IOL journalists Mervyn Naidoo and photojournalist Ayanda Ndamane were among the winners at the 2026 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards.
IOL journalists Mervyn Naidoo and photojournalist Ayanda Ndamane were among the standout winners at the 2026 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, which recognise excellence in South African journalism across print, digital and photography categories.
The awards, hosted by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and Standard Bank, were held in Johannesburg on Friday, celebrating what judges described as one of the most competitive editions in recent years, with more than 400 entries submitted nationwide.
“We are very proud of the achievements of our journalists and content producers who go above and beyond every day to bring to light stories of hope and triumph, chronicling the daily challenges of South Africans, while also holding those in power to account. These wins are testimony to IOL’s commitment to telling stories without fear or favour,” said IOL Editor-in-Chief Lance Witten.
IOL veteran journalist Mervyn Naidoo was the winner of the Hard News category for his article 'Durban pharmacist's desperate SOS to husband as her vehicle sank in a river', adding to his long-standing reputation within South African media.
