Vodacom journalism awards: DFA’s Lance Fredericks scoops top regional accolade

THE DFA is celebrating a proud newsroom milestone after its Sports Editor, Lance Fredericks, was this week named a regional winner in the 2025 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards.

Fredericks claimed top honours in the Opinion category for the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo region for his powerful piece, “A giant cup of tea in the lion’s den”. He was also named runner-up in the Sports category, further underlining the strength and range of his journalism.

As a regional category winner, Fredericks will now go head-to-head with other regional winners from across the country at the national finals, which take place on December 4.

The Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in local journalism. 

“Lance’s win is deeply special for our newsroom. He is a journalist who leads with integrity, depth and heart, and this recognition confirms what we already know at the DFA, that his work matters and resonates far beyond our community. Lance represents the very best of what local journalism should be: fearless thinking, sharp analysis and an unwavering commitment to truth,” said DFA Editor Morgan Morgan.

This year’s regional winners were recognised across 12 categories for work produced over the past year.

“In an era of AI and digital platforms, credible journalism is crucial. Traditional media holds power accountable and ensures transparency,” said Evah Mthimunye, managing executive for the central region at Vodacom South Africa. “Vodacom South Africa proudly honours excellence in journalism, highlighting its vital role in society and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the media industry.”

Veteran editor and journalist Ryland Fisher, who serves as convener of the judging panel, said the 2025 entries once again reflected exceptional standards.

“The experienced judging panel had vigorous debate about the winners, because the quality of entrants was once again very good,” Fisher said.

Recognition for Independent Media talent

Fredericks’ achievement also formed part of a broader moment of pride for the DFA’s parent company, Independent Media, with several of its journalists across the country recognised at this year’s regional awards.

Group Head of Content Viasen Soobramoney praised the winners, saying: “These achievements reflect the depth of talent and dedication across our newsrooms. Our journalists continue to tell powerful stories that matter – stories that uphold the values and integrity of our media group. I am incredibly proud of their commitment and creativity.”

Editor-in-Chief Adri Senekal De Wet added: “Excellence in journalism is about truth, courage and passion – qualities that our team demonstrates daily. Congratulations to all our winners and nominees for setting such a high standard.”

Managing Editor Melanie Peters noted that the recognition reflected collective effort: “These recognitions remind us of the power of teamwork and perseverance. Each of our journalists contributes to a greater mission – informing, inspiring, and empowering our readers. We celebrate you all.”

‘It’s almost as if my head caved in’

Reacting to the news, Fredericks said the announcement left him stunned.

“I was completely overwhelmed, stunned, when I heard that I had won an award. Initially, I believed that the awards ceremony was just to acknowledge those who entered. When I heard that I was a winner, it’s almost as if my head caved in,” he said.

But in a reflective moment, Fredericks credited the foundation of his craft to family, teachers, and newsroom mentors.

“In the bigger scheme of things, awards like this fall far short of telling the full story – parents, uncles and aunts, and older cousins reading to you, and telling you stories. This is where we learned to love the impact of words; words that painted pictures in our minds long before television was introduced to South Africa.”

He also acknowledged the role of educators and editors in shaping his thinking.

“Teachers who pushed you to do better – not only language teachers, but maths and science, where we learned how to think logically and examine information. They taught us how to understand information and how to express ourselves.

“Then there’s the editors, who push you, and colleagues who give inputs and suggestions. Working in a newsroom comes with a lot of pressure, but as you can see, it’s worth the tussles, and proves to me that the award winners are the tip of the iceberg.”