The South African National Editor’s Forum (SANEF) is now accepting nominations for the Nat Nakasa Awards for Courageous Journalism, focusing on stories published in print or online or broadcast between June 2023 and June 2024:
Nat Nakasa Award for Media Integrity.
Nat Nakasa Award for Community Media
Nat Nakasa was a prominent journalist and writer who died in exile. This annual award recognises any media practitioner journalist or editor — who has:
Showed integrity and reported fearlessly.
Displayed a commitment to serving the people of South Africa despite insurmountable obstacles.
Resisted any censorship.
Showed courage in making information available to the South African public.
Any combination of the above.
The Award is open to all journalists serving all media platforms from a community / national newspaper, magazine, or an electronic medium (including online publishers).
Nominations of deserving candidates/journalists can be done by members of the public, Editors, fellow journalists, and or their colleagues. Journalists can nominate themselves. Previous winners of this award are, however, not eligible for entry.
Please submit your nomination with a motivation of 300 words and a sample of or the body of work by close of business on Sunday 30 June 2024:
The winner of the Nat Nakasa Award for Media Integrity will receive R20 000 in prize money and a certificate.
The winner of the Nat Nakasa Award for Community Media will receive R10 000 in prize money and a certificate.
The winner will be announced at the Nat Nakasa Awards ceremony on 14 September 2024 in Durban.
These awards are sponsored by Sanlam.
Note to Editors: SANEF is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Due to numerous requests, the deadline for entries for the 2024 edition of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, brought to you by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), has been extended.
The deadline was initially on Friday, 29 March 2024, However, we have noted that it coincided with the Eastern Friday religious festivities and has now been extended by five days. The deadline to submit your entries will now be Wednesday 3rd April 2024.
The Awards will cover stories published or broadcast between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. There will be no extension and winners will be announced at an event on Saturday, 22 June, at a venue yet to be confirmed in Gauteng.
The awards are open to all media platforms – print, online/digital, and broadcast (radio and TV) journalists. They are regarded as a highlight on the journalistic calendar rewarding the exceptional work done by the country’s journalists, in categories ranging from investigative journalism to feature writing, and lifestyle as well as photojournalism.
The Awards reflect the importance of groundbreaking, accurate, fact-based, truthful, fair, and verified reporting in a world where misinformation and disinformation continue to be a major concern in the media sector. They are also proof of the key role that the Fourth Estate plays in the country’s democracy.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Legal Training for Journalists on pre-publication due diligence, defamation andjournalistic sources
Dates: Thursday, 18th April in Johannesburg South Africa
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Application deadline: Friday,5th April 2024-midday (extended, please ignore if you have already submitted application)
Legal attacks on journalists are one of many wide-ranging threats to media freedom, which have proliferated in recent years and are now often used to silence public interest or critical reporting. In the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s Weaponizing the Law: Attacks on MediaFreedom (2023) report, 47.6% of the journalists surveyed reported that they or their media organisations have experienced legal threats as a result of their journalism. According to the report, the leading legal threat to journalists is the abuse of defamation laws.
Responding to this challenge, the Thomson Reuters Foundation has developed an expanded legal support programme for journalists and media organisations, to strengthen their ability to prevent, and defend themselves, against legal attacks. Our comprehensive approach now includes operational legal support to help strengthen organisational health and resilience, legal research assistance to media freedom and development organisations, programmes that address specific legal threats, and the development of practical legal resources. Independent media and journalists may also be eligible for referral to our Legal Network for Journalists at Risk, to receive specialised legal counsel on defence and strategic litigation.
To equip journalists with a practical understanding of the laws on defamation and journalistic sources, their legal rights and obligations, TrustLaw has produced Know Your Rights Guides for journalists in South Africa:
In addition, TrustLaw is producing a pre-publication due diligence resource to upskill journalists on how to review their own publications to mitigate potential legal liability. All the resources are intended to empower journalists to continue to report on issues of vital public interest.
