The Media Institute of Southern Africa – Lesotho Chapter (MISA Lesotho), in partnership with Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL), invites applications and nominations from suitably qualified individuals to serve on the independent adjudication panel for the 3rd MISA Lesotho/RSL Journalism Excellence Awards 2026.
Established in 2024, the Awards recognise, celebrate and encourage excellence in journalism across Lesotho while promoting ethical, independent and public-interest reporting.
Held under the theme “Ho Bua ‘Nete, Ho Haha Lesotho” (Speaking Truth. Building Lesotho), the 2026 edition has expanded to 21 award categories recognising journalism that contributes to accountability, human rights, development, public awareness and informed democratic participation.
The submission period for journalists officially closed on Friday, 23 October 2026, following an extension to accommodate adjustments to the Awards programme.
MISA Lesotho is now commencing the process of appointing an independent adjudication panel to evaluate the submitted entries and identify outstanding journalistic work.
WHY BECOME AN ADJUDICATOR?
Adjudicators play a central role in protecting the credibility, fairness and integrity of the Awards.
Serving on the panel provides an opportunity to:
- Promote high standards of accuracy, fairness, independence and ethical journalism.
- Recognise journalists whose reporting makes a meaningful contribution to Basotho communities.
- Encourage investigative journalism, accountability and reporting in the public interest.
- Strengthen professional journalism and public confidence in the media.
- Contribute to an independent, transparent and credible national journalism recognition process.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
MISA Lesotho seeks to appoint five highly respected individuals with relevant expertise, demonstrated integrity and a commitment to journalism excellence.
Applications and nominations are welcomed from:
- Veteran journalists: Experienced journalists with proven professional credibility across print, broadcast or digital media.
- Academics and media scholars: Individuals with expertise in journalism, communication, media studies or related disciplines.
- Civil society and human rights professionals: Individuals with relevant experience in democracy, accountability, human rights, governance or public-interest advocacy.
- Senior media professionals: Editors, newsroom leaders and other experienced practitioners with strong editorial knowledge and professional judgement.
Applicants must demonstrate independence, impartiality, ethical integrity and the ability to assess journalistic work fairly.
They must also be willing to declare potential conflicts of interest, respect the confidentiality of the adjudication process and make themselves available for the scheduled adjudication sittings.
ADJUDICATION FRAMEWORK
The 2026 Awards will use a strengthened and standardised adjudication framework designed to ensure consistency, fairness and professionalism across the categories.
Entries will be assessed against established journalism excellence principles, including:
- Fairness and Balance: Accuracy, appropriate sourcing, impartiality and fair representation.
- Originality and Innovation: The originality of the story, reporting approach and presentation.
- Depth and Craftsmanship: Quality of research, investigation, reporting and storytelling.
- Public Impact and Value: Relevance, public-interest significance and contribution to informed public understanding.
- Ethical Standards: Adherence to professional journalism ethics, accuracy, verification and responsible reporting.
Additional considerations may apply to particular categories, including the Journalist of the Year Award.
The framework also recognises that journalists operate with differing levels of institutional and technical resources. Adjudicators will therefore be expected to give appropriate weight to the quality, depth and public value of journalism rather than relying primarily on production budgets or expensive equipment.
ADJUDICATION SCHEDULE AND AVAILABILITY
Due to adjustments to the 2026 Awards calendar, the adjudication process will take place within a shorter timeframe than in previous years.
- Applications and nominations open: Monday, 26 October 2026.
- Closing date: Friday, 6 November 2026, at 23:59 CAT.
- Planned adjudication period: Week commencing Monday, 9 November 2026.
Selected adjudicators must be prepared to begin their responsibilities promptly following appointment.
The adjudication process is expected to include:
- Two virtual adjudication sittings.
- One in-person adjudication sitting.
These sittings are planned for the week commencing 9 November 2026, with exact dates, times and logistical arrangements communicated to the appointed panel.
Applicants should ensure that they have sufficient availability during this period and can meet the demands of an accelerated adjudication process. Availability to attend the Awards ceremony will also be expected, subject to the final event arrangements.
HOW TO APPLY OR NOMINATE
Interested individuals, or those wishing to nominate qualified candidates, should submit the following:
- A short curriculum vitae (CV), not exceeding two pages.
- A brief statement of no more than 350 words explaining why the applicant or nominee would be suitable to serve on the adjudication panel.
Applications and nominations must be emailed to:
Email: [email protected]
Email subject: Application/Nomination – 2026 Awards Adjudication Panel
Deadline: Friday, 6 November 2026, at 23:59 CAT.
RECOGNITION OF ADJUDICATORS
As in previous editions, appointed adjudicators will receive a modest honorarium in recognition of their time, expertise and contribution to ensuring a credible and fair Awards process.
UPHOLDING THE INTEGRITY OF JOURNALISM EXCELLENCE
The credibility of the MISA Lesotho/RSL Journalism Excellence Awards depends not only on the quality of the work submitted, but also on the independence, fairness and professional judgement of those entrusted with evaluating it.
MISA Lesotho therefore encourages applications and nominations from individuals who have demonstrated professional integrity, respect for journalistic ethics and a commitment to strengthening public-interest journalism in Lesotho.
Applications close on Friday, 6 November 2026, at 23:59 CAT.