Over 1 000 entries received for Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards

The Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards 2017 (VJOYs) has received over 1,000 entries in total across all of its categories - the highest number of entries ever received during the competition’s 16 year history.

This year’s theme is ‘Your Word’, and promotes the integrity of journalism across all media. The VJOYs prestigious judging panel for the 2017 awards includes first-time convenor Ryland Fisher and judges Mary Papayya, Arthur Goldstuck, Elna Rossouw, Patricia McCracken, Nikiwe Bikitsha, Mathatha Tshedu, Albe Grobbelaar, Megan Rusi and Obed Zilwa.

“We are delighted with the overwhelming amount of interest in this year’s awards, with over 1,000 entries in total received. With the high calibre of stories covered over the last year, we have no doubt that the VJOYs’ judging panel is going to have a difficult task in selecting the winners.” said Takalani Netshitenzhe, Chief Officer for Corporate Affairs at the Vodacom Group.

Regional Awards dates are confirmed as follows:

• Durban – 17 October
• Bloemfontein – 18 October
• Johannesburg – 24 October
• Port Elizabeth – 25 October
• Cape Town – 26 October

The VJOYs have a proud history of honouring excellence in journalism across a range of categories. Applicants have entered work produced between 1 June 2016 and 31 July 2017. Awards are given for the best journalist in a range of categories in five regions nationally, with the process culminating in a national awards ceremony in Johannesburg on 16 November.

The awards are regarded as one of the highest accolades for South African journalists. The VJOYs are a means of recognising skill in the all-important arena of news and information dissemination. Winning a Vodacom Award has become a prestigious career achievement, with the overall national winner set to receive a prize of R100 000.