The Thomson Reuters Foundation is offering a one-day practical workshop for at least 15 journalists in South Africa to build their capacity on the topics of defamation laws, laws on journalistic sources and how to conduct pre-publication legal due diligence. The training is designed to empower journalists to strengthen their awareness of laws affecting journalistic content and equipping them with knowledge, resources and tools that build resilience against legal attacks as a result of their journalism. This is part of a pilot project, the results of which will be used to inform the development of future legal training for journalists and media outlets.
Provisional Programme
This will be a full 1-day training from 0900hrs to 1700hrs with tea/coffee and lunch breaks.
The training will be split into three sessions.
Participants must commit to 6 hours for an in-person training session, 1-2 hours of offline reading or assignments done in their own time before the session, and up to hour of pre- training and post-training questionnaires/feedback.
The training will be facilitated in English.
Who can apply?
Full-time journalist or regular contributor to media organisations in broadcast, print or online.
Journalist working on public interest topics such as governance, environment/climate, human rights, equality.
Professional proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
Minimum of two years of professional experience in journalism.
Logistics and considerations:
The Thomson Reuters Foundation will cover the cost of meals, local transport and accommodation (where necessary). Applications from people based outside of Johannesburg may be exceptionally considered and offered limited travel cost cover.
Expression of interest overview:
To apply, please email[email protected] expressing your interest to participate in the training by Friday 5th April 2024.
Applicants should attach the following documents as part of the application process:
Two relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a brief summary, and/or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide details of circulation and reach of their publications if possible.
A biography of up to 200 words outlining your career.
A statement of up to 200 words describing how you expect to benefit from this course, how you plan to use the learnings in your professional work, and any factors affecting your work as a journalist which may be considered relevant to your application.
Entries for the 2024 edition of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, brought to you by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), are now open and will close on Friday, 29 March 2024.
The Awards will cover stories published or broadcast between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. There will be no extension and winners will be announced at an event on Saturday, 29 June, at a venue yet to be confirmed in Gauteng.
This is the third year SANEF is organising the awards. They were previously organised by PDMSA, now the Publishers’ Support Services.
The awards are open to all media platforms – print, online/digital, and broadcast (radio and TV) journalists. They are regarded as a highlight on the journalistic calendar rewarding the exceptional work done by the country’s journalists, in categories ranging from investigative journalism to feature writing, and lifestyle as well as photojournalism.
The Awards reflect the importance of groundbreaking, accurate, fact-based, truthful, fair, and verified reporting in a world where misinformation and disinformation continue to be a major concern in the media sector. They are also proof of the important role that the Fourth Estate plays in the country’s democracy.
Award Categories
The awards are open to all print, online/digital, and broadcast (radio and TV) journalists.
Manager/Publisher of the Year Award: This is the second year this Award will be awarded. The award is aimed at rewarding newsroom managers/publishers for their work. The entry for this is a motivation letter or proof of activities by colleagues in the said media organisation.
Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year (Selected from the entries in the categories by the jury.)
Journalist of the Year (Selected from the entries in the categories by the jury.)
The Allan Kirkland Soga / Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award (previously the Allan Kirkland Soga: Achievement Award): Recognises a sustained and extraordinary contribution to newspaper journalism on the part of an individual and the winner will have demonstrated impeccable ethics and craft excellence.
SANEF chairperson-Sbu Ngalwa at the Fundraiser Gala Dinner
22 October 2023
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) commemorated Black Wednesday at a fundraising dinner addressed by Mr Mpho Makwana outgoing Eskom Board chairman which was attended by over 200 business guests in Johannesburg on Friday evening 20 October 2023.
SANEF has raised R2 million rands this year. This will go towards building our media defence fund that supports legal cases to protect media freedom. The gala dinner is organised every year in memory of the journalist organisations, editors, and journalists who were banned, harassed, assaulted, and imprisoned on that day, 19th October 1977.
