ABB award for media encouraging energy and
environmental coverage: 50/50
It is a much-loved programme that has gained a loyal following among greenies and people who are passionate about the environment.
Launched 25 years ago, 50/50 is the world’s longest-running environmental series and the SABC’s longest-running feature.
Over the years the programme has dug deep to bring people the inside track of what is happening in environmental circles and over the past few years it has also gained a worthy reputation for doing quality in-depth environmental reporting.
Some environmentalists have argued that the show’s postponement until April next year is an attempt to stifle some of the strong criticism it has levelled at the government for their handling of critical environmental issues.
The show was due to return for a new season in October after a threemonth break, but the SABC’s sudden announcement that it would be off air until April at the earliest has alarmed its many supporters.
Controversial issues covered by 50/50 include mining in the Wakkerstroom wetlands, dune mining at Xolobeni in Pondoland and the involvement of a Vietnamese diplomat in rhino horn smuggling.
The programme criticised the appointment of Buyelwa Sonjica as environment minister. The programme has won numerous awards.
The producers have tried to keep up with the times as well, and reach as broad an audience as possible.
Johann Botha co-anchored the show alongside Stacey Koma. Ntokozo Mbuli presented the Eco Flash segment, focusing on environmental news and book reviews, as well as the Toktokkie ‘heroes and villains” feature in which readers were invited to submit an environmental good deed or offence.
Over the past year, the producers attempted to make the progamme faster, to give it more bite but still keep all the elements that have given it such an enthusiastic following. But they have also realised that they must attract younger viewers.
50/50 loyalists started a petition to bring the programme back after it was postponed in July and the petition’s thousands of signatures has shown that South Africa still wants it to continue for many years.