Tom Mboya and Evanson Nyaga, from Kenya, have been awarded the top prize at this year’s CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2012 Awards Ceremony.
Tom and Evanson, won for their work ‘African Tribe in India’, which aired on Citizen TV, Kenya and was chosen from among 1799 entries from 42 nations across the African continent.
The work tells the story of an African tribe in India, long forgotten and little known about, based in Karnataka, Southern India.
Tom and Evanson were among the 34 finalists at the Awards ceremony on Saturday evening and were winners in the category ‘Television Features Award (TV60).’
The Awards, which rotate location each year in tribute to their pan-African credentials, were held at a Gala ceremony hosted by CNN and MultiChoice at Auditorium Hall, Government Complex Convention Centre, Lusaka, Zambia this evening, Saturday 21 July, and broadcast live on ZNBC.
Nico Meyer, Multichoice Africa, CEO, Tom Mboya, Citizen TV, Kenya, Evanson Nyaga Citizen TV, Kenya and Parisa Khosravi, Snr VP, International News Gathering, CNN Worldwide
Nico Meyer, CEO MultiChoice Africa, Parisa Khosravi, Senior Vice President for CNN Worldwide in charge of International Newsgathering, and Hon. Given Lubinda MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented Tom and Evanson with the Award.
Tom said: “Journalism is a profession that allows you to go in, and then bring out what the world needs to know. It is humbling that the Father Lord has brought us this.”
Evanson said: “I am truly humbled by this.”
Member of the judging panel, journalist and media consultant Joel Kibazo said: “This story introduced the viewer to something new, an African tribe in India few know about. The journalist took the viewer with him to India, and the village to speak to the tribe members. An all round detailed story that was well told.”
Parisa Khosravi, Senior Vice President for CNN Worldwide in charge of International Newsgathering, said “The men and women who enter these awards have become part of a community of excellence, representing the very best in journalism and maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Their resourcefulness and bravery in pursuing the story has my deepest admiration.”
Collins Khumalo, CEO MultiChoice South Africa said: “We salute the finalists and the winners of the 2012 awards. These journalists give a voice to Africa and help to make that voice heard around the world. We encourage journalists from around the African continent to continue to tell the stories of Africa – who knows, your story might be celebrated at the 2013 awards.”
Nico Meyer, CEO MultiChoice Africa, said: “Each year we are amazed at the growing number of entries we receive for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Award and we continue to marvel at the growing quality of entries – a great indication of the talent and skills pool in the continent. All tonight’s winners should be very proud of their achievements and we wish them well as they advance to a higher level of global influence. The selfless nature of the trade often displayed in the work done by our journalistic community is once again to be commended and honoured. As MultiChoice we are committed to the empowerment of Africa’s communities, and telling stories of their lives to raise awareness of their plight is commendable. We salute all journalists and tonight’s winners for their contribution to the development of open and democratic societies, creating future hope for generations to come.”
The evening also recognised Enenche Akogwu and Zakariya Isa as this year’s recipients of the Free Press Africa Award, for their work in Nigeria. Zakariya, a cameraman for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was killed in October 2011, and Enenche, a news reporter with Channels Television, was shot and killed, having covered the Kano bomb blast in January this year.
The CNN MultiChoice competition is now in its 17th year. The prestigious sponsors include: A24 Media; African Development Bank (AfDB); The Coca-Cola Company; Ecobank; Ericsson; Intercontinental Hotel, Lusaka; IPP Media, Tanzania; MSD; Nokia; SuperSport; and UNICEF.
The Awards’ 34 finalists from 12 countries enjoyed an all expenses paid five day programme of workshops, media forums, networking and had the opportunity to see some of the sights of Zambia.
Ways to Watch the African Journalist Awards:
Viewers across the continent and across the world will be able to watch the African Journalist Awards in the following ways:
- M-Net will broadcast the ‘Highlights Programme’ of the Award Ceremony on AfricaMagic on Sunday 29 July
- Broadcasters in 45 countries on the African continent will be transmitting the ‘Highlights Programme’ during August.
- Internationally, the ‘Highlights Programme’ will be shown on OBE TV in the UK, The Africa Channel in the United States / UK and on RTP Africa.
The overall CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2012 wins a substantial cash prize, a visit to CNN Centre in Atlanta, to attend the three week CNN Journalism Fellowship, along with the prize awarded to all category winners, which consists of a laptop computer, printer, Nokia 800 Lumia and a cash prize.