Makwana said at the fundraising event, where the main sponsor was ABSA, that South Africa needed the media now in 2023 more than ever to find ways to help rekindle our sense of humanity as a nation. “Help us recover ourselves. We are getting deeper into a nation that is ripping itself apart.”
He challenged businesses to be amongst the best corporate citizens in the country through value creation by supporting the fourth estate to remain independent and sustainable. On the other hand, the media should note that there is a big task at hand to help this nation focus be guided out of despair and be moved from good to great.
Sbu Ngalwa, the SANEF chairperson, described the support for media freedom in the country from the corporate sector as “a testament to its commitment to supporting the media industry in South Africa and Africa as a whole”.
He acknowledged the work of business in boosting journalism skills development initiatives such as the SANLAM Summer School of Financial Journalism held in October every year for the past 20 years. This year, the MTN-sponsored Media Innovation Programme was designed to equip journalists with skills to report better on the technology sector, which is instrumental in improving the quality of journalism in Nigeria. Similarly, SANEF launched the SANEF Fellowship in Financial Journalism at Wits University sponsored by Deloitte, which equips journalists with skills to unpack complex financial and economic concepts and make them accessible to the public.
“As journalists, we are facing unprecedented challenges that require urgent attention. The media industry is in dire straits, and we must find innovative ways to sustain it. We cannot afford to stand by and watch as media houses continue to struggle to survive,” said Ngalwa.
He said South Africa needed to recognise that journalism is a public good, and the cost of data was too high for ordinary South Africans to access news. He appealed to telecommunications networks to seriously “consider zero-rating news sites to make them accessible to everyone”.
“This will also help in the fight against fake news because only news organizations that subscribe to the Press Code and are members of the SA Press Council will qualify for zero-rating,” he said. You can access his speech here.
World Press Freedom Day theme
SANEF adopted the May 3 World Press Freedom Day theme of “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, which signifies the enabling element of freedom of expression to enjoy and protect all other human rights. The theme was chosen by UNESCO marking 30 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom. It also reminds governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and a day of reflection among journalists about press freedom and professional ethics.
Akash Singh, Absa Group’s Chief Compliance Officer, said not everyone or every country has the privilege of enjoying media freedom rights. South Africa should not take for granted the fact that it is celebrating 30 years of media freedom as it contemplates the future. This country should value the media as the key pillar of our democracy.
“We value the media as a key pillar in safeguarding Africa’s hard-fought liberties and ensuring a vibrant and prosperous society,” Singh said.
Vuslat Bayoglu managing director at Menar (a mining investment company) said there is a relationship between media freedom and the economic wealth of nations. The free media is and tends to be more visible in countries that have higher economic prospects.
“Menar hopes to keep supporting media freedom initiatives to ensure that there is no proliferation of brown envelop journalism in this country,” said Bayoglu.
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
As the country prepares to recognise the brutal events of Black Wednesday, forty-six years ago, it seems a telling time for South Africa to place significant focus on Article 16 of the Bill of Rights and how it is still violated today, under the democratic rule and with one of the most advanced constitutions in the world – specifically where press freedom challenged within its borders, post-apartheid.
As key proponents and defenders of media freedom and advocacy, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) recognises this day through an annual fundraising dinner during the week of Black Wednesday, aimed at raising funds for legal cases that the organisation usually undertakes. This year guests will have the privilege of listening to the keynote speaker, outgoing Eskom Board chairperson, Mr. Mpho Makwana.
Black Wednesday refers to the events of 19 October 1977, when apartheid-era Justice Minister Jimmy Kruger outlawed over eighteen organisations, including the Union of Black Journalists (UBJ) and three newspapers, The World, Weekend World edited by Percy Qoboza, and Pro Veritate, the publication published by anti-apartheid activist Beyers Naude. Qoboza and his deputy, Aggrey Klaaste, were imprisoned. Naude and Donald Woods, editor of the Daily Dispatch, were banned from writing and put under house arrest.
SANEF is always at the forefront of the protection of media freedom and will always take up cases aimed at availing legal defences through a myriad of interventions, such as when access to courts is denied or journalists are hauled to court.
