works by identifying fragments of tumor DNA circulating in the blood. It correctly ruled out cancer in more than 99% of people who tested negative and accurately identified where the cancer originated in nine out of ten cases.

When combined with existing screenings for breast, bowel, and cervical cancer, Galleri increased total cancer detection seven-fold. Notably, three-quarters of cancers found were types that currently have no regular screening options, such as ovarian, pancreatic, liver, and bladder cancer.

Experts say the results are “very compelling,” with the potential to “fundamentally change” how cancer is diagnosed and treated. However, scientists emphasize that more research is needed to confirm whether early detection with this test will lead to fewer cancer deaths.

A large-scale NHS trial involving 140,000 participants in England is still underway, with results expected next year. If successful, the test could be offered to one million more people as part of a wider rollout.

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The Awards return as part of the A Night With Legends celebration

• Honouring icons across music, sport, arts, heritage, innovation, and community impact

• A Night With Legends 2025 unites generations in one unforgettable national celebration

Johannesburg – Monday 6 October 2025:

Bringing together South Africa’s cultural icons, sporting moments, and musical powerhouses for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration under the theme Generations United.

The stage is set for one of South Africa’s most anticipated cultural celebrations — A Night With Legends 2025: Generations United, returning to Vodacom World, Midrand, on Saturday, 1 November 2025.

This iconic event will once again bring together South Africa’s legends and rising stars for a day filled with music, sports, and national pride, anchored by the prestigious Legends Awards segment.

The Legends Awards — Celebrating South Africa’s Icons

The Legends Awards 2025 will honour South Africa’s greatest living legends whose work, creativity, and impact continue to shape the nation’s story.

Awards will be presented across ten categories:

• Music
• Sports
• Performing Arts
• Literature & Storytelling
• Heritage & Culture
• Innovation & Business
• Humanitarian & Social Impact
• Youth Inspiration
• Lifetime Achievement
• People’s Choice

These categories reflect the spirit of A Night With Legends, celebrating those who inspire unity, progress, and cultural excellence.

How to Nominate Your Legend

Nominations are now open to the public.

South Africans are encouraged to nominate individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their field — from community heroes and cultural icons to innovators, creatives, and social changemakers.

Send nominations to:

info@anightwithlegends.co.za

admin@anightwithlegends.co.za

awards@anightwithlegends.co.za

Deadline: All nominations close Tuesday, 15 October 2025 at midnight.

The Experience: A Full Day of Heritage, Music and Celebration

Live Match Screening (3PM)

The event begins with a live screening of the Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns match, broadcast on large screens to energise fans early in the day.

The Legends Awards Segment (5PM – 8PM)

Hosted in the main arena, the Legends Awards will take place before the concert celebration — offering audiences a meaningful and inspiring lead-up to the performances.

Concert Celebration (8PM – Late)

Following the awards, the night transforms into a world-class concert featuring South Africa’s most loved performers, including:

Somizi, Arthur Mafokate (celebrating 33 years in music), Kelly Khumalo, Vusi Nova, Nomfundo Moh, Blaq Diamond, Big Zulu, Kamo Mphela, Focalistic, Jaziel Brothers, Lady Du, Chomee, DJ Cleo, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Dino Bravo, Professor, DJ Owami, DJ AJ, and more surprise acts.

A Night With Legends: Generations United

A Night With Legends 2025 is a multi-layered national celebration that blends heritage, sport, awards, and music into one unified cultural experience.

> “The Legends Awards form part of the larger A Night With Legends celebration — honouring the individuals who built our creative and cultural foundations, while connecting generations through music and unity,” said the organisers.

Tickets

Tickets for the full A Night With Legends 2025 experience are available now through:

Computicket:

https://computicket.com/event/a-night-with-legends-2025/22aca742-f902-4af3-8275-386f07e3fe1a

Webtickets:

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1576256139

Connect and Share

Follow A Night With Legends for updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes moments:

X (Twitter): @NightWithLegend

Instagram: @anightwithlegends

Facebook: A Night With Legends

TikTok: @anightwithlegends

Like, share, and tag your friends to spread the celebration.

#ANightWithLegends #LegendsAwards

Media Enquiries and Nominations Contact

Lesego

grouppublicitysa@gmail.com

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At the same ceremony, Blaauwklippen Estate – where Cloete has led the winemaking team since 2016 – received four major honours, earning Double Gold for its 2023 Chardonnay and 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gold for its 2022 Malbec and 2020 De Blaauwe Klip vintages.

