/ 15 May 1987

Weekly Mail wins top press award

The Weekly Mail and New Nation were last night jointly awarded the Pringle Press Award for 1987.

The annual Southern African Society of Journalists’ award is granted in recognition of a contribution to press freedom. It is the only South African award of its kind.

The citation states that the intimidation of the press and the victimisation of journalists in the past year has placed journalists of the alternative media ”particularly at risk”.

”The editors of the Weekly Mail and New Nation symbolise the commitment and courage of the journalists of the alternative press,” it states.

New Nation editor Zwelakhe Sisulu has been in detention since December 12. At the presentation ceremony in Durban last night Weekly Mail co-editor Anton Harber accepted the award on behalf of himself and co-editor Irwin Manoim. Of Sisulu’s detention he said ”it is difficult to think of a form of censorship more brutal than detention”.

While detentions, press restrictions and the State of Emergency were cause for sorrow, Harber said the growth of the independent press was cause to celebrate.

”I am honoured to accept this award tonight. I accept it on behalf of that extraordinary group of newspaper people that has worked day and night for little more than a love of journalism and a dedication to fighting censorship.” he said.

 

M&G Newspaper