24 July 2007
Lagos — Richard M. Kavuma, from Uganda, has been awarded the top prize at this year's CNN MultiChoice African Journalist, 2007 Awards Ceremony.
Richard, who works for The Weekly Observer in Uganda won for his series of articles, assessing Uganda's performance on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were chosen from among 1670 entries from 40 nations across the African continent.
Richard was one of 26 finalists at the Awards ceremony on Saturday night and was the category winner in the MKO Abiola Print Journalist Award.
Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director, CNN International and Nolo Letele, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice South Africa presented him with the award at a gala ceremony hosted by CNN and MultiChoice at The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa on Saturday 21 July.
Richard M. Kavuma said , "In accepting this award, I dedicate it to my colleagues at The Weekly Observer in Uganda , and to my fellow journalists in Africa . This is in recognition for journalism that strives to put people at the forefront. With this award, I give my renewed dedication to act as a voice for the voiceless."
Chairperson of the Judging Panel, Joel Kibazo, said: "This was a truly impressive body of work, one the judges felt encapsulated many of the development issues and challenges that Africa continues to face today.
Nigeria's Toyin Akinosho (Africa Oil & Gas Report) won in the Economic & Business Category while Justus Nwakama (Sunday Champion) also received special commendation
Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International, said: Once again these awards have highlighted the depth and strength of African journalism. These men and women have proven that they have the courage and determination to showcase Africa's stories to the world.
Eben Greyling, Chief Executive Office, MultiChoice Africa, said: When one sees the high quality of work produced by the finalists, it shows a deep commitment to quality journalism in Africa . Journalists have clearly demonstrated their desire to ensure that their communities stay informed about the issues shaping their futures and have tackled many of the important issues which the continent is grappling with and which is not always an easy task. We thank them and congratulate them on their contributions and look forward to their continued success.
The Competition, now in its twelfth year, is held in association with South African Airways (SAA), who in addition to flying the judges to London for the judging process brought all the finalists and judges to Cape Town to attend the extensive finalists programme. Cape Town-based accommodation is provided by the official hotel sponsor The Table Bay Hotel/A Sun International Resort, Cape Town , South Africa . The event is also held in collaboration with The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
Other prestigious sponsors include: Celtel, Coca-Cola Africa; Ecobank, IPP Media; Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD); MIH Print, Safebond Africa Limited (SAL); Global Media Alliance (GMA) and Camerapix.
Highlights of the Awards ceremony will be broadcast as follows:
MNet will broadcast a highlights programme of the Award Ceremony on Saturday 28th July.
Broadcasters in 46 countries on the African continent will be transmitting the highlights programme.
Internationally, the Highlights Programme will be shown on OBE TV in the UK , The Africa Channel in the United States and on RTP Africa. Inside Africa will also air a report on the African Journalist Award on 28th July at 1730 BST / 1830 CET.
The overall CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2007 Award prize comprises a substantial cash prize, a visit to CNN Center, Atlanta, with complimentary flights courtesy of South African Airways; along with the prize awarded to all category winners, which consists of a laptop computer, modem and printer and a cash prize.
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