The Awards aims to acknowledge and recognise the work of members of the South African environmental media who excel in their reportage of all current environmental matters across written, photography, video and audio.

The Nick Steele Memorial Award for Environmentalist of the Year is also presented to the individual who the judges believe has gone above and beyond to look after the local environment.

"For 30 years, SAB has been committed to promoting and recognising excellence in environmental reporting," says Robyn Chalmers, director of communications: AB InBev Africa and SAB.

"We continue to believe the media have an important role to play as society attempts to find a balance between progress and securing a thriving and prosperous world for future generations," adds Chalmers.

"With climate change being one of the most pressing issues confronting the planet, South Africa has been at the forefront of drought and water shortages in the Western Cape this year – among other things. It is through the media that the seriousness has been communicated to those living in the areas, as well as stakeholders nationally and internationally," says Chalmers. 

The categories for the SAB Environmental Media and Environmentalist of the Year 2018 are as follows:
  • Written Media Award (Print and Online)
  • Photography Award (Print and Online)
  • Video Media Award (Television and Online)
  • Audio Media Award (Radio and Online)
  • The Macqubu Ntombela and Ian Player Cub Award for environmental journalists with less than two years' experience in the industry
  • Nick Steele Memorial Award for the Environmentalist of the Year
For three decades, SAB has aimed to keep the Awards in line with best global practice, listening to the feedback received from the environmental media in South Africa and ensuring the Awards are reflective of both the local and global media landscape.

All main category winners will receive a cash prize of R25 000 while merit winners each receive R3 000. The winner of the Magqubu Ntombela and Ian Player Cub Award will receive R15 000, and the Nick Steele Memorial Award winner will receive R25 000.

"Over the years, these Awards have served as a window to the state of the environment in South Africa, and we look forward to seeing, hearing and reading this year’s entries," concludes Chalmers.

Entry requirements and details

Entrants for the SAB Environmental Media Awards and Environmentalist of the Year 2018 have approximately one month to consolidate material and submit via the online portal.
  • Entries opened on Monday, 13 August and close on Tuesday, 4 September at 17:00.
  • Entrants are to submit work published between 1 September 2017 and Friday, 31 August.
  • Entrants need to register to either enter the SAB Environmental Media Awards or to nominate someone for the SAB Environmentalist of the Year 2018.
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday, 23 October.

For more information, visit www.sabenvironmedia.co.za. You can also follow the SAB Environmental Media Awards and Environmentalist of the Year on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.