Mbabane, Eswatini — Nedbank Eswatini has committed E80,000 in sponsorship towards the upcoming Eswatini National Media Awards, signalling continued private-sector support for ethical journalism and national development.
Announcing the sponsorship, Nedbank Eswatini Managing Director Fikile Nkosi underscored the importance of a strong and responsible media sector, describing it as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and informed public dialogue.
Nkosi said the media plays a critical role in educating and empowering communities, noting that ethical journalism contributes directly to social cohesion and economic growth. He added that Nedbank’s support for the awards aligns with the bank’s broader purpose of driving positive impact across society.
The sponsorship comes as the National Media Awards undergo a strategic relaunch after a twelve-year hiatus. The awards are jointly stewarded by the Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) and the Eswatini Editors Forum (SEF), working alongside implementing partner Marketing Advertising Research Council (MARC).
Welcoming the sponsorship, ESNAJ expressed appreciation for Nedbank Eswatini’s early backing of the revived awards, noting that the bank was among the first institutions to support the initiative. The association said the sponsorship would play a significant role in ensuring the success of the awards and in rebuilding credibility within the journalism profession.
The Editors Forum also highlighted the value of partnerships that strengthen professional standards and reinforce institutional integrity within the media sector.
The Eswatini National Media Awards recognise excellence in journalism across multiple categories and aim to promote integrity, innovation, and professionalism in the industry.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, 22 December 2025, at Royal Villas.
