Deadline: 04-Jun-2026
The Isu Elihle Awards are inviting professional and freelance journalists across Africa to submit innovative and unpublished story ideas that highlight child rights and issues affecting children. The initiative supports impactful journalism by providing funding for shortlisted stories and rewarding outstanding reporting that promotes accountability and social change.
Program Overview
The Isu Elihle Awards aim to strengthen journalism focused on children and child rights across Africa by encouraging innovative reporting approaches and impactful storytelling. The initiative seeks to improve media coverage that can influence public discussions, encourage accountability, and support positive social change related to child issues.
The programme promotes alternative thinking around reporting on children and encourages journalists to produce meaningful stories that raise awareness and generate wider conversations on child rights across the continent.
Focus Areas and Program Objectives
The programme supports several priorities related to journalism and child rights reporting.
Key objectives include:
• Supporting child rights journalism
• Encouraging innovative story ideas
• Strengthening media reporting on issues affecting children
• Promoting accountability through journalism
• Influencing positive social change
• Supporting public discussions on child-related issues
• Encouraging impactful storytelling approaches
• Strengthening awareness of child rights across Africa
Key Concepts Explained
Child rights journalism refers to reporting that focuses on issues affecting children while promoting their rights, wellbeing, protection, and development.
Accountability reporting involves investigative or evidence-based journalism that examines actions, policies, or systems and holds individuals or institutions responsible for outcomes affecting communities.
Mainstream media outlets refer to recognized news organizations that publish or broadcast news content through newspapers, television, radio, digital platforms, or other established media channels.
Innovative storytelling involves using creative approaches and fresh perspectives to present important issues in engaging and meaningful ways.
How the Programme Works
The awards process involves submission, shortlisting, story development, and final judging stages.
The process includes:
- Journalists submit a new and unpublished story idea
- Applications are reviewed according to programme criteria
- Six journalists are shortlisted
- Shortlisted participants receive story development support
- Journalists conduct research and produce their stories
- Stories are published or broadcast through mainstream media organizations
- Final entries are evaluated for award prizes
Funding Information
The programme provides financial support and cash awards for selected participants.
Funding and prize details include:
• Shortlisted journalists receive up to R10,000 each for story research and production
• Overall winner prize: Approximately R30,000
• First runner-up prize: R20,000
• Second runner-up prize: R15,000
• Mandy Rossouw Accountability Category award: Between R10,000 and R20,000
Participants may receive both a top-three prize and the Mandy Rossouw Accountability award if eligible.
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to journalists working across Africa.
Eligible applicants include:
• Professional journalists
• Freelance journalists
• Journalists working anywhere in Africa
Applicants must also meet the following requirements:
• Submit entries in English
• Submit only one entry
• Present a new and unpublished story idea
• Submit a current and newsworthy topic
• Complete applications before the deadline
Who is Not Eligible?
The following individuals are not eligible:
• Employees of Media Monitoring Africa
• Immediate family members of Media Monitoring Africa employees
• Competition adjudicators
• Previous top-three winners of the Isu Elihle Awards
What Applicants Need to Do
Applicants should prepare strong and original story proposals aligned with child rights themes.
Required steps include:
• Develop a new and unpublished story idea
• Ensure the topic is current and newsworthy
• Submit the application online
• Secure agreement from a mainstream media organization if shortlisted
• Produce and publish or broadcast the story
• Include acknowledgment of Media Monitoring Africa in the final story
Why This Opportunity Matters
Journalism plays an important role in raising awareness and influencing policies affecting children. Strong reporting can help create informed discussions and encourage accountability around important social issues.
Potential benefits include:
• Financial support for story production
• Increased visibility for journalists
• Opportunities to influence public discussions
• Recognition for impactful reporting
• Stronger child rights awareness
• Support for investigative and accountability journalism
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid common issues that may affect eligibility or selection outcomes.
Common mistakes include:
• Submitting previously published story ideas
• Providing incomplete applications
• Submitting multiple entries
• Missing publication requirements
• Sending late applications
• Using handwritten or illegible submissions
• Submitting inaccurate or fraudulent information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the Isu Elihle Awards?
The awards support journalism that highlights child rights issues and promotes social change through impactful reporting.
Who can apply?
Professional and freelance journalists working anywhere in Africa may apply.
Is there an application fee?
No. Participation is free and there is no entry fee.
How many story ideas can applicants submit?
Applicants may submit only one story idea.
How much funding do shortlisted journalists receive?
Six shortlisted journalists can receive up to R10,000 each for research and production activities.
Can participants receive multiple awards?
Yes. A participant may receive both a top-three prize and the Mandy Rossouw Accountability award.
What type of stories are required?
Applicants must submit original, unpublished, current, and newsworthy story ideas related to children and child rights.
Conclusion
The Isu Elihle Awards create opportunities for journalists across Africa to develop meaningful stories that highlight child rights and social issues affecting children. Through funding support, recognition, and opportunities for impactful reporting, the initiative seeks to strengthen journalism that promotes accountability and positive change.
For more information, visit Media Monitoring Africa.
