By Nicole Tau
The Media Institute of Southern Africa – Lesotho Chapter (MISA Lesotho) is proud to announce the launch of the annual MISA/RSL Lesotho Journalism Excellence Awards 2025, a national initiative that recognises and rewards outstanding journalism across the country.
The Awards were officially launched in 2024 and quickly became a respected platform to spotlight excellence and integrity in the media sector. This year marks the second edition, building on that momentum to further inspire and elevate the profession.
Key Dates
Eligibility period: Work published/broadcast between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025
Submissions open: 19 September 2025 (via online form)
Deadline for entries: 20 October 2025
Judging period: November 2025
Awards Ceremony: 12 December 2025
Award Categories
Journalists are invited to submit their best work under the following categories:
Best Business & Economic Reporting – Stories that explain business, trade, finance, or economics in a clear and accessible way.
Best Investigative Journalism – In-depth, original reporting that uncovers hidden issues or wrongdoing.
Best Health & Public Health Reporting – Reporting that informs on healthcare, diseases, or public health challenges.
Best Human Rights Reporting – Coverage that highlights human rights issues, justice, and freedoms.
Best Gender-Sensitive Journalism – Stories that promote equality and fair representation of all genders.
Best Environmental/Climate Change Reporting – Coverage of environment, natural resources, and climate impacts.
Best Political & Parliamentary Affairs Coverage – Insight into political processes, parliament, and governance.
Best Photojournalist (Visual Journalism Excellence) – Photography that tells powerful and truthful stories.
Best Early Childhood Development Reporting – Stories that amplify the voices of children and highlight issues affecting them in early childhood development.
Best Digital/Technological Advancements Reporting – Reporting on technology, innovation, and digital rights.
Best Sports & Entertainment Journalism – Reporting that goes beyond the surface of sports or entertainment.
Journalist of the Year – awarded to the most outstanding entry across all categories (not a direct entry).
Each journalist may submit a maximum of two entries, across one or two categories. If submitting two, entries must be numbered clearly in the title and file name.
Prizes
Each category winner will receive M5,000 and a trophy.
The Journalist of the Year will receive an additional prize, selected from among category winners.
This Year’s Sponsors
The following partners have generously pledged their support for the 2025 Awards:
Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) – Principal sponsor and official naming partner of the Awards.
Network of Early Childhood Development of Lesotho (NECDOL) – Sponsor of two categories:
- Best Early Childhood Development Reporting
- Best Health and Public Health Reporting
Standard Lesotho Bank – Sponsor of three categories:
- Best Business & Economics Reporting
- Best Digital & Tech Reporting
- Best Sports & Entertainment Reporting
Submission Process
Entries must be submitted exclusively through the official online submission form HERE.
Each entry must include:
A file upload or link to the published work (max 2 entries per journalist).
A brief statement (max 250 words) explaining the story’s impact or significance.
Information about the media house/platform.
Judging & Criteria
Entries will be judged by an independent panel of five experts, including senior media professionals, veteran journalists, and specialists from related fields such as human rights, governance, and academia. This ensures a fair, credible, and well-rounded evaluation process, based on:
- Integrity & Fairness – Factually correct, balanced, and impartial reporting.
- Depth & Originality – Breaks new ground or provides fresh insight.
- Public Impact – Influences debate, accountability, or positive change.
- Ethical Standards – Respects ethics, privacy, and dignity.
- Clarity & Presentation – Well-structured and engaging for audiences.
Lesotho’s journalism landscape is rich with courageous and talented storytellers, but the sector faces persistent challenges: underfunding, political pressure, and threats to press freedom. Many journalists work with limited resources, yet their stories remain vital to safeguarding democracy and amplifying the voices of ordinary Basotho.
The Journalism Excellence Awards are therefore more than a celebration. They are a shield for press freedom, a motivator for professionalism, and a reminder that despite difficulties, ethical journalism remains a cornerstone of our society.
We invite all journalists across Lesotho to take part in this year’s Awards. Submit your best work, share this call with colleagues, and join us in building a stronger, more ethical, and more impactful media environment.
For inquiries: misalsexcellence.awards@gmail.com
