Talk Radio 702 Eyewitness News reporter, Mandy Wiener, 24, has won the Radio category at the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2007. This year the Awards received an overwhelming 1 670 entries from 40 nations, but it was Mandy’s body of work that really impressed the judges, especially her reporting on the death of 15-month-old Khensani Mitileni. “The story was about a toddler who was killed by a stray bullet during a cash heist in the Joburg CBD. She was being carried on her mother’s back at the time of the shooting,” said Wiener. “It highlighted the crime situation in South Africa and put a very real face to one of the thousands of children who die as a result of crime. I wouldn’t have won the award if it wasn’t for this little girl from Soweto. I hope that I’ve done her justice and that the story will be a tribute to her legacy.” Mandy paid tribute to the rest of the team of journalists and editors at Talk Radio 702 who she said have helped her fulfil her passion as a journalist. “This recognition is reflective of the outstanding work done every day by a committed and dedicated group of people. Winning this award is incredibly overwhelming. I never thought I would be acknowledged so early in my career, particularly by an award as prestigious as this. I'm truly humbled!" Joburg news editor, Katy Katopodis said she was absolutely thrilled by Wiener’s award. “It is a great achievement and a fantastic reflection on Mandy as a journalist. I am also very encouraged by the fact that Mandy was recognised for, among other things, her live coverage during a breaking news story. It’s what we do almost on a daily basis on 702 Eyewitness news.” Tony Maddox, managing director of CNN International and Nolo Letele, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice South Africa, presented Wiener with the award at a gala ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town on Saturday, 21 July. CNN International first launched the African Journalist Awards in 1995. Since then the competition has gone from strength to strength and now the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards comprises 16 categories and is the most prestigious journalism Awards on the continent. The overall CNN MultiChoice African Jouranlist 2007 Award prize comprises a substantial cash prize, a visit to CNN Centre, Atlanta, with complimentary flights courtesy of South African Airways along with the prize awarded to all category winners, which consists of a laptop computer, modem and printer and a cash prize.