Western Cape 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 the Western Cape 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 – Robin-Lee Francke from IOL for “Joshlin Smith”
• Investigative – Caryn Dolley from Daily Maverick for "SA's drug dons - where they are now”
• Opinion – Don Pinnock from Daily Maverick for “Trading in wild things: Major rethink required, for biodiversity’s sake”
• Lifestyle – Robin-Lee Francke from IOL for “Thinking of adopting or becoming a safety or foster parent in South Africa? Here are all the details you need to know”
• Features – Willemien Brümmer from Netwerk24 for a series on neurodiversity
• Photography – Ayanda Ndamane from Cape Times for “Pro-Palestine and Pro-Israel supporters clashed with Police”
• Sport – Nick Dall from Financial Mail for “White-washing the history of black rugby”
• Financial and Economics – Susan Comrie from AmaBhungane for “The gas oligarchs”
• Politics – Catherine Rice with contributors Dan Clayton, Erin Bates and Greg Nelson from Carte Blanche for “Knysna Collapse”
• Sustainability – Victoria O'Regan with contributor Kristin Engel from Daily Maverick for “Taking stock – staggering scale of Western Cape wildfires as fire season continues to rage”
• Innovation in journalism – Andrew Thompson from Financial Mail for “Opening salvoes in the Amazon vs Takealot battle”

The Young Journalist nominee for the Western Cape region went to Joel Ontong from New24 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.