THE VODACOM JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR 2008 NORTHERN/SOUTHERN REGIONAL AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

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Monday, October 13, 2008

The Northern/Southern Region winners in the prestigious Vodacom Journalist of the Year 2008 Awards were announced at the awards function in Johannesburg today.

These regional winners, who each receive R7 500, will now compete in the national finals, which will be held on Friday, November 7, at The Sandton Sun.

The Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards is regarded as one of South Africa's premier journalism honours, with more than R1-million in prize money, making it one of the richest accolades in South African journalism.

This is the seventh year that Vodacom has rewarded excellence in journalism in recognition of the very real impact that it has on society.

The Vodacom Journalist of the Year remains one of the world's most prestigious awards for members of the media. The 2008 Vodacom Journalist of the Year winner will win R125 000 in cash as well as being given the opportunity to plough back into the community by donating R125 000 to an official charity of his or her choosing. National winners will each receive R15 000.

To maintain the paramount credibility that the awards enjoy, the regional and national judges comprise recognised and independent professionals. They include Dr Melanie Chait, Johann de Wet, Sandra Gordon, Victor Matom, Rich Mkhondo, Phil Molefe, ZB Molefe, Maud Motanyane, Collin Nxumalo, Sefako Nyaka, Mary Papayya, Lizette Rabe and Robin Sewlal.

The northern/southern winners in the various categories are:

Print Feature:

Aspasia Karras of The Times
The judges said: The quality and creativity displayed by journalists in the print feature category was of a very high standard. However, it was a piece in the Sunday Times Lifestyle that has taken the top award. It is exceptionally well written and holds the attention to the final word. Aspasia Karras displays sensitivity, creativity and originality in her profile on Nobel Laureate, Nadine Gordimer.

Print News:

Buddy Naidu of Sunday Times
The judges said: Buddy Naidu impressed with his crisp reporting style, his good news value and analysis. He used his sources to uncover a fresh explosive angle in the SABC/ Dali Mpofu - saga that of legal shenanigans within the legal department of the broadcaster. The article resulted in the suspension of the legal head.

Cartoonist:

Bethuel Mangena of Sunday World
The judges said: A cartoon must have news value, be clear and easily understood by readers. Since the middle of December last year, former President Thabo Mbeki's reign has been overshadowed by Mr Jacob Zuma's rise to the leadership of the ANC. Mangena's winning cartoon captures the mood perfectly.

Columnist:

Sizwekazi Jekwa of Finweek
The judges said: Writing a column is not only about style and substance. The sensitivity of the topic under the microscope is also of paramount importance. The columnist pulls no punches by delving into a type of topic that does not easily make it onto the agenda of public forums. Jekwa won for a column entitled "Why some blacks don't tip".

Financial Economic:

Rob Rose of Business Day
The judges said: It takes incredible courage, boundless energy and remarkable patience to cover a story, laden with intricacies and sensitivities. The story about Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI) is highly relevant in as far as the South African Business landscape is concerned. It goes to the very heart of corporate governance. Countless hours were spent at various locations and accurate information had to be gleaned from extensive documentation. Rose's work on this stood out.

Sport:

Simnikiwe Xabanisa of Sunday Times
The judges said: South African rugby enjoyed a wonderful year in 2007 with the Springboks winning the World Cup. Xabanisa provided exceptional coverage of the event, and particularly a piece entitled "England write their own fairytale".

Radio News:

Mandy Weiner of Talk Radio 702
The judges said: Poor security at hospitals has become a major cause of concern in the land. Weiner undertook an investigation and presented a well researched piece on the medical student at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital who was raped in July 2007.

Radio Feature:

The joint winners were Jenine Coetzer of Channel Africa News and Jacqui January of RSG
The judges said: The important criteria in judging radio features are creativity and research coupled with quality of presentation. There are joint winners this year. One filed excellent items from Zimbabwe prior to the March 29 Elections, and the other did a well researched and professionally produced and presented programme on the life and work of Chief Albert Luthuli.

TV News:

Vanessa Rappetti, e News Prime Time
The judges said: Vanessa Rappetti must be congratulated for being brave enough to ask a question of former President Thabo Mbeki about National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi that was on everybody's mind. She must also be congratulated for pushing the envelope and making the most of a situation dictated by those in power.

TV Feature:

Xoli Moloi and Clive Mtshali, eTV's 3rd Degree
The judges said: Xoli Moloi produced a riveting story on violence against women and children in South Africa, along with cameraman Clive Mtshali.

Photography:

Majahid Safodien of The Star
The judges said: The artistic way of capturing the reflection of a woman in a mirror, is a good example of how this body of work relays the in-depth reality of the ordinary Zimbabwean. The photographer conveys with his photographs that one does not have to look into the politics of the situation to read the very real human story which is unfolding. The photographer shows a very real understanding of the situation in this essay of pictures.

Online:

Charl Pretorius,www.mikedekockracing.com

The judges said: Pretorius writes for a "niched" website that appeals to the horse racing industry. In this interview he displays knowledge of the interviewee, Mrs Oppenheimer, and her passions. She is a well known figure, and the journalist in a tongue-in-cheek style, uncovers a number of fresh personal details and presents them to the reader in an amusing and caring way. The story holds your attention and is innovative in approach, taking place over a lunch where the journalist finds himself in a battle with what cutlery to use.

Community Media:

The joint winners are Shelley Elk of SA Jewish Report and Linky Matsie of Amazwi Villager
The judges said: Shelley Elk raises an issue that, if properly followed through, could have far reaching implications not for South Africa, but for Jewish and Muslim communities' attitudes to the country. She raises an issue that others can easily emulate. It is about fostering good relations among communities whose history is fraught with hatred.

The judges said: Linky Matsie raised a very important subject that goes to the core of the fabric of society, about the kind of society we want to build. Her piece about taverns next to schools is extremely important in that it brings awareness to the community about the dangers of such practice.

Editor's Choice:

Jackie Mapiloko of City Press
Jackie Mapiloko was nominated by her editor Makhudu Sefara for her impressive body of work.

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