“Wine tells a story of people and places, and few places have as rich a history as Stellenbosch as the home of some of the world’s most celebrated wines. I’m incredibly proud to lead such a dedicated team at Blaauwklippen and to see our wines recognised alongside the many outstanding wines produced in Stellenbosch,” she notes.

“For me, this award is not only a personal honour but also serves as an important celebration of the many women who are working to bring fresh vision to South African wine.”

Women are redefining the future of South African winemaking

While deeply honoured to receive the Woman Winemaker of the Year award, Cloete says the recognition is shared with the many hands that helped craft these wines, as well as the women who paved the way before her.

She is part of a broader generation of women reshaping South African winemaking, from viticulturists and cellar masters to business leaders and marketers. Together, these female industry leaders are working to draw on the country’s storied history while bringing fresh perspectives and bold ideas to winemaking, and expanding the global reach of local brands like Blaauwklippen.

“Many of the country’s most innovative wines today are being crafted by women. Viniculture is about finding balance – on the vineyard, in every cask, and in every bottle. By nurturing the talents of female winemakers, we are moving toward even greater balance, ensuring that men and women shape the industry in equal measure.”

Celebrating quality and integrity in winemaking

The LUMO Awards, now a fixture on the South African wine and spirits calendar, are judged exclusively by women, but welcome entries from all producers, male and female alike. Special recognition is reserved for female-led wineries, ensuring that women’s leadership is clearly visible in a field where it has historically been underrepresented.

Cloete was ultimately recognised for her overall excellence in the craft and impact on the industry over the past two decades. After graduating cum laude in Oenology from Stellenbosch University, she worked harvests at Glen Carlou, Dornier, AA Badenhorst, and Stellenzicht, honing her skills before becoming head winemaker at Quoin Rock in 2010. She later joined Blaauwklippen, where she has built a reputation for consistency, artistry, and the ability to bring out the unique expression of Stellenbosch’s environment.

She has also served as a judge on many respected panels, including the Veritas Awards, the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, and Spain’s Zarcillo International Wine Competition. While this breadth of experience has given her a global perspective, she remains committed to ensuring that South African wine retains its identity.

“Visibility is power. When young women see awards celebrating other women, it tells them that they belong, and that they can compete at the highest levels. Our responsibility as winemakers is to keep opening those pathways for them to succeed,” she concludes.

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MDNtv nominated for Online Media House of the Year at the prestigious North West Media Awards 2025

The North West Media Awards, held annually, shine a spotlight on outstanding contributions to journalism and media across the province and beyond. This year’s edition features more than 150 nominees across 16 categories, representing the depth and diversity of the South African media landscape.

Speaking on the nomination, MDNtv’s leadership expressed gratitude to its dedicated team and loyal audience: “This nomination is a testament to the tireless work of our journalists, producers, and editors who tell the stories that matter most to our people. But more importantly, it reflects the unwavering support of our viewers and readers who have trusted us as their independent source of news. Together, we are building a people-powered media house.”

How to vote for MDNtv

Supporters can help secure this win by voting: SMS NWMA507 to 35943 (SMS costs R3, free SMSs do not apply). Every vote enters supporters into a draw to win big with Cell C, including data and airtime prizes.

About MDNtv

MDNtv is a non-profit, independent digital news and media company with a strong footprint in South Africa and abroad. With a team of over 33 multimedia journalists, student journalists, prison journalists, citizen journalists, news creators, and writers based across South Africa, Africa, the UK, and the USA, MDNtv delivers hard-hitting journalism, community-driven stories, and cutting-edge multimedia content. MDNtv’s signature pink microphone has become a symbol of fearless, people-focused reporting.

About the North West Media Awards

The North West Media Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in journalism, broadcasting, and digital media. This year’s theme, Recognising passion, highlights media professionals and organisations that go above and beyond to inform, inspire, and impact society.

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Johannesburg — From big ideas on a lean budget to national recognition! PluxNet Fibre has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Best Low-Budget Campaign at the prestigious 2025 WesBank New Generation Awards, sponsored by Unilever South Africa.

The recognition highlights PluxNet’s ability to deliver impactful, cost-effective solutions in a competitive industry, without compromising on quality. The campaign, designed to bring reliable connectivity to communities and businesses, has now earned the company national visibility.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to impactful solutions that are efficient and reliable — the same dedication we bring to keeping homes and businesses connected,” PluxNet said in a statement.

The WesBank New Generation Awards celebrate excellence in digital media and marketing innovation across South Africa, recognising organisations that push boundaries with creativity and strategy.

For PluxNet Fibre, being named a finalist underscores the importance of trust, collaboration, and innovation — values shared with its clients, partners, and wider community.

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