Of the 697 submissions received, 75 finalists were drawn across 14 award categories. This year saw the number of entries once again increase. What was particularly encouraging was that the number of journalists entering the awards also increased says Ingrid Louw, chief executive, PDMSA. "This is a clear indication of, firstly, the credibility of the Sikuvile Awards and, secondly, of the quality of our journalism and newspapers as well as the calibre of our journalists."
The convenor judge, Paula Fray, agrees with Louw saying that the quality of the submissions this year impressed the judges. "I think it is safe to say that South African journalism is world class."
The investigative journalism category in particular stood out, especially in terms of the range of work it represented while the multi-media category continued to build on its growth from last year in terms of entries, a sign, Fray, says that the industry is coming to grips with digital mediums and that journalists’ understanding of this medium is evolving.
Louw congratulated all the finalists. "On behalf of the PDMSA I would like to congratulate the finalists. Each and every one of them has shown that they are passionate about their work and possess the talent and skills to produce excellent journalism."
The entries were judged at the end of March at the PDMSA offices in Gauteng over a two-day period by respected journalists.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony that will take place on Wednesday, 24 June 2015 at The Venue Green Park, also known as Johannesburg World Trade Centre.
The panel of judges for the awards include: Paula Frey, David Wightman, Dinesh Balliah, Gus Silber, Henry Jefferys, Irwin Maniom, Lizeka Mda, Tryone August, Jubie Mayet, Mathatha Tsedu, Elizabeth Barratt, Pippa Green, Tim du Plessis, Tumi Makgabo and Neo Ntsoma.
For more information, visit the PDMSA website.