Koko was nominated by at least four eminent journalists, including two past recipients of the Nat Nakasa Award. On the Nat Nakasa Community Media Award, the judges presented the 2025 Nat Nakasa Community Media Award to Shirley Govender, publisher of Globe Post, Orange Farm News, and Walkerville & Savanna City Times. Known for his integrity and courage, Nakasa died in exile in New York at just 28 years old. ConclusionThe 2025 Nat Nakasa Awards once again underscored the central role of journalism in protecting democracy. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media.