Sipho Masondo, City Press’ investigative reporter, was last night honoured with the annual Nat Nakasa Award for his courageous reporting on corruption and other shenanigans at the Department of Water Affairs.
Masondo was bestowed with the award at a gala dinner, hosted by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and Sanlam held in Durban, South Africa on Saturday evening.
Masondo, has been offered bribes in millions of rands, but remained resilient and pursued the story that uncovered a number of activities including shocking maladministration at the department as well as the minister’s relationship with a “Ben10”, who was said to have an influence on decisions at the department.
The Nat Nakasa award is awarded for courageous and brave journalism. The award is an expression of the recognition of journalists who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating courage, tenacity, integrity and fearlessness in their practice of journalism.
Despite the threats to his life, Masondo still continued to uncover the rot while working under tremendous pressure. There was even talk of making him “disappear.”
The runner-up of the Nat Nakasa awards was Suzanne Venter of Rapport for her relentless pursuits of the story that led to national outrage at the deaths of over 100 mentally ill patients at Esidimeni in Gauteng.
Veteran journalist Mathatha Tsedu was also honoured at the awards as SANEF paid special tribute to him.
Tsedu was thanked by SANEF for his contribution as executive director and as a founding member of the organization – as well as for his undying fight for journalism.
For any inquiries please contact Reggy Moalusi, SANEF Secretary-General on 071 682 3695