Weg! editor-in-chief honoured for exceptional journalism

Says Hein Brand, managing director for Media24, "Booyens appointed the very best writers and creative people and then proceeded to mould them into a team focused on providing the target market with an exceptional magazine.

"He judged the mood and needs of his audience and developed the content with an almost ruthless focus on honest, unbiased and accurate writing. The relaxed, jovial tone of the magazine (a fine testament to his sense of humour) belies the fact that it requires intense, meticulous attention to detail to consistently deliver the highest possible quality and to inspire others to do the same. And then to deliver at this level month after month," Brand adds.

"Booyens' dedication went beyond what is normally expected of an editor. He pushed and cajoled and inspired colleagues to offer exceptional service to subscribers and readers and personally signed each letter welcoming a new subscriber to the family. He supported the advertising sales team with enthusiasm in building the brand without ever compromising the integrity of the editorial content or the magazine".