While recent global events have laced focus on the stringent, punitive, and deadly working environments where journalists are targeted simply for doing their job, SA journalists still face hostile, punitive, and discriminatory circumstances while doing the important work they do.
“In some countries, journalists still face dangerous and deadly consequences and are targeted daily for the work they do. While we show support for these journalists, we sadly must place just as much focus and commitment on doing the same at home – even in a democratic country, protected by a globally respected constitution. We face pervasive and daily threats to press freedom, personal and deadly attacks on journalists, and unlawful attempts to censor the media. This is why the work that SANEF does is so important”, says Reggy Moalusi, SANEF’s Executive Director.
For this reason, SANEF ensures that veritable attention is paid to these matters and that support is offered to journalists and media who have, and still do, make immense sacrifices in the pursuit of ethical and responsible journalism.
To ensure its ability to continue this important work, SANEF hosts an annual fundraising gala dinner in honour of Black Wednesday – importantly, to raise funds for various projects the organisation does, such as raising money for various legal challenges.
Moalusi says: “While SANEF honours the journalists, organisations, editors, and journalists that were banned, harassed, assaulted, imprisoned, and intimidated throughout apartheid and celebrates how far we have come since, it is also sadly a time to reflect on current media freedom challenges, particularly where new forms of censorship, harassment, gender-based threats, and violence have arisen and continue to be pervasive attacks on free press and human rights in a democratic society, protected by a progressive constitution.”
The fundraising event this year supports SANEF’s Media Defence Fund which has been instrumental in supporting several important cases, such as Karyn Maughan v Jacob Zuma; Riot Hlatshwayo v Mpumalanga Police Commissioner; and amaBhungane v the Moti Group. It is also much needed to ensure the support of upcoming cases and to back the significant amount of policy and legislative work required to maintain and improve media freedom and the protection of journalists, editors, and publications in SA.
SANEF calls on all individuals, corporates, businesses, and organisations who believe that a free press is crucial to ensuring human rights, to support the organisation’s annual fundraising dinner. Proceeds support SANEF’s mission to remain at the forefront of protecting journalists’ media freedom and take up cases aimed at availing legal defences or when intervention is required in the case of court access being denied or when journalists are hauled to court.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Are you an independent print, radio, or TV newsroom in the very early stages of embracing digital media? If so, this programme could be exactly what you’re looking for.
SANEF recognises the critical importance of community media to the overall diversity of the media industry. However, community media operate in a challenging economic environment. Many print and broadcast newsrooms struggle to diversify their content distribution and revenue options to include digital platforms with potential future growth.
To address this, SANEF invites independent newsrooms to join community media digitisation drive to be a part of the second call of the programme.
This programme is aimed at assisting print and broadcast community media organisations to map out their online media strategies, and to develop sustainable websites, workflows and other digital media platforms.
Furthermore, the programme will assist newsrooms to enhance their content creation and distribution practices, while fully using all available digital tools.
Photo Caption: Right to Left: Chris Mcinga (MeD8 Media), Sithembile Zondo (North Coast Radio), Monwabisi Khininda (Ikhwezi laseMthatha), Langelihle Lucas Chagwe (Izwi Lomphakathi Newspaper)
This second call will help participants set up tools and workflows for digital newsgathering, multimedia production, content management, as well as publication to the web and social media. Optional modules such as streaming, podcasting services, and different platforms (e.g. WhatsApp, TikTok) will also be provided.
Training and ongoing support will be provided by a help desk, the Community Media Support Service (CMSS).
Currently, there are already some community media print publishers and a community radio station participating in the SANEF Community Media Digitisation Drive.
To qualify, your organisation will need to:
Be a community media organisation that lacks or has an underperforming digital presence.
Primarily operate in the community media sector (print and/or broadcast).
Have at least 3 years of experience in regular production and dissemination of news content to a defined audience. Basic existing systems for gathering news and information, editing, and other processing content for publication and distribution.
