Marko Jacobs (10) from Wierdapark Primary School was named “Die GROOT Ontbyt” Young Newsreader of the Year on Youth Day. (Photo: A screenshot from the video)
Marko Jacobs thought he was going to talk a little on television on Tuesday about the Young Newsreader competition and the fact that he is a top five finalist.
The 10-year-old from Centurion has comfortably on The BIG Breakfast ‘s yellow sofa, telling jokes, talking about his love for racing cars and explaining which subjects are his favourite.
Halfway through the conversation, the words “Young News Reader Winner” suddenly appeared on the screen behind him.
For a moment he was speechless and then the smile broke through on his face.
Watch the video of the announcement here:
Marko, a 4th grade learner at Wierdapark Primary School, is on Youth Day live on television as The BIG Breakfast ‘s Young Newsreader of the Year after impressing the judges and viewers with his creative news bulletin.
Apart from his wish to one day ride around in an army tank, jump out of a helicopter, drive in classic cars and even pour a thousand Mentos into a bottle of Coke, one of his biggest dreams was to The BIG Breakfast appear and read a news bulletin.
This dream has now come true.
Although the young newsreader is clearly comfortable in front of the camera, he showed during the interview that perhaps his greatest talent is not just reading the news, but also the ability to make people smile.
When he was asked what new subject he would introduce at school if he could, his answer was without hesitation: “Race car driving”.
“Then I can learn to drive all kinds of cars,” he explained.
And if he could be a color?
“Green. Then I can camouflage and eavesdrop on the onnies.”
That sense of humor was also part of what made his entry stand out. According to Christel Cornelissen, news editor of Maroela Media and one of the judges, his video was “humorous and tongue in cheek” and a great pleasure to judge.
Marko hears he is 2026’s Young Newsreader. He impressed the judges with his creative news bulletin and natural presentation. (Photo: Provided)
However, Marko’s curiosity extends beyond jokes. He is an avid reader who loves to devour books by Jaco Jacobs, especially the Professor Fungus-series. That is why it was a special highlight when the award-winning author appeared during the broadcast with a personal video message to congratulate him.
Another thing that sets Marko apart is his perspective on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as ADHD. Where many people see this as a challenge, he describes it as his “secret weapon”.
“I can hyperfocus,” he explained.
He also encouraged other children with ADHD not to underestimate themselves and to remember that this can also be a strength.
It is the same confidence that has helped him make his voice thick in front of the cameras.
The Young Newsreader competition is over for the second time this year The BIG Breakfast presented, with Maroela Media as media partner and PNA as main sponsor. Learners aged 13 and under were invited to record a one minute long news bulletin containing a real news event and a creative original story.
After hundreds of entries, five finalists were chosen. In addition to Marko, Alyssa Cloete (13), Amjee Mentz (11), Gerrit Nienaber (9) and Keydie le Roux (11) were among the finalists who competed for the title.
Also read: From TikTok cats to a rottweiler giraffe: Meet SA’s latest news stars
(Photo: Provided)
The judges were Cornelissen together with Susan Lombaard, CEO of Maroela Media, and Jenna-Leigh Bilong, former presenter of The BIG Breakfast and currently news anchor at eNCA.
For his victory, Marko not only won the title of Young Newsreader of the Year. He also walks away with a PNA gift pack worth R10 000, as well as a gift voucher of R3 000 for the Maroela Market.
If his own news office one day sees the light, we already know what kind of stories will be first on the bulletin.
“I will read the good and funny news,” says Marko, because, he firmly believes: “Jokes give people energy.”