Sam Rogers, from South Africa, has been awarded the top prize at this year’s CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 Awards Ceremony.
Sam Rogers, Executive Producer of Factuals – Crime and Investigation Unit, e.tv, won for her story ‘Curse of the Nobody People’, which was chosen from among 2074 entries from 40 nations across the African continent. ‘Curse of the Nobody People’ features on the discrimination and sometimes shocking fate of albinos in Tanzania.
Sam Rogers was one of 27 finalists at the Awards ceremony on Saturday evening and was a winner in the category ‘Television Features Award’.
The Awards, which rotate location each year in tribute to their pan-African credentials, were held at an Awards Ceremony and Gala Evening in Kampala, Uganda this evening, Saturday 29th May 2010.
His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni; Collins Khumalo, President, MultiChoice Africa and Parisa Khosravi, Senior Vice President of international newsgathering for CNN Worldwide presented Sam Rogers with the Award.
Sam Rogers said: “I’m astounded, very honoured and so glad the story has a platform. People can now see what’s really going on. The truth has been outed.”
Chair of the judging panel, journalist and media consultant Joel Kibazo said: “The journalist told the story with care and sensitivity. She did deep research covering all the angles including the victims, traditional doctors and even the police and the local media. The victims were given a voice and also overcame risks in telling the story. It is a complete piece of work”.
Parisa Khosravi, Senior Vice President of International Newsgathering for CNN Worldwide, said: “Each year, the men and women who enter these awards prove that they have the determination, professionalism and courage to showcase Africa’s stories to the world. In doing so, they highlight the depth and strength of journalism across the continent.”
Collins Khumalo, President MultiChoice Africa, said: “We are very proud to once again partner with CNN International to recognize and encourage excellence in journalism in Africa. The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Awards have become one of the continent’s biggest and most coveted journalism awards and celebrate the hard work, talent, sacrifice and the dedication that the best among our journalists commit to their work. The awards have grown significantly over the years and we have witnessed previous winners become internationally recognized for their talent and hard work – watching their rise to fame as respected reporters on Africa has made our investment in these awards truly rewarding. It is a great honour to be in Kampala hosting these awards for the very first time.”
Nico Meyer, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice South Africa, said: “As all eyes turn to South Africa this month, it is imperative that journalists are encouraged and supported to tell the African story with passion and excellence. These awards help us to recognise those great stories. This is without a doubt, Africa’s year and we look forward to celebrating more great examples of passion and integrity in journalism next year.”
The evening also recognised Mustafa Haji Abdinur as this year’s recipient of the Free Press Africa Award, 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:
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