It took home four awards in total, followed closely by the The SABC and News24 journalists who won three awards apiece.
Journalist of the Year was awarded to Daily Maverick'sLucas Ledwaba for his articlesOn a Quest for Healing Justice and Gold Mining Widows Battle with Trauma and Poverty, which also saw him win the Features category.
With the Daily Maverick for only three years, Julia Evans is the Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year for her research-based piece on using electric vehicles in South Africa’s minibus taxi industry.
Its fourth award is for visual journalism.
The Awards are organised by the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef).
“In an era where disinformation and misinformation threaten societal stability, Sanef views these awards as crucial for raising public awareness about journalistic ethics.
“By celebrating outstanding work, the awards help build public trust and credibility in the media, reinforcing the indispensable role of journalists in providing reliable information to the public,” says the Forum before the Awards.
Standard Bank is the Awards sponsor. Lungisa Fuzile, CEO of Standard Bank SA, present at the Awards says that press freedom is the cornerstone of a vibrant and functioning democracy.
“It remains critical that we protect the rights of journalists to report without fear of censorship or retribution."
He says that the path to press freedom in SA has indeed been arduous.
“This year, we mark 195 years since those initial battle lines were drawn—a testament to the tenacity of those who fought for the right to inform and be informed.”
He adds that in a world where social media is taking over, it is important to remember that journalism is more than just a profession.
“Through the lens of a camera, the stroke of a pen, and the click of a keyboard, you have the ability to influence public opinion, drive social change, and hold power to account.”
At the event outgoing chairperson, Sbu Ngalwa, introduced Nwabisa Makunga, editor in chief – Sowetan, as the new Sanef chairperson.
Makunga states on LinkedIn, “Yesterday I was elected chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum.
“This is a responsibility I do not take lightly. It is trust by our industry that I intend to reciprocate with dedication to our craft.
“The work of this organisation to defend our media freedom is phenomenal, its impact far-reaching and the demands on it ever increasing.
“I’m honoured to be part of this journey with exceptional colleagues.”
