National Press Club to honour Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as 2025 Newsmaker of the Year

The National Press Club will honor Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, who will receive the National Press Club’s 2025 Newsmaker of the Year award tonight at a gala event in Pretoria held in partnership with Unisa.

The award recognises Mkhwanazi’s dominance of the 2025 news cycle through his bold actions and public stance on crime. He rose to national prominence on 6 July 2025 when he alleged that a Gauteng-based drug cartel had infiltrated SAPS, the Police Ministry, Parliament, and intelligence structures. He implicated senior officials, including suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, in shielding criminals.

The revelations triggered widespread public outrage, parliamentary hearings, and eventually the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the allegations. Mkhwanazi has since been widely praised by sections of society as a fearless law enforcement leader willing to confront entrenched corruption within state institutions.

The National Press Club said the award recognises individuals who have significantly shaped public discourse and dominated national headlines during the year. Organisers described Mkhwanazi as a central figure in one of the country’s most consequential political and policing controversies.

Since making the explosive allegations, Mkhwanazi has remained under intense public scrutiny while continuing to lead policing operations in KwaZulu-Natal. His comments also intensified calls for accountability within the South African Police Service and broader government structures.

The gala event is expected to be attended by senior government officials, media representatives, academics, and members of civil society.