Have staff and/or volunteers with the necessary basic skills (computer literacy: use of internet browsers, Word processors) to integrate, operate, update, and sustain the websites, tools, and processes that they learn about and receive during the pilot.
Have healthy relationships with local businesses that would be open to trying new or additional forms of advertising and partnerships.
Subscribe to and abide by the South African Press Code of the Press Council and/or the BCCSA Code.
Be registered as a company, co-operative, or NPO.
Applications are open until 20 October 2023
An independent panel of media experts will assess the applications. The panel’s decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
This is a second call for applications. Organisations that applied in response to the first call should not apply again as their applications will automatically be considered for the second round.
Applications are open to independent publishers/community broadcasters with or without existing websites.
The specific support provided to each selected participant will be customised according to their specific needs. For example, applicants who already have a WordPress website will probably not receive a new website but, depending on the project team’s evaluation of their existing sites, might receive support to improve their existing sites.
Selected participants will also play a mentorship role to support others, to encourage skills transfer within the sector.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
SANEF Chairperson Sbu Ngalwa addressing the Nat Nakasa Awards.
17 September 2023
On the 16th of September 2023, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) gathered in Sandton to celebrate the exceptional winners of the 25th Nat Nakasa Awards for Courageous Journalism.
The Nat Nakasa Awards recognise a special element in journalism – courage, fearlessness, and an unyielding commitment to serving the people of South Africa despite insurmountable obstacles.
The Nat Nakasa Award for Media Integrity was presented to the news agency GroundUp’s journalists, Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons. The award for the Nat Nakasa Award for Community Media went to Anton van Zyl, the publisher of the Limpopo Mirror and the Zoutpansberger.
Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF chairperson expressed his delight thus: “Your courage and dedication inspire us all. Courage and bravery are not easy to come by. This year, our distinguished panel of judges has chosen to honour individuals whose work embodies these principles.”
“These awards stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of journalists who go above and beyond in their pursuit of truth, even in the face of daunting challenges,” he says.
SANEF was honoured to have Justice Zukisa Tshiqi of the Constitutional Court, a member of the South African Women Judge’s Association, also involved in various mentorship programs, as our keynote speaker. Her theme of the absolute importance of truth and transparency both in the media and judiciary was inspiring and this will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of courageous journalists.
Judge Tshiqi said; “The Constitutional Court has recognised that the work done by the journalists is very crucial in our democracy … journalists contribute in ensuring that there is transparency and accountability in the exercise of public and private power.”
The awards’ sponsor, Gaffar Hassam, Group Executive – Corporate Affairs, SanlamAllianz, noted, “Sanlam’s partnership with SANEF is on its 8th year and continues to grow in recognition of Sanlam’s ‘s commitment to media freedom.”
“Nat’s sense of justice was so strong that in his pursuit of truth, he chose exile from his native land, travelling to New York on a Niemann Fellowship, without a passport. Just an exit permit. An exit permit from his country of birth meant he was banished and unable to return home and we will continue to honour his legacy,” he told the audience.
In their citation Anton van Zyl, the judges remarked, “It is very difficult to operate in the space of community media. There is not that much money to make because advertisers focus on commercial media to reach out to consumers. The challenges remain despite the government having made promises that part of its advertising should go to community media. When a journalist like Anton van Zyl, who is the publisher of the Limpopo Mirror and the Zoutpansberger, continues to make a difference in this space, we need to commend them for the good work.”
Those who have worked closely with Van Zyl attest to his generosity in sharing his extensive knowledge with other small community-based publishers. He has been a driving force in the Association of Independent Publishers’ sustainability committee.
The judges’ citation of Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons reads, “When the Thabo Bester story broke, it was unbelievable. We congratulate GroundUp‘s efforts not to give up on the suspicions that Bester was not dead but living large after escaping from jail. He faked his death. The GroundUp stories were so accurate in reflecting the difference that media can make in life. The story touched on bravery as well as social justice.
“Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons rocked the boat of corruption that happened at Mangaung Correctional Centre, which involved senior officials managing the prison. Since the breaking of the story, the government arrested several officials at the centre for assisting Bester to escape. His girlfriend, Dr. Nandipha Magudumane, assisted him to fake his death and escape from jail. They skipped the country, were arrested in Tanzania, and brought back to South Africa and now stand trial.
“We need to applaud Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons for the sterling work of exposing this prison corruption without fear or favour.”
Crystal Orderson, one of the judges, expressed, “It is again a pleasure for the four of us – Peter Sullivan, Joe Thloloe, and I, Chrystal Orderson and Moipone Malefane – to go through the entries and again marvel at the high quality of journalism that South Africa continues to produce.
“This is done under difficult economic conditions. We still have journalists who show integrity and report fearlessly, display a commitment to serve the people of South Africa despite insurmountable obstacles, resist censorship, and show courage in making information available to the SA public.
Ngalwa, SANEF chair, also presented our in-house Stephen Wrottesley Award for honouring dedicated members to community media subcommittee chairperson Dunisani Ntsanwisi. This award is bestowed on a SANEF member who shows commitment, and passion to Sanef.
He was awarded for playing a key and definitive role in Sanef’s Community Media Digitisation project for always putting the issues and interests of community media on the agenda; playing a key role in the inaugural Sanef Indigenous Languages Seminar and ensuring that the Association of Independent Publishers continues to be an active and relevant organisation.
The awards were sponsored by Sanlam
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Sanlam is the proud sponsor of the Nat Nakasa Awards.
SANEF to announce winners of the Nat Nakasa Awards 2023
15 September 2023
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) will tomorrow, 16 September 2023, honour the 2023 Nat Nakasa Award for Courageous Journalism to winners at The Venue in Sandton, Johannesburg. The awards are sponsored by Sanlam for the seventh year running.
The awards will be addressed by Justice Zukisa Laura Lumka Tshiqi of the Constitutional Court. She is also aligned with organisations such as the Black Lawyers Association Legal Education Centre, the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges, the South African Judicial Education Institute, and the African Regional Judges Forum as a means of ensuring that the constitutional rights of all citizens are not violated.
In 2007, Justice Tshiqi was appointed as Acting Judge at the Competition Appeal Court, and in 2009, she was appointed as Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal where she presided over many matters for 10 years prior to her appointment at the Constitutional Court in 2019. She is also a qualified trainer, facilitator, and mediator and she is a trainer on an ad hoc basis for the South African Judicial Institute.
The applications for the awards are adjudicated by a panel of four judges including former Press Ombudsman, Joe Thloloe, former editor of The Star, Peter Sullivan, Crystal Orderson, Al Jazeera’s producer (Freelance TV) & contributor of The Africa Report Magazine as well as former Sowetan political editor and founder of Vutivi Business News, Moipone Malefane.
These judges will award the Nat Nakasa Award for Community Media to deserving winners for their bravery in defending the community’s rights and demanding justice in their environment and local municipalities. They will then announce the overall winner Nat Nakasa Award for Courageous Journalism
Every year, SANEF also has an in-house Stephen Wrottesley Award for honouring dedicated members which will be given to a deserving, hardworking member.
Nat Nakasa was a man whose writing skills played a pivotal role in the liberation of South Africans. Nat’s legacy is celebrated every year by SANEF, through these awards. Nat died in New York, in 1965.
At the time he was on a one-way visa in the US, on a Nieman Scholarship, to escape threats to his life under the apartheid regime. SANEF, together with the Nakasa family and a range of stakeholders, worked tirelessly for years to bring back Nat’s remains and be reburied at his childhood suburb of Chesterville, outside Durban.
In 2014, his remains were returned to SA for reburial at the Chesterville cemetery Heroes Acres site, a fulfillment of his last wish to return home to the country where he was born. Nakasa paid a high price for his sacrifice.
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
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