Gqeberha regional winners for the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards

The regional winners in the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards for Gqeberha have been named as the region celebrates their success across the competition’s 12 categories.

More than 1,200 entries were received from journalists around the country as they shared examples of their best work from the past year.

"As we commemorate 30 years of democracy in South Africa, we are reminded of the importance of media as the fourth estate that is crucial to our democracy. Ethical, independent and critical journalism holds those in power accountable and brings transparency to affairs that matter. Coinciding with 30 years of democracy, Vodacom South Africa celebrates 30 years of connecting South Africans and we are proud to be continuing our legacy of honouring excellence in journalism across a range of categories, recognising some of South Africa’s finest reporters and most newsworthy stories. Support for journalism remains paramount as the sustainability of journalism creates well-informed and connected societies," said Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director for External Affairs at Vodacom South Africa.

Ryland Fischer, with more than 40 years of experience in the media industry as an editor, journalist, and columnist amongst other roles, is the convenor of the judging panel which includes, Arthur Goldstuck, Patricia McCraken, Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe, Neo Ntsoma, Collin Nxumalo, Jovial Rantao, Dr Elna Rossouw, Advocate Robin Selwal and Obed Zilwa. "New enthusiasm was brought to the judging panel with the addition of former SABC veteran Manelisi Dubase and experienced broadcast journalist Portia Kobue, and we thank them for their dedication in assisting with identifying the country’s top media talent."

The regional winners, who each received R5 000 are:

• Live reporting/ breaking news – Lerato Fekisi with contributor Mcebisi Slengile from SABC for "George Building Collapse": Families express heartbreak as they identify loved ones"
• Investigative – Riaan Marais from The Herald for "Gun dealer's link to flood of illegal firearms"
• Opinion – Bomikazi Mdiya from Daily Dispatch for "BEHIND THE NEWS: How a news assignment became a life-threatening experience"
• Lifestyle – Zamandulo Malonde from Daily Dispatch for "Francine Zana: from cleaner to entrepreneur"
• Features – Nomzwanele Bacela with contributor Sinethemba Blandile from SABC for body of work on poverty and starvation within the province
• Photography – Joint winners Theodore Jeptha from Daily Dispatch for "Xesi Village Pupils Photographs" and Lulama Zenzile from Netwerk24/Die Burger for "Mens en dier op kniee langs dieselfde damme
• Sport – Asanda Nini with contributor Anathi Wulushe from Daily Dispatch for "Green light for BCM's R33m deal with Chippa"
• Financial and Economics – Ziyanda Zweni with contributors Asanda Nini, Mandilakhe Kwababana, and Sino Majangaza from Daily Dispatch for "Eastern Cape health in distress"
• Politics – Candice Bezuidenhout from News24 for "Nelson Mandela Bay mayor's luxurious first-class flight costs ratepayers more than R400 000"
• Sustainability – Mike Loewe with contributor Rosa-Karoo Loewe from Daily Dispatch for "OFF TRACK: City faces Manganese crisis"
• Innovation in journalism – No winner.

The Young Journalist of the Year Award in Gqeberha went to Sinaye Ntshudu of Mpuma Kapa TV.

The national awards will be announced on 7 November at an awards ceremony where national category winners will receive R10 000, and the overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year titleholder R100 000.