Entries from 975 journalists from 40 countries throughout Africa (including Lusophone and Francophone countries) were received for this year’s CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 Competition, now in its 15th year.
Here are the 27 finalists from 15 countries:
· Halima Abdallah Kisule, East African, Uganda
· Kofi Akpabli, freelance for Daily Graphic, Ghana
· Njaka Andriamahery, TV Plus, Madagascar
· Pelu Awofeso, freelance for NEXT on Sunday, Nigeria
· Najlae Benmbarek, 2M TV, Maroc
· Teresa Chirwa, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Malawi
· DispatchOnline Team, Daily Dispatch, South Africa
· Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder SIMBA Radio, Somalia
· Thanduxolo Jika, Daily Dispatch, South Africa
· Zipporah Karani, KTN, Kenya
· Charles Kariuki, World Vision Kenya for NTV
· Alexandre Lebel Ilboudo, Le Patriote, Cote d’Ivoire
· Lucas Ledwaba, DRUM, South Africa
· Tsitsi Matope, Public Eye, Lesotho
· Emmanuel Mayah, Daily Sun, Nigeria
· Kassim Mohamed, Star FM, Kenya
· Oarabile Mosikare, Botswana for Mail & Guardian, South Africa
· Francis Mugo Mwangi, freelance for NTV, Kenya
· Boniface Mwangi, freelance for The Star, Kenya
· Rose Ramsay, eNews, South Africa
· Sam Rogers, e.tv, South Africa
· Sergio Jose Sitoe, Rede de Comuniaçao Miramar, Moçambique
· Leon Ssenyange, NTV, Uganda
· Lamia Tagzout, El Watan, Algerie
· Sebastiao Vemba, Novo Jornal, Angola
· Kaara Wainaina, NTV, Kenya
· Roseline Wangui, NTV, Kenya
The winners of the competition will be announced at an Award Ceremony and Gala Evening in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday, 29 May 2010.
This year the recipient of the Free Press Africa Award is Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder of SIMBA Radio in Mogadishu and founder of Somali Media for Peace and Development (SOMEPED). He is awarded this prize for his work in Somalia including the “Peace Journalism’ initiative which he launched with the help of fellow Somali journalists. The Award is also in recognition of all the journalists in Somalia who have put their lives at risk in telling the story. There are nine journalists who died during 2009 whilst fulfilling their professional duties:
Announcing the finalists, chair of the independent judging panel Joel Kibazo said: “2010 is a record breaking year for entries to these awards. Not only do the numbers continue to grow each year, but the standard rises too. I was particularly impressed by the increasing number of journalists that crossed borders in pursuit of stories. This maturing of journalism, across the continent, combined with technological advances, created a greater body of work and made the awards more exciting to judge.’
Reflecting on the role of the awards, Kibazo added: "The competition is now truly established as a way for African journalists to better their lives. I firmly believe the quality and number of people entering reflects the fact that the awards offer a fantastic opportunity to change an individual’s future.’
The independent judging panel, chaired by Joel Kibazo, journalist and media consultant includes: Ikechukwu Amaechi, Editor, Daily Independent, Nigeria; Jean-Paul Gerouard, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, France 3 TV; Ferial Haffajee, Editor-in-Chief, City Press, South Africa; Arlindo Lopes, Secretary General, Southern African Broadcasting Association; Jose Luis Mendonça, Press Counsellor, Angolan Permanent Delegation to UNESCO; Zipporah Musau, Managing Editor, Magazines, The Standard Group Ltd, Kenya; Kim Norgaard, CNN Bureau Chief, South Africa.
Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International said: “The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, coinciding with CNN celebrating 30 years as the world’s pioneering news provider. As CNN encourages, promotes and recognises excellence in journalism at all levels, we are particularly pleased to be able to support journalists who represent our future. I have witnessed the quality and excellence of work in this competition strengthen year on year, and am proud that it continues to maintain its place as the most prestigious Pan African journalist awards.’
Nico Meyer, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice South Africa, said:’ MultiChoice is especially proud to partner with CNN in hosting the 2010 Journalist of the Year awards. It occurs at a prestigious time in the continent’s history. All eyes will be on South Africa and it is imperative that journalists are encouraged and supported to tell the African story with passion and excellence.’
