Pheli-born broadcaster and radio journalist Ms Gwen Ncube has earned national recognition after being named the first recipient of the Aserie Ndlovu Excellence in Community Journalism Award.
She was honoured at the 2025 National Press Club (NPC)–UNISA Journalist of the Year Awards, held at the CSIR in Tshwane on 29 May 2026. At the same ceremony, she was also named Runner-Up in the Campus Radio – News, Current Affairs and Features category, recognising her excellence in broadcasting and her contribution to news and current affairs programming through UNISA Radio.
The Aserie Ndlovu Excellence in Community Journalism Award honours journalists who demonstrate exceptional reporting skills while maintaining a strong connection to the communities they serve. Named after the late community journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu, it celebrates media practitioners whose work reflects both professional excellence and a deep understanding of grassroots issues.
Journalist of the Year Awards, held at the CSIR in Tshwane on 29 May 2026. She was named Runner-Up in the Campus Radio – News, Current Affairs and Features category.
The Campus Radio award recognises excellence in broadcasting and acknowledges her contribution to news and current affairs programming through UNISA Radio. The Aserie Ndlovu Excellence in Community Journalism Award, meanwhile, honours journalists who demonstrate exceptional reporting skills while remaining deeply connected to the communities they serve.
The accolades highlight Ms Ncube’s commitment to community-centred journalism and her growing impact within the media industry.
Named after the late community journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu, the award celebrates media practitioners whose work reflects professional excellence and a strong understanding of grassroots issues.
She currently hosts Unfiltered Minds – Conversations that Matter on UNISA Radio, a weekday programme airing from 7 pm to 10 pm. The show tackles topics often regarded as sensitive or taboo, including mental health, toxic relationships, sexuality, current affairs and personal development. Through open and honest dialogue, Ncube provides listeners with a safe platform to engage on issues affecting everyday lives.
Reflecting on her journey, Ms Ncube credited her academic path for shaping her growth. “My academic journey has been interesting. Studying through an Open Distance e-Learning model has allowed me to study at my own pace while working. This flexibility has enabled me to achieve my academic goals while also growing in my career,” she said.
She added that she deliberately sharpened her skills across platforms. “I have proactively availed myself in both mediums, writing articles for community publications and broadcasting on campus radio, so that I can harness my skills and grow in both spaces. Over time, this is paying off.”
For Ms Ncube, community storytelling is central to her work. “Unfiltered Minds gives a voice to conversations that matter. We discuss current affairs across politics, law, academia, and lifestyle. We unpack the issues shaping our society with honesty, depth and perspective,” she said.
While her career has opened doors, it has also presented challenges. “Some of my challenges have been outside my control, such as technical issues during a live show or guests cancelling interviews at the eleventh hour, forcing me to quickly source content for that segment,” she explained. “However, the highlights have been gaining access to spaces and places reserved for a privileged few, and having conversations with high-profile individuals in society.”
Ms Ncube described the award as a powerful affirmation. “This recognition is confirmation that I am good enough, especially given the stature and calibre of media houses and professional journalists I was up against. Professionally, it means I have a credible voice, and this accolade will surely open more opportunities in this space.”
For the Atteridgeville community, particularly young people and the surrounding areas, her achievement serves as inspiration. It demonstrates that talent nurtured in local communities can resonate on national platforms.
The recognition also highlights the continued importance of community radio in South Africa’s media landscape, especially in giving a platform to marginalised voices and issues that may not always receive mainstream attention.
Offering advice to aspiring journalists in Atteridgeville and beyond, Ms Ncube encouraged commitment and continuous learning. “You have to put your best foot forward. Read, read and read more. Always give your best, and your body of work will speak for itself,” she said.
Her achievement marks a proud moment for Atteridgeville, a reminder that community roots can shape national excellence.