Chris Cramer, Managing Director, CNN International and Nolo Letele, CEO MultiChoice, South Africa, presented him with the award at a gala ceremony hosted by CNN in partnership with MultiChoice and in association with SAA as well as the Awards sponsors, at The Safari Park Hotel and Casino, Kenya, on Saturday evening, 25 June 2005.
Chairperson of the Judging Panel, Joel Kibazo, said: "This year's entries echo, more than ever, the spirit and diversity of the African continent. Each finalist should be proud in the knowledge that their work represents the best journalism not only in Africa but the world as a whole."
"What we see in Kinyua's story is a powerful piece of journalism in which the journalist tackles an unobvious subject. Kinyua showed courage in facing up to a rather difficult topic. Treating it with the kind of sensitivity it needed, to help the viewer understand the issues involved, and feel educated at the end of it," added Kibazo. "This was journalism at its best."
The overall CNN MultiChoice Africa Journalist 2005 prize comprises a three-week professional programme at CNN Centre, Atlanta, with complimentary flights courtesy of South African Airlines; along with the prize awarded to all category winners, which consists of a laptop computer, modem and printer and an additional cash prize.
"These journalists join an ever-increasing number of professionals recognised by their peers over the last 10 years. They've become part of a new community of excellence, representing the best in African journalism and maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity," said Cramer.
Nolo Letele, CEO MultiChoice South Africa commented, "we are exceptionally proud to partner with CNN in giving recognition to outstanding African journalists for their tireless work and search for the truth. MultiChoice would like to congratulate all the finalists and award winners of this prestigious competition. Their high standard and quality of journalism is a credit to the media industry and provides a wonderful example of best practice principles for the rest of the industry."
"MultiChoice looks forward to partnering with CNN next year, for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2006 awards," added Letele.
As partners in the competition, South African Airways have provided all the flights for the finalists and judges arriving from across the continent. Other African companies on board as sponsors include: African Development Bank, Camerapix, Celtel International (mobile operators), CTS Group, Global Media Alliance (GMA), IPP Media, Johnnic Communications, Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD), and The Safari Park Hotel and Casino.
Highlights from the night will be broadcast on terrestrial television in more than 20 countries across the continent.
ARTS & CULTURE AWAR:
Roselyne Wangui Wanyiri, Nation Television, Kenya
Topic: "Machizi" The Heroes
BUSINESS & ECONOMICS AWAR:
Ntai Bagshaw, Daily Independent, Nigeria,
Topic: Nigeria's Quest for Growth: The future is gas! - Economics of Nigeria's corruption, its incidence, costs and consequences - Body of work
ENVIRONMENT AWAR:
Sarah Kimani/Orto Sori Orto, Nation Television, Kenya
Topic: Depletion of Mau Forest
FRANCOPHONE GENERAL NEWS AWARD: TV/RADIO
Mohamed Saïm, Radio Nationale Algérienne, Algérie
Topic: Carnet de Route Alger-Djanet
FRANCOPHONE GENERAL AWARD: PRINT/PHOTOGRAPHIC
Nadia Lamlili, L'Economiste
Topic: Quand je serai grand, je veux être migrant
MSD - HEALTH & MEDICAL AWARD:
Angelo Kinyua, Medeva for KBC, Kenya
Topic: Cancer
M.K.O. ABIOLA PRINT JOURNALIST AWARD
Benjamin Joffe-Walt, Freelance, South Africa
Topic: Fishtailing in rebellion
MOHAMED AMIN PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARD
Debbie Yazbek, The Star, South Africa
Topic: Finding Peace in Retirement
RADIO AWARD
Hilary Mbobe, for InterWorld Radio, Malawi Broadcast Corporation
Topic: Debts and Daughters
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS TOURISM AWARD
Sakina Datoo, Jambo, Tanzania
Topic: A Stunning World under the Sea Chumbe: The Marine Treasure
SPORT AWARD
Jessica Pitchford, Special Assignment, SABC, South Africa
Topic: Running on Empty
TELEVISION GENERAL NEWS AWARD - FEATURE
Julie Kelly/Nicole Troll for Carte Blanche, M-Net, South Africa
Topic: Stealing Dockets
TV GENERAL NEWS AWARD - NEWS BULLETIN
Nkepile Mabuse, e.tv, South Africa
Topic: Bridge Story
LUSOPHONE GENERAL NEWS
José Luis Mendonça, Freelance for Africa Lusófona Magazine, Angola
Topic: Armas escondidas continuam a matar
FREE PRESS - AFRICA AWARD
Deyda Hydara, Awarded posthumously, accepted on behalf of his widow, Mariam Hydara
