The Vodacom Journalist of The Year awards kicked off in Johannesburg on Monday evening, recognising the weekly Mail & Guardian newspaper and Moneyweb for exceptional investigative journalism.
In an announcement of the winners in the southern northern region, three journalists at the weekly Mail & Guardian newspaper – Stefaans Brümmer, Sam Sole and Wisani Ka Ngobeni – won the print news category for their coverage of the Oilgate scandal linking ruling party officials to oil deals in Iraq.
‘The most outstanding attributes of the story are that it is very thoroughly researched, well written, demonstrates the highest levels of balanced and fair reporting, shows depth of understanding of complex issues and is analytical,†the judges noted.
‘Oilgate will forever be remembered as a beacon of investigative journalism in South Africa.â€
Moneyweb’s Alec Hogg won best radio feature for the Moneyweb Power Hour while his colleague, Barry Sergeant, was awarded best financial economic journalist for ‘weaving together different perspectives†and adding context and analysis to his writing on Kebble.
Talk Radio 702 reporter Stephen Grootes received the best radio news award for his fair and responsible coverage of the Jacob Zuma rape trial.
On the cartoon front, Yalo was named regional winner for his creativity and innovative approach, with the judges saying he is ‘perhaps developing into an equal of Zapiro†who was last year’s overall winner.
SABC reporter Sandy McCowen received the best TV news award for her insert on male rape and Carte Blanche‘s Nicole Turner won the best TV feature for a ‘moving piece exposing the heart of povertyâ€, according to the judges.
Finweek’s Sizwekazi Jekwa was awarded best columnist for writing about social issues in a personal way, Rafora Rangongo from Soccer Life – Sunday Times was named best sports writer and Steve Lawrence of The Star won best photographer.
Nkepile Mabuse from e.tv news was named the regional Editor’s Choice for a young and upcoming journalist. Journalist Shadi Rapitso of City Press newspaper was commended for her gripping newspaper features.
The community news award went to Phumzile Twabu from City Vision for his unique insight into life in communities.
Each winner received a R5,000 cash prize and is automatically entered into the national competition on October 29. The winners of the western region will be announced in Cape Town on Tuesday.