Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo regional winners for the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards

The regional winners in the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards for Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo have been named with media in the various provinces celebrating 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 – No winner
• Investigative – Aphumelele Mdlalane with contributor Semi Maseme from SABC for “Farmers Demo”
• Opinion – Paul Moola from North West On Sunday for body of work: “Dust and dreams: The tale of Itsoseng” and “A Nation Divided”
• Lifestyle – Ulrich Hendriks with contributor Ditshwanelo Masiea from SABC for “Sutherland 9”
• Features – Lucas Ledwaba from Daily Maverick for body of work “Mister President, our biggest problem here, is water”
• Photography – No winner
• Sport – Willem Van der Berg from Weg! Platteland for “Geloof, hoop en Vanwyksvlei United - Faith, hope and Vanwyksvlei United”
• Financial and Economics – Ulrich Hendriks with contributor Lereko Motseko from SABC for “Karoo lamb”
• Politics – Sello Mogopa with contributor Thabiso Moss from SABC for “Tlokwe local municipality”
• Sustainability – Charné Kemp from Vrye Weekblad for “Boomklim op 74 vir voëls se oorlewing” 
• Innovation in journalism – No winner

The Young Journalist nominee for the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo went to Clement Matroos of SABC who will compete for the national Young Journalist at of the Year Award. 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.