Investigative journalism plays a vital role in strengthening South Africa’s democracy. It exposes abuses of power, illuminates corruption and systemic failures, and empowers the public with information that institutions would otherwise conceal. The Investigative Journalism Excellence Award recognises outstanding investigative reporting that demonstrates exceptional courage, rigour, ethical integrity, and measurable public-interest impact.

​

This category honours a single investigation, investigative series, or body of work that has:

• Uncovered previously concealed wrongdoing or systemic abuse

• Advanced accountability, transparency, and public awareness

• Demonstrated rigorous, evidence-based investigative methodology

• Upheld responsible, ethical journalism practices

• Contributed to meaningful reform, legal action, or societal understanding

 

The award may recognise work produced by an individual journalist, an investigative team, a collaborative newsroom effort, or a multidisciplinary partnership — provided the work reflects independent initiative and serves the public interest.

 

Submissions are evaluated using a structured rubric that assesses:

• Story Significance – the societal importance of the issue investigated

• Originality & Initiative – enterprise reporting and innovative investigative approaches

• Rigour & Methodology – quality of verification, documentation, and analysis

• Courage & Adversity – persistence in the face of threats, pressure, or obstruction

• Ethical Integrity – adherence to accuracy, fairness, and harm minimisation

• Impact – evidence of institutional reform, accountability processes, public mobilisation, or improved understanding

 

By celebrating excellence in investigative journalism, this award reinforces the essential role of truth-seeking in safeguarding South Africa’s constitutional order. It also recognises the critical relationship between whistleblowers and investigative journalists—two pillars of public accountability whose courage often comes at great personal risk.

 

The Investigative Journalism Excellence Award stands as a tribute to those who pursue the truth with integrity, insist on transparency, and help build a more just and ethical society.

​

CLICK THE BELOW BUTTON IN ORDER TO FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH OUR ELIGIBILITY & CRITERIA BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR NOMINATION.