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]]>NORTH WEST MEDIA AWARDS 2025: Founder pays tribute to partners, leaders and industry pillars in official thank you message
Founder’s Official Thank You Article | North West Media Awards 25
A landmark celebration of media excellence
The North West Media Awards (NWMA) has released an official Founder’s Thank You Message following the successful hosting of the 2025 edition — an event widely regarded as one of the most impactful celebrations of journalism, broadcasting, communication and community media in South Africa.
Founder Ananias Ndlovu expressed deep appreciation to partners, dignitaries, media institutions, nominees, winners and supporting organisations who contributed to making NWMA25 a resounding success.
In his statement, Ndlovu said the 2025 ceremony once again affirmed the resilience, necessity and growing influence of community and small commercial media.
North-West University and Louis Jacobs receive special appreciation
The Founder extended profound gratitude to the North-West University (NWU) for its generous> partnership and unwavering support.
Ndlovu highlighted NWU’s role in strengthening the awards and acknowledged the university’s thoughtful gesture of presenting gifts to special guests.
He also thanked Mr Louis Jacobs, who delivered an inspiring keynote speech that, in his words, elevated the tone and impact of the evening.
“We truly value this relationship and look forward to it growing even bigger and stronger,” Ndlovu said.
Support from the Office of the Premier and Platinum North West TV
Ndlovu recognised the Office of the Premier for its consistent support, which continues to give the awards critical visibility and legitimacy.
He also extended a special vote of thanks to Platinum North West TV — including its Board, Management and Production Crew — for ensuring the event was broadcast live and for delivering coverage with excellence and professionalism.
Government leadership and key speakers commended
In a heartfelt tribute, Ndlovu thanked Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong for attending NWMA25 despite a demanding schedule that included delivering a keynote address earlier that day at the SADC 2025 Media Awards in Pretoria.
He also acknowledged the presence and support of the Rustenburg Local Municipality, particularly the Executive Mayor, Cllr Sheila Mabale-Huma, for her welcome address and commitment to the event.
Hosts who lit up the night
The Founder warmly praised the event hosts, Lee Jay and Hector Motivator, for their energy, charisma and chemistry on stage.
He said their collaboration “was simply out of this world”, noting that they kept the audience engaged, entertained and inspired throughout the evening with professionalism and heart.
Tributes to nominees, winners and guests
Ndlovu extended gratitude to nominees, media houses, journalists and presenters for continually supporting the awards and contributing high-quality work to the media sector.
“Your presence and belief in this platform keep the North West Media Awards alive and growing,” he said.
He also thanked guests for attending in large numbers and commended their elegance, enthusiasm and support for this important initiative.
Industry partners, AIP and media practitioners recognised
The Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) received special acknowledgment for walking the journey alongside NWMA, with a specific thank you extended to Dr Kate Skinner and the broader AIP team.
Community and small commercial media practitioners — described by Ndlovu as the “greatest pillar” of the awards — were celebrated for their unwavering support and attendance.
He emphasised that the awards exist because of them, and ultimately belong to them.
A moving tribute to the late DJ Motso
A particularly emotional moment in the Founder’s message was a tribute to the late DJ Motso.
Ndlovu thanked Aganang FM for assisting in honouring his legacy and expressed gratitude to the Motso family — mother Mmakgosi and brother Tokelo — for their cooperation, support and understanding.
He expressed the hope that DJ Motso’s soul will continue to rest in eternal peace.
Honouring lifetime achievers and media veterans
The two Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, Dr Easy Matjila and Mr Snyman Rankane, received heartfelt recognition for their decades-long contribution to the media sector.
Ndlovu said the respect and appreciation with which they received the honour deeply moved the awards family, and he reaffirmed that their contribution to media in the North West would never go unnoticed.
He added a promise that media veterans whose names are already on the list can expect future recognition as the awards continue to honour industry giants.
Judges, auditors and key contributors thanked
The Founder acknowledged the judging panel for navigating challenging circumstances during the adjudication process.
He welcomed their recommendations for improving the 2026 entry process and confirmed that these suggestions have been received and supported.
Ndlovu also thanked Change Rizosiz auditors, led by Mr Ralph Makhanya, for their professionalism and integrity, and expressed special appreciation to Dr Koketso Rakhudu for her exceptional contribution and time.
Paying tribute to the event support team
The message further recognised a wide range of event support stakeholders. Ndlovu thanked spokesperson Ms Berlina Lekgethwane for her tireless work, interviews and behind-the-scenes efforts; Ms Brenda Ramokopela for looking after special guests; and Rustenburg Fashion Week and Mr Gili Ramalekana for ensuring the models looked stunning on the day.
He extended appreciation to Genplay Foundation and Mafika Productions for sponsored production services, including sound, décor and screens, which he described as classy and world-class.
Additional thanks went to Michelle by KayN for ongoing support, Raps Photos and Projects for capturing key moments, and Theron Rapoo for his consistent behind-the-scenes contribution.
Ndlovu also recognised MMC Selebaleng Pule for providing branded water, Board Members for their leadership and guidance, the Office Team — Nyakallo Mosala, Philadelphia Tsomele and Khumo Monde — for their dedication, and the Catering Team led by Mrs Ndlovu for outstanding service.
Finally, he thanked Golden Cat Holdings and Mr David Ntuane for providing VIP protection and ensuring the safety of all guests.
A final message of unity and vision
Concluding his message, Ndlovu offered a broad note of gratitude to all stakeholders, presenters, partners and guests who made time to be part of the celebration.
He reiterated that these awards are meant for development and called on all role-players to continue working together to grow, protect and elevate them.
“The future of community media is in our hands,” he said, closing with a heartfelt Setswana expression, “Modimo ga se tlaela.”
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The Awards continue a proud tradition of recognising outstanding media contributors. Last year, the Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to veteran radio broadcaster Minah Pilane Huma and veteran journalist Dulile Sowage by Deputy Minister in the Presidency Hon. Kenny Morolong and the Executive Mayor of Rustenburg Cllr Shiela Mabale-Huma. This year’s ceremony will build on that legacy of celebrating excellence and preserving media heritage.
Honouring Dr Masego Ezekiel Matjila
Dr Masego Ezekiel Matjila, a distinguished SABC newsreader, has dedicated over 30 years to multilingual broadcasting and the promotion of indigenous languages. Beginning his career at Radio Setswana (later Motsweding FM), he also managed archives across several language radio services.
His remarkable skills led him to Setswana sports commentary and later prime-time news presenting in Setswana, Sesotho and Sepedi. He also served as a bulletin editor and executive producer until his retirement in 2021.
Matjila has received numerous accolades, including Best News Writer (2008) and AFCON Commentator of the Year (1996). He was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the North-West University for his contributions to indigenous language development in broadcasting.
Honouring Veteran Broadcaster Snyman Rankane
Snyman Rankane, a beloved veteran broadcaster, is best known for his influential career at Motsweding FM where he hosted popular shows such as Gaabo Motho and Leretlhabetse. His commanding voice and deep connection with listeners made him a household name within the Setswana-speaking community.
Rankane continues to serve the industry as a presenter at Madibeng FM and plays a significant role in mentoring young radio broadcasters, nurturing the next generation of talent. His community involvement includes initiatives that provided winter uniforms to vulnerable families.
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