On Saturday night (18 July 2009) Kenyan journalist John-Allan Namu was named the winner of the
CNN/Multichoice African Journalist of The Year Awards, held at a Gala event at The International Convention Centre in Durban.
A reporter for Kenya Television Network, John-Allan won for his stories ‘In the shadow of the Mungiki’ and ‘Inside Story: Scars and Sufurias’: - the first time a journalist has won in two categories.
Founded in 1995, this year's awards received 1665 entries from 38 African countries and 25 finalists were chosen to compete across various categories.
South African journalists won awards in four of the categories: Anna-Maria Lombard won the award for HIV/AIDS Reporting in Africa for her coverage of the pandemic on 3rd Degree on e.tv and the eNews Channel.
Paul McNally of Men’s Health Magazine won the MSD Health and Medical Award, Halden Krog of The Times won the Mohamed Amin Photographic Award and Beauregard Tromp of The Star won the Print General News Award.
Commendations were also given to Nicola de Chaud and Odette Schwegler of Backyard Productions for their work on M-Net's Carte Blanche; and to Hazel Friedman for SABC3's Special Assignment.
The prize for the winner: moolah and a visit to CNN Centre in Atlanta to attend the three-week CNN Journalism Fellowship. All category winners also won a laptop, printer and cash.
“I feel immensely honoured," John-Allan told the press afterwards. "I never thought this would happen. This goes to show anyone from any walk of life can stand amongst giants”.
Highlights from the event will be broadcast on various DStv Channels over the next couple of weeks, starting today (Monday, 22 July).
Here's a rundown of the line-up:
Tonight at 23h00 (CAT) CNN's BackStory will be featuring a behind-the-scenes special that gives insight into how the awards and competition are put together.
On Saturday, 25 July 2009 CNN will do a special report on the Awards on Inside Africa at 18h30 CAT.
On Thursday, 29 July 2009 M-Net (Domestic) will broadcast a special highlights show at 23h05 (CAT).
This will also be broadcast on M-Net East, M-Net West and Africa Magic:
M-Net East (W4 & IS10) on Saturday, 1 August at 21h00 CAT
M-Net West (W4 & IS10) on Saturday, 1 August at 22h00 CAT
Africa Magic on Saturday, 22 August at 19h30 CAT
Broadcasters in 44 different African countries will also be broadcasting the highlights show during August and September.
Internationally, the show will be on OBE TV and Southern Africa Direct in the UK, The Africa Channel in the United States and on RTP Africa.
The highlights show will also be screened on
CNN.com Live.