This year’s Telkom awards were described as “deviating from the norm” by master of ceremonies, Peter Ndovu, as he introduced a new award for outstanding service and contribution to Highway Africa.
This year’s Telkom awards were described as “deviating from the norm” by master of ceremonies, Peter Ndovu, as he introduced a new award for outstanding service and contribution to Highway Africa.
A total of seven individuals were awarded the title of Highway Africa Fellow at the beginning of the ceremony for: “Selfless contribution to the vision and loyalty to the conference and behaving as a brand ambassador for Highway Africa”.
Amina Frense, Elizabeth Barratt, Adam Clayton Powell III, Jovial Rantao, Cheriff Moumina Sy, Mathatha Tsedu and Joe Alfers were chosen by the steering committee as exemplary in these areas.
The youth of South African journalism were then given the chance to display what they had learnt over the Future Journalism Programme (FJP) course this weekend as they played a video showing their time spent together.
“I’m worried about my job now,” Ndovu joked as the FJP students received their certificates from Prof Larry Strelitz and Prof Anthea Garman, from the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies.
Lize McCourt, Chief Operating Officer for the Department of Environmental Affairs, took to the stage and relayed a special message for journalists, young and old. She encouraged them to use social media to tackle serious social issues which affect all of us.
McCourt spoke specifically to the issue of rhino poaching and how certain campaigns and discussions could be initiated by everyone in the room by acting as an online collective.
The ceremony also focused on a particular project run by the US Embassy in Zimbabwe that focuses on giving women journalists a chance to sharpen their skills and work towards a non-gendered media future. Karren Kelley, Counsellor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy in Zimbabwe, was present to award women who had participated in the programme.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University, Dr Sizwe Mabizela, proceeded to heartedly thank the various speakers for attending and giving the audience pertinent topics to think about.
It was finally time to “party all night” at the Telkom dinner: something Ndovu promised would come in celebration of the ceremony and those who received awards.
