The awards have reported that over 160 nominations were received from 20 countries. Mzantsi won in the Leadership category. The judges also selected six young professionals as regional Grand Prize winners, with Mzantsi walking away with the Grand Prize for Africa.

Mzantsi comes from Tsolo, a small town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. He launched his journalism career as an intern at Independent Media. Before being named the first black African editor of the Cape Times in its 143-year history last year, he had worked as a journalist by serving as a multimedia reporter, content producer, news editor and assistant editor.

His appointment to editor at the age of 26 also makes him the youngest editor in the news media group and possibly in Africa.

He has been recognised for 'his bold voice', which includes winning the regional Vodacom Journalist of the Year for his work on racial inequalities and the marginalisation of women.

Mzantsi says that he is dedicated to bringing more black women into the newsroom, while also reaching under-served communities. "The day this publication becomes accessible to children of gardeners and domestic workers, the lowly paid in our society, is the day I would have achieved my goal," Mzantsi says.

"I am completely overwhelmed by these acknowledgements from INMA and the global community. But I also believe that anything is possible when you are surrounded by people who support you and who have a common vision," he adds.

"Leadership is about growth and development. Every staff member I work with is a leader. Great ideas come when all are involved," Mzantsi adds.

Dr Iqbal Survé, executive chairperson of Independent Media, says, "Our ethos at Independent Media has always been to bridge the race, gender and economic gaps and build bridges between and within our diverse communities."

"At the heart of this transformation process is a deliberate strategy to create a diverse workforce at all levels of the organisation, to develop and nurture young talent and to upskill existing staff members," adds Survé.

"Mzantsi has proved his mettle and under editor-in-chief Aneez Salie's tutelage, he has excelled in all aspects of the editorial and management process. We are incredibly proud of his achievements. He is indeed a rising star in South Africa and Africa's media environment. His success is our success," concludes Survé. 

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