Eyewitness News Triumphs at 2023 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards

In a glitzy ceremony hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa, Eyewitness News emerged victorious, obtaining two prestigious awards at the 2023 Vodacom Journalist of the Year (VJOY) awards. Zongile Nhlapo, the publication's online sub-editor, clinched victory in the Opinion category, while reporter Kgomotso Modise shared the spotlight, winning in the Innovation in Journalism category.

Over the years, the VJOY awards have recognized journalistic merit across South Africa, providing a platform for professionals to showcase their talents. This year, the competition was fierce with over 1,300 entries from journalists far and wide across the country's 12 regions. Entrants eagerly awaited the decisions of an esteemed panel of judges, including accomplished industry names such as Jermaine Craig, Ryland Fisher, and Advocate Robin Sewlal.

Nhlapo received acclaim for her poignant and personal commentary titled "Motherhood isn’t defined by my ‘non-verbal’ son calling me mom," which was lauded for its emotional depth and ability to invite readers into the unique world of a mother's love for her son. The judges praised Nhlapo's work, noting the piece's sensitivity and warmth.

Modise garnered the innovation award for her comprehensive cross-platform coverage of "Above the Law: The Senzo Meyiwa Trial" on Twitter spaces, an approach that effectively innovated how the high-profile trial was reported.

Innovation was a significant theme at the awards, with MyBroadband’s Johannes Steyn earning recognition alongside Modise. Steyn executed an innovative investigative feature on South Africa's mobile networks which, according to the judges, brought to light an underreported segment with a novel approach.

The top honor of the night, the 2023 Vodacom Journalist of the Year title, was awarded to News24's Jeff Wicks for his pursuit of justice in the Babita Deokaran case, sharing the distinction with GroundUp’s Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons for their investigative work on criminals Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana.

Among other deserving winners was Daily Maverick’s Tamsin Metelerkamp who was bestowed with the Young Journalist of the Year Award, highlighting the relentless spirit of up-and-coming journalists in South Africa. The ceremony also paid tribute to the venerable Derek Watts, awarding him posthumously with the VJOY Lifetime Achiever Award, in honor of his distinguished career as a news anchor on Carte Blanche.

As the industry celebrated its finest night of the year, it was clear that South African journalism continues to flourish with talented individuals dedicated to uncovering the truth and keeping the public informed.