Winners in the individual competition categories are:
ARTS & CULTURE AWARD, presented by Mwambu Wanendeya, Vice President and Head of Communications, Ericsson sub Saharan Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Winner: Andrew Mulenga, Freelance for The Post Newspaper, Zambia.
Title: ‘In Mali, The Kora Is No One-Night Stand, It Requires Commitment’
Judge’s Citation: “Focussed around the importance of the relationship between people and their musical instruments, the story is well put together, full of colour and interesting to read. It just pulls you into one of the most amazing stories of African culture.”
DIGITAL JOURNALISM AWARD, presented by Shiv Shivakumar, Senior Vice President for India, Middle East and Africa, Nokia.
Winner: Demelza Bush, Craig McKune and Verashni Pillay, The Mail and Guardian Online, South Africa
Title: ‘Leasing Scams: A Dummy’s Guide’
Judge’s citation: “This ‘Dummy’s Guide’ to leasing scams is a good example of what you can achieve by using multimedia tools. The Mail and Guardian had produced an impressive investigation story on how to rip off tax payers with state leases.”
THE COCA-COLA COMPANY ECONOMICS & BUSINESS AWARD, presented by William Asiko, President, Coca-Cola Foundation.
Winner: Joy Summers, Carte Blanche, South Africa.
Title: ‘Central Rand Gold’
Judge’s Citation: “The story had detailed research and the reporter showed tenacity in assembling the details.”
ENVIRONMENT AWARD, presented by Dr Magatte Wade, Acting Head of External Relations and Communication, African Development Bank.
Winner: Gerald Tenywa, Saturday Vision, Uganda.
Title: ‘Concrete Graves Threaten Environment’
Judge’s Citation: “Environment stories are not usually exciting. This story is an exception; it is a simple story told brilliantly. Gerald has amazing journalistic skills and has brought to the fore something that most Africans have not thought about before now.”
FRANCOPHONE GENERAL NEWS AWARD: PRINT, presented by Amadou Mahtar Ba, CEO, African Media Initiative.
Winner: Manar Attiya, Ahram Hebdo, Egypt.
Title: ‘Profession: Semer La Terreur’
Judge’s Citation: “An excellent piece of investigative reporting on the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ revolution; A good explanation of what we’ve seen on the screen during the demonstrations at Tahrir Square in Egypt, as covered by major international outlets.”
FRANCOPHONE GENERAL NEWS AWARD: TV / RADIO, presented by Amadou Mahtar Ba, CEO, African Media Initiative.
Winner: Najlae Benmbarek, 2M TV, Morocco.
Title: ‘Devoir de Memoire’
Judge’s Citation: “A wonderful story about Morocco’s journey under King Mohammed VI. It demonstrates the dividends one can get from famines, reconciliation and forgiveness.”
FREE PRESS AFRICA AWARD, presented by Ferial Haffajee, Chairperson of the 2012 Judging Panel.
Winner: Enenche Akogwu and Zakariya Isa.
Judge’s Citation: “This award is made to the body of Nigerian journalists and editors in recognition of their bravery in continuing to report though they face the ire of Boko Haram and other terror groups in operating across West Africa and in the Sahel. They have faced threats, intimidation in death. We make the award in the name of Enenche Akogwu and Zakariya Isa, who lost their lives covering attacks and trying to get to the bottom of a story that has become a blot on a growing region and continent. The award will be received by the Gbenga Adefaye President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.”
HIV/AIDS REPORTING AWARD, presented by Fatuma Noor, CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2011.
Winner: John Muchangi Njiru, The Star, Kenya.
Title: Inside the Life of Nairobi Male Sex Workers’
Judge’s Citation: “Through his colourful and well-painted characters and compelling writing, John bravely illustrates part of a growing generation of male sex workers in Kenya, and effectively highlights a new risk group. John takes us into his subject’s room, into his life, without judging or moralising. But his message is clear: unsafe sex is common and deadly.”
MOHAMED AMIN PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARD, presented by Salim Amin, Chairman, A24 Media.
Winner: Antoine de Ras, The Star, South Africa.
Title: ‘Pulse of the People’
Judge’s Citation: “The body of the work smartly captures the contrasts and contradictions which have rocked Africa in 2012 from the Arab Spring to the famine in East Africa. A serious indictment of African media houses where a freelance journalist uses his own resources to go and cover some of the big stories of the continent.”
MSD HEALTH & MEDICAL AWARD, presented by Antonia Lang, Communications Director, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa.
