By Tumelo Matlala
The National Press Club , Lebone Litho printers media and North West University celebrated excellence in journalism and outstanding work of communicators on Friday 25 April at the Center for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) convention in Pretoria. This prestigious award event was under the theme: “2024 newsmakers and journalist of the year.”
This glitz and glam ceremony, honoured the outstanding work of journalists and communicators who have made significant contributions to the media and communications industry.
The awards were sponsored by the North-West University and Lebone Litho Printers. These awards were about honouring journalists and communicators who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of truth and the art of storytelling.
News 24’s Sikonathi Mantshantsha scooped the National Press Club-North-West University (NWU) overall Journalist of the Year award. He won a cash prize of R115 000 from this category, sponsored by the North West University. This is in addition to the R30 000 from the Print/Online: Features/Investigative Journalism category he also won.
The government of national unity (GNU) was awarded the 2024 National Press Club Newsmaker of the Year. This accolade was a testament to the significant media coverage and profound impact the GNU has had in the past year. The award was received by the deputy minister in the presidency Kenneth Morolong.
The National Press Club Acting Chairperson, Antoinette Slabbert said: “As the NPC, we are absolutely elated to witness the continuation and impact of our annual awards that celebrate the remarkable achievements of our media workers. These awards not only honour their hard work and dedication but also recognise the crucial role that spokespersons play within the media ecosystem.”
The spirit of journalism thrives on the principles of accuracy, fairness, and integrity and these awards are about recognising individuals who embraced these principles while cognizant of the role the fourth estate plays in our democracy.
“We are living in an age where content is abundant, but clarity is scarce. Information flows at the speed of light, yet truth often struggles to keep pace. The noise of misinformation is loud, the silence of disengaged citizens even louder. This is why the work of journalists, their editorial discernment, investigative tenacity, and public interest framing, is more critical than ever,” said Prof Daryl Balia, NWU Deputy vice-Chancellor for Information Technology and Potchefstroom Campus Operations.
The following winners of the 2024 Newsmaker & Journalist of the Year were each awarded a pocket of R30 000 with different categories;
Category 1 – Print/ Online: News: Norman Masungwini- City Press
Category 2 – Print/Online: Features/Investigative Journalism: Sikonathi Mantshantsha- New24 Investigations
Category 3 – Print/ Online: Photojournalist: Felix Dlangamandla -Daily Maverick
Category 4 – Radio: News: Chanel September -Jacaranda FM
Category 5 – Radio: Features: Chanel September -Jacaranda FM
Category 6 – TV: News: Yusuf Abramjee eNCA
Category 7 – TV: Features/ In-Depth: Kate Berry- Carte Blanche
Category 8 – TV: Cameraperson: Lee Saunders- The Devi Show, eTV & eNCA
Category 9 – Community News: Print /Online: Dimakatso Modipa- Tshwane Talks
Category 11: Media Liaison Officer/ Communications Officer/ Spokesperson of the Year: Athlenda Mathe SAPS.
“We celebrate the sterling work done by all our winners, especially Sikonathi Mantshantsha who scooped the first prize for his sterling journalism work. The spokesperson of the year category seeks to recognise communicators who reflect excellence, outstanding in communication skills, accessibility, helpfulness and we believe that in Athlenda Mathe, SAPS communications is in steady hands,” concluded Antoinette Slabbert.
