2 October 2008
FOUR Standard newspaper journalists were last Friday crowned among some of Zimbabwe's finest journalists at the 2007 National Journalistic and Media Awards (Njama).
Entertainment Reporter, John Mokwetsi scooped two awards in the categories, Arts and Entertainment and Environment, Business reporter Jennifer Dube was the overall winner in the tourism and hospitality category, Senior reporter Bertha Shoko was joint runner up in the HIV/AIDS category while Photographer Boldwill Hungwe was winner in the Photojournalism category. Hungwe earlier this year won the World Press Photo award with a picture of a man fleeing the anti-riot police in Machipisa, Highfield.
Hungwe also won the 2006 Njama photojournalist of the year award.
In their detailed report, the judges said the four reporters submitted "very good" articles, which "touched the relevelant subjects of the day and the stories were well balanced."
Hungwe said: "I felt humbled and honoured to be recognised for my efforts. It was an extremely difficult photo to take but I had to do it. Receiving a pocket size Canon from the Netherlands Embassy was ironic in that Canon earlier this year gave me a camera after realising how difficult it was for me to operate as a photojournalist whilst using a small camera because i did not have the equipment."
Mokwetsi said he was ecstatic and felt that he won because of a lot of support from the Editor, Davison Maruziva and colleagues at the newspaper.
"I think I deserved to win. I worked hard last year and had a lot of support from workmates and my editor who has respect for the arts pages. I mention the arts because I have a passion for that beat. I was pleasantly surprised that I won the environmental reporting award. Given that the category had the most entries it was flattering that the judges would call my story 'brilliant'."
Dube said she felt happy that her efforts had been rewarded and was motivated to keep on working hard.
She said: "I hope the readers share this happiness with me. I did it for them and I wrote for them. This award justifies their faith in me. We worked hard as a newspaper and I feel the accolade is a reflection of how serious we value our work.
Shoko who is a multi-award winning journalist said it was gratifying when people take notice of one's work.
"Nothing is as good as knowing that you are reaching out to people. Issues to do with HIV/AIDS are of paramount importance. I write them because they touch everyone."
The four walked away with various monetary prizes and a trophy as well as certificates.
Present at the glittering ceremony was the President of the Senate, Cde Edna Madzongwe, and the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Lovemore Moyo. Sponsors from the business community and non-governmental organisations graced the occasion.
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