Gauteng regional winners for the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards announced

The regional winners in the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards for Gauteng have been named with media in the respective 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 – Zikhona Tshona with contributor Katleho Nthoroane from Newzroom Afrika for “Joburg Fire”
• Investigative – Kyle Cowan from New24 for “The Murray murders” 
• Opinion – Carlos Amato from News24 for “Ballot dancers: cartoons on the 2024 elections”
• Lifestyle – Jacques Myburgh from Taalgenoot for “Fluit-fluit in die pantsula-revolusie
• Features – Cleopatra Jones with contributors Paul Magwaza and Manqoba Nkosi from SABC 1’s Cutting Edge for body of work “Kwa Jombigazi, Victims of Hope”
• Photography – Elizabeth Sejake from Rapport for “Symbolism/Sunset Symphony/Intensity Unleashed”
• Sport – Mpho Lakaje with contributors Daniela Casetti, Corrydon Makgotho, Katlego Makofane, Ketlaroma Ramuhulu and Nhlanhla Moshomo from eNCA for “Football: How Can It Boost Our Economy?”
• Financial and Economics – Siphiwe Linda with contributor Katleho Mokomele from SABC 1’s Cutting Edge for The Fall of Durban Transport”
• Politics – Norman Masungwini from City Press for “R38 million for shack call centre”
• Sustainability – Julia Evans from Daily Maverick for “Rapid water lettuce spread threatens Vaal River — weevils could be the solution”
• Innovation in journalism – Sharlene Rood with contributor Kyle Cowan from News24 for “The Murray Murders: Unravelling the assassination of Cloete and Thomas Murray

The Young Journalist nominee for the Gauteng region went as a joint award to Umamah Bakharia and Lesego Chepape, both from Mail & Guardian who will compete for the national Young Journalist 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.