Entries are open

The 2026 South African Podcast Awards

Nominations are open for the second edition. Put your show forward — or nominate a podcast that deserves recognition.

Enter the Awards View Finalists Key Dates

Eligibility window

2 Nov 2024 – 10 Aug 2026

Episodes published in this period

Entries open

10 August 2026

Entries are now open

Entries close

10 Sep 2026

Midnight SAST — no late entries

Finalists announced

24 Oct 2026 →

Shortlist published online

Awards night

5 November 2026

Winners announced live

Award Categories

Thirty-one categories across four groups — craft, genre, impact, and international

Craft Awards

Recognising excellence in the art and production of podcasting

  • Best Audio Production
  • Best Editing
  • Best Music & Sound Design
  • Best Writing & Scripting
  • Best Storytelling
  • Best Interview
  • Best Solo Host
  • Best Co-hosted Show
  • Best Podcast Artwork

Genre Awards

Celebrating the best shows in each content genre

  • Best True Crime Podcast
  • Best News & Current Affairs Podcast
  • Best Business & Finance Podcast
  • Best Comedy Podcast
  • Best Society & Culture Podcast
  • Best Education Podcast
  • Best History Podcast
  • Best Sports Podcast
  • Best Health & Wellness Podcast
  • Best Technology Podcast
  • Best Arts & Entertainment Podcast
  • Best Kids & Family Podcast

Impact Awards

Honouring podcasts that make a difference in South African society

  • Best New Podcast
  • Best Independent Podcast
  • Best Podcast in an African Language
  • Community Impact Award
  • Diversity & Inclusion Award
  • Best Investigative Journalism Podcast
  • Podcast of the Year

International

South African voices reaching a global audience

  • Best Internationally Distributed South African Podcast
  • Best Podcast by a South African in the Diaspora
  • Best Collaboration with an International Podcast
Enter the Awards →

How to Enter

Everything you need to know before you submit

R100

per category entry

SAPG members receive a discount — join to save

Eligibility

  • Any South African-produced podcast is eligible
  • Episodes must have been published between 2 November 2024 and 10 August 2026
  • The podcast must have published at least one episode in the eligibility window
  • International shows with a South African host or production team may enter the International categories
  • There is no minimum listener count required
  • Previously entered shows may enter again in 2026

What to Submit

  • Your podcast name and RSS feed URL
  • Category you are entering (one entry per category)
  • A representative episode from the eligibility window
  • A short description of the show (up to 300 words)
  • Podcast artwork (minimum 1400 × 1400 px)
  • Contact details for the primary creator

Judging Overview

  • All entries are reviewed by an independent panel of judges
  • Judges are South African media, audio, and podcasting professionals
  • Each entry is scored by at least two judges
  • Judging scores are averaged; ties are resolved by a third judge
  • Finalists are announced on 24 October 2026
  • Judges' decisions are final

Judging Criteria

35%

Content Quality

Originality, depth, accuracy, and relevance of the subject matter

25%

Production Quality

Audio clarity, editing, sound design, and overall presentation

20%

Audience Engagement

Storytelling ability, pacing, and how well the show connects with listeners

20%

Impact & Contribution

Value added to the South African podcasting landscape and wider community

Submit Your Entry →

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often

Visit sapodcastawards.co.za and complete the entry form. You'll need your podcast details, a representative episode link, and your payment information. Each category requires a separate entry and payment.
The entry fee is R100 per category. If you are a paid-up SAPG member you will receive a discounted rate — log in to the entry form with your SAPG account to unlock the discount. Not yet a member? Join the SAPG before entering.
When you log in to the entry form using the email address associated with your SAPG membership, the discount is applied automatically. If your discount is not showing, email jon@sapg.co.za for assistance.
Any episode published between 2 November 2024 and 10 August 2026 (inclusive) is eligible. The podcast itself does not need to have launched within this window — existing shows that continued publishing are welcome.
Yes — you may enter a single podcast in as many categories as are relevant, provided each entry meets the criteria for that category. Each category requires a separate entry fee of R100.
Yes. Third-party nominations are welcome. However, the nominated podcast's creator will be contacted to confirm the entry and provide any missing materials. The entry fee still applies and must be paid at the time of nomination.
Finalists will be announced on 24 October 2026. Winners are revealed live on Awards Night, 5 November 2026. Finalists will be notified by email before the public announcement.
Email jon@sapg.co.za with your entry reference number and a description of the issue. We'll get back to you within two business days.
No. The SAPG Awards are open to podcasts of all sizes. We believe great content should be recognised regardless of listener count. The judging criteria focus on quality, not popularity.
Yes — previous winners are welcome to enter the 2026 awards. The eligibility window covers new content published since the 2024 ceremony, so judges will be evaluating your work from the past two years.

The First South African Podcast Awards — 2024

On 2 November 2024, we celebrated excellence in South African podcasting for the very first time

280

Entries received

21

Award categories

1st

Annual ceremony

Podcast of the Year 2024

Solid Gold Story Time

by Lynn Joffe

Watch the 2024 ceremony See all 2024 winners