TLU SA Celebrates Excellence in Agricultural Reporting with the Sonneblom Award

TLU SA has once again honoured outstanding agricultural journalism with the presentation of its prestigious Sonneblom Award, handed over during the organisation’s annual media function at its Silverton offices. The event is a highlight on TLU SA’s calendar, offering a moment to recognise the journalists and media platforms that have provided exceptional coverage of agriculture, rural life, and the daily challenges faced by South Africa’s farmers.

“Journalists are often the only bridge between the farmer’s lived reality and society’s understanding of it. When that bridge is built on honesty, balance and a commitment to the truth, it deserves recognition,” says Bennie van Zyl, General Manager of TLU SA.

The Sonneblom Award is rich in symbolism that echoes the values of the agricultural community—clarity, truth, hope and resilience. These principles are deeply rooted in TLU SA’s own mission and reflected in the work of the journalists celebrated this year.

Since 2024, TLU SA has actively evaluated media contributions, not only to assess how accurately its views are communicated, but also to acknowledge journalists who genuinely support the broader agricultural interest. Recipients of the award are recognised for consistently understanding and conveying the core of TLU SA’s mandate: protecting food producers, promoting economic responsibility, and addressing sector challenges with honesty and fairness.

Van Zyl emphasised the vital role of agricultural journalism in the country’s current climate:

“Our farmers today face challenges that are more complex and demanding than ever. When the media reports on these realities with integrity, they serve not only agriculture, but the entire nation.”

The annual media function provides TLU SA with an important platform to show appreciation, encourage constructive dialogue, and highlight the importance of professional, factual and ethical reporting. The organisation firmly believes that the future of sustainable agriculture, economic development and rural community wellbeing rests on trustworthy information and strong public confidence.

Winners

Broadcast Media: GROOTplaas / GROOTfm
Print Media: Yogashen Pillay
Audio Media: Pretoria FM