Mail & Guardian reporter Khadija Magardie of the Mail & Guardian has won a human rights award for her reporting.
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) honoured Magardie this week for her reporting on migrants, refugees and womens rights. Magardie was runner-up in the print media category for this years Duma Nokwe National Human Rights Awards at a ceremony in Midrand on Monday night. The awards are presented by the HRC to honour those who promote respect
for, and the protection and monitoring of human rights. Previous years winners of the main national award include Steve Biko (posthumously) and former archbishop Desmond Tutu. The HRC said of Magardies work that her stories consistently convey a human-rights touch. Magardie (26) said the award recognised “the important role journalists can fulfil in promoting a human rights culture. I like to see the people behind the story.” M&G editor Howard Barrell said: “Khadija is rapidly emerging as a significant voice in South African journalism. She combines a striking intelligence with a profound humanity.” Winner of the print media category was African Eye News Service, a frequent
contributor to the M&G, for “outstanding work exposing human rights abuses within the farm community”. Winner of the electronic media category was Carte Blanche for a series of stories exposing and following through on human rights abuses. Former president Nelson Mandela was given a lifetime achievement award, which was collected by a family member on his behalf.