Winner: Megan Small and Clive Mtshai, 3rd Degree, e.tv, South Africa
Title: ‘Elephant Woman’
Judge’s Citation: “The story won because it is not just another health story. It is a classical case of journalists going beyond the call of duty. It is responsible journalism and the tenacity of the journalists is amazing. Perhaps, without them, Nana Ntobela, the elephant woman, would have been dead by now.”
PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE GENERAL NEWS AWARD (PRINT), presented by Arlindo Lopes, General Manager, Regulatory and Corporate, Angola and Mozambique, MultiChoice Africa Ltd.
Winner: Isabel João, Novo Jornal, Angola.
Title: ‘A Vida Nas Cadeias (Descida Ao Inferno)’
Judge’s Citation: “This is a good hard news report on a hot topic, written in a difficult environment, where the reporter shows audacity and insight. The story is about conditions of prisons in Angola, telling us about alleged corruption, violence, poor health assistance and overcrowding.”
PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE GENERAL NEWS AWARD TV (RADIO), presented by Arlindo Lopes, General Manager, Regulatory and Corporate, Angola and Mozambique, MultiChoice Africa Ltd.
Winner: Arsénio Henriques Cossa, Soico – STV, Mozambique.
Title: ‘Garimpo: A Vida Pelo Ouro’
Judge’s Citation: “This is a story about illegal mining in the Manica province, in Mozambique, where mostly young men use basic material and techniques to look for gold and gemstones. The reporter gives a sense of how hard and dangerous life can be in an unregulated activity but present in other regions of the country that he also visits.”
PRINT GENERAL NEWS AWARD, presented by Sebastian Ashong-Katai, Group Head, Financial Institutions & International Organisations at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
Winner: Adriaan Basson and Piet Rampedi, City Press, South Africa.
Title: ‘Series on Julius Malema’
Judge’s Citation: “The depth of the story had a huge impact on South African politics… the exposé of Malema’s double character, exposing his true person, helped change the course of South African politics.”
RADIO GENERAL NEWS AWARD, presented by Collins Khumalo, CEO, MultiChoice South Africa.
Winner: Joshua Anny,Joy FM, Ghana.
Title: ‘Squatter’s Paradise’
Judge’s Citation: “This is a good radio story about life in one of the biggest slums in Ghana. The emotions come through the reporter’s energetic voice. He tells a story using descriptive explanations that make the listener visualise it.”
SPORT AWARD, presented by presented by Andre Venter, Director Media Solutions Africa, SuperSport
Winner: Waihiga Mwaura and Jepitha Mwai Mwangi. Citizen TV, Kenya
Title: ‘Maasai Cricket Warriors’
Judge’s Citation: “It’s a clash of cultures. But a wonderful, positive clash of cultures. It’s about the universal lessons and values that can be spread by sport, in a way that lectures, pamphlets or the minister guy never could. What’s wonderful is also that Waihiga Mwaura gives you a sense of remoteness: we’re very far from Lords.”
TELEVISION FEATURES AWARD (TV60), presented by Joyce Mhaville, Managing Director, ITV Tanzania.
Winner: Tom Mboya and Evanson Nyaga, Citizen TV, Kenya.
Title: ‘African Tribe in India’
Judge’s Citation: “It introduced the viewer to something new, an African tribe in India few know about. The journalist took the viewer with him to India, and the village to speak to the tribe members. An all round detailed story that was well told.”
TELEVISION NEWS BULLETIN AWARD (TV5), presented by Elhadj As Sy, Regional Director For Eastern and Southern Africa, UNICEF.
Winner: Nimrod Taabu Mwagamoyo and Charles Kinyua Kariuki NTV Kenya.
Title: ‘Pokot Water Challenges’
Judge’s Citation: “This piece is in many ways a simple story of a water hole in remote Kenya, in which we realize that a simple commodity – water – is a matter of life and death for the men, women, children and livestock in the region. What made this story a winner was how the pictures, audio and storytelling were all woven together, to bring the dirty Barpello water hole to the rooms of television audiences, and to highlight the ingenuity that is being found to avoid drinking the contaminated water.”
TOURISM AWARD, presented by CNN’s Errol Barnett.
Winner: Ahaoma Kanu National Daily Newspaper, Nigeria.
Title: ‘Badagry: A Walk Through the Slave Route’
Judge’s Citation: “Ahaoma Kanu tells a familiar story on the horrific slave trade museum at Badagry but with his writing he is able to bring the reader with him and experience this terrible place with him. Ahoama is not afraid to reveal his emotions and let the reader know when he could no longer keep the tears in. He doesn’t just want to observe this place but tries to experience what it was like to go through this place by asking to wear the chains. A lovely storyteller who brings an awful part of world history to light and is able to convey the experience to his audience.”
