The 'Brexit' campaign and the United States elections bear witness to how facts can be considered mere opinions and lies an alternative point of view. This serves to emphasise the importance of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards.

The Awards have also introduced the Allan Kirkland Soga Achievement Award. Named after the historical journalistic Allan Kirkland Soga, the honour recognises a sustained and extraordinary contribution to newspaper journalism on the part of an individual.

The winner will have demonstrated impeccable ethics and craft excellence. The results will have enriched South African public life. Where the person’s accomplishment has been achieved in the face of obstacles, this will add to the nominee’s ratings.

Allan Kirkland Soga was born in the early 1860s and served as editor of Izwi Labantu (Voice of the People) between 1898 and 1908. Soga also helped found the South African Native Press Association in 1902 – the African news service in Africa. He also wrote a regular column in Umteteli wa Bantu in the early 1920s.

Historian Les Switzer describes Soga as 'undoubtedly one of the leading intellectuals of his generation'. Soga is remembered for the journalistic credo which he promoted; 'Gainst the wrong that needs resistance, for the good that lacks assistance.'

The nomination should be in the form of a written letter (or letters) of recommendation. The information should address the reasons why the nominee is deserving of this recognition. Additional supporting materials (testimonials/press cuttings) are welcomed. No entry fee or entry form is required for this award. Please note that the individual’s accomplishment should have been over a career of at least 20 years in journalism (judges are not eligible for nomination).

The winner will receive the Allan Kirkland Soga Achievement Award trophy and certificate.

The following prizes will also by awarded:

  • A Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Award of R15 000 cash, a trophy and a certificate;
  • Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Finalist Certificates; and
  • Commendation Certificates may be awarded at the judges’ discretion.

This year, the Awards are also opened to non-PSS members. The fee per entry is R580, a slight increase on the year 2016. (A reduced amount will be considered if a freelancer motivates why they should pay a reduced fee.)

Closing date for entries is Monday, 19 June and judging will take place on Thursday, 13 July and Friday, 14 July.

The judging panel, headed by convener judge Mathatha Tsedu, comprises of professionals in the industry, including Dinesh Balliah, Gus Silber, Henry Jeffreys, Mike Siluma, Tyrone August, Phil Mtimkulu, Pippa Green, Tim du Plessis, Liesl Louw-Vaudram, Thabo Leshilo, Mary Papayya, Ryland Fisher, and Neo Ntsoma.

The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards will be presented at a prize-giving function on Thursday, 19 October.

For more information, visit www.pdmedia.org.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook.