The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has dominated the 2026 Editors' Forum of Namibia Journalism Awards on Friday, taking home five categories, while NBC journalist Maria Kaalushu was crowned Journalist of the Year.
The awards honoured journalists, who continue to hold those in power to account despite increasing economic pressures and the rise of artificial intelligence.
The media fraternity gathered to celebrate excellence in Namibian journalism at this year's Editors' Forum of Namibia (EFN) Journalism Awards.
The public broadcaster emerged as the biggest winner of the night.
Open File programme producer Maria Kaalushu claimed two of the evening's highest honours after winning the Fraud and Cybercrime Transparency Journalism Award and being named Journalist of the Year 2026.
National FM Media Planner Gordon Joseph also enjoyed a successful evening, winning the Best Radio Award before teaming up with Online and In The Community producer Richolene ≠Ouses to receive the Best Television Award.
Content Hub producer Michael Namaseb completed NBC's winning streak after taking the Multimedia Digital Journalism Award.
Other winners included Eliaser Ndeyanale and Timo Shihepo from The Namibian newspaper with the Business, Finance and Economic Journalism; Tracy Tafirenyika and Yanna Smith from The Namibian with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Environmental Journalism; Tracy Tafirenyika and Dolly Menas from The Namibian with the Education, Health and Social Development Journalism; Sonia Smith of The Namibian in Extractive Industries and Energy Journalism; and Nikanor Nangolo and Mariud Ngula of Network Media Hub (NMH) in Sports Journalism.
Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Wenzel Kavaka, said a free and credible media remains central to democracy.
“Journalism remains one of democracy's strongest pillars. Democracy is not sustained by election alone. They require informed citizens who have access to verified information, diverse perspectives, and fearless reporting.”
Editors' Forum of Namibia Chairperson Toivo Ndjebela said the awards recognise the commitment and sacrifices journalists make in serving the public interest.
“There are men and women who sweat, who cry, and sometimes shed blood to bring that to your screen or radio waves or newspaper.”
The annual awards recognise excellence across print, broadcast, and digital journalism, celebrating reporters whose work continues to inform the public and strengthen accountability.