Again this year the Judges highlighted some excellent work and awarded certificates of Commendation to ten journalists. These journalists participated in the finalists’ programme in Lusaka and received a cash prize, a Nokia 800 Lumia and a Certificate of Commendation:
Stephen Ssenkaaba, New Vision, Uganda
Nelson Wesonga, Daily Monitor, Uganda
Tunde Akingbade, Freelance for the Guardian on Sunday, Nigeria
Edward Echwalu, Freelance for the Observer, Uganda
Teresa Sofia Fortes, A Semana, Cabo Verde
Ramusel Alves De Carvalho Da Graca, Televisao Sao-Tomense, São Tomé and Príncipe
Peter Nkanga, Idris Akinbajo, Elor Nkereuwem, Musikilu Mojeed, Next on Sunday, Nigeria
Peter Nkanga, Next on Sunday, Nigeria
Note to Editors: Competition Criteria
To enter the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2012 competition the journalist must have been an African national and have worked on the continent for African owned, or headquartered, media organisations that produced a printed publication or broadcast through an electronic medium (television broadcaster, radio station or website) primarily targeted at and received by an African audience.
Note to Editors:
The independent judging panel, chaired by Ferial Haffajee, Editor-in-Chief, City Press, South Africa includes: Ikechukwu Amaechi, Editor, Daily Independent, Nigeria; Amadou Mahtar Ba, CEO, African Media Initiative; Jean-Paul Gérouard, Editor-in-Chief, France Télévisions; Joel Kibazo, journalist and media consultant; Arlindo Lopes, General Manager, Regulatory & Corporate, Angola and Mozambique, MultiChoice Africa Ltd; Judge Arlindo lopes, General Manager, Regulatory & Corporate, Angola and Mozambique, MultiChoice Africa Ltd Judge Arlindo lopes, General Manager, Regulatory & Corporate, Angola and Mozambique, MultiChoice Africa LtdZipporah Musau, Media consultant and former Managing Editor, Magazines, The Standard Group Ltd, Kenya; Kim Norgaard, Africa Bureaux chief CNN International; Bruno Manteigas, UK Correspondent, Agência Lusa assisted in the judging of the Portuguese General News Category.
MultiChoice Africa Corporate Social Responsibility:
MultiChoice Africa, the continent’s leading satellite pay TV service, is committed to building a sustainable business in Africa as well as investing in corporate social investment projects which contribute to the growth and development of the continent. The key focus is on education and the uplifting of the communities in which MultiChoice does business. To this end, MultiChoice Africa, in partnership with governments, has established more than 1200 MultiChoice Resource Centres in 27 countries across Africa. These school Resource Centres are set up to help improve the quality of educational resources by using technology and rich education channels from DStv. MultiChoice Africa also launched the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards in partnership with satellite provider Eutelsat Communications. The awards aim to create awareness and stimulate interest in science and technology among African school children as well as educate them on the science involved in satellite technology.
Turner Broadcasting Corporate Social Responsibility:
Over the last four years, Turner staff have raised almost $300,000 to build schools in Mali, Rwanda, Malawi and Ethiopia, which have featured on CNN’s ‘BackStory’ programme. The company has also donated funds and several million dollars worth of airtime to these projects and to Plan International, Turner’s NGO partner, as well as funding the trips for the volunteers who helped build the schools. Over the last six years, the company and its staff have also partnered with Habitat for Humanity to provide houses in South Africa, and with UNICEF to provide schooling, food, drugs and transport for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Using their paid volunteer time, staff have also created advertisements and logos for African charities and CNN has donated airtime. With company support, staff will build another school in Africa in 2013.
PRESS CONTACTS:
CNN International: Claudia Coles Claudia.Coles@turner.com
+ 44 7785 725705
Arcay Burson Marsteller Hemant Lala Hemant.l@arcaybm.com
MultiChoice South Africa: Marietjie Groenewald marietjie.groenewald@multichoice.co.za
+ 27 11 289 3067
+ 27 79 501 1758
MultiChoice Africa: Odette Bagleyobagley@multichoice.co.za
+ 27 11 289 3400
+27 (0) 82 338 1769
African Journalist Awards Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/CNNMultichoiceAfricanJournalistOfTheYearAwards
@Africanjourno
Issued: Saturday 21July 2012
JUDGES’ CITATIONS & PHOTOS FOR ALL WINNERS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST