Top financial, property journalists acknowledged

Apart from taking the overall prize, De Klerk also won the section Markets and Companies: magazines and weekly newspapers with his investigations, research and findings on the Sharemax saga. He was also a finalist in two sections from the 2010 competition.

Sanlam presented an honorary award for lifelong service to journalism veteran Bert Ferreira of Sake24. On presenting the award for lifelong service, Sanlam Ltd chairman Desmond Smith said, "In the 37 years of the competition, Sanlam has, on recommendation of the adjudicators, twice presented special awards for lifelong or special contributions to financial journalism.

"The first honorary award was made to the late Harold Fridjohn, of the Rand Daily Mail. The second was made to Martin Weltz, editor of Noseweek. I am pleased to make only the third such special award tonight and that is to Bert Ferreira - a veteran journalist in the South African media landscape. The lifelong service award recognises exceptional dedication and achievement in financial journalism."

As a PR practitioner in 1974, Fereira assisted in developing the framework for the Sanlam Financial Journalism Awards. His career in journalism started in 1951 and now, 60 years later, Ferreira writes a regular column on the world economy for Sake24.

All the Sanlam Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism winners

This year, the competition attracted 109 entries (one short of the previous year's tally) from 70 journalists representing 25 different publications, online news services and radio and television stations. Award judges were: Prof Anton Harber, Maud Motanyane,•Ulrich Joubert, Reg Rumney, Conrad Sidego, Caroline Southey, Hein Swart and Peter Vundla.

The annual Sanlam Awards were introduced in 1974 to acknowledge the indispensable role of financial journalism in society and to promote the high standards required of financial journalists. Sanlam supports two other annual journalism initiatives, the Sanlam Summer School for Financial Journalists and the Community Press Awards. For more, go to www.sanlam.co.za/wps/wcm/connect/sanlam_en/Sanlam/Sponsorships/Media/. Some of the winning entries will soon be available on www.journalism.co.za.

L to R: Athelea Minnaar, Hermans & Romans Property Solutions (sponsors); Sandy Welch, editor of The Property Magazine (winner of best property publication); Thabang Mokopanele, Business Day (winner of best property news journalist); Joan Muller, Finweek (winner of the best property feature journalist) and Marna van der Walt, SAPOA Property Journalism Awards chairperson and CEO of JHI

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SAPOA Journalism Awards

Mokopanele won Best Property News Journalist for his informative and easy-to-understand style of writing. Judges commended him for providing a consistently balanced view, taking into consideration the different perspectives of the topics tackled. The issues he covered were considered thought-provoking, topical and pertinent.

Judges expressed praise for Muller's well-written and presented articles, which showed excellent attention to detail. Her use of numerous informative sources in articles made for interesting reading and demonstrated excellent research and factual accuracy. Her knowledge of the listed property sector was commended, as well has her ability to combine original work with facts and figures. Also noted wa her courage in tackling subjects, which resulted in articles that make a strong statement.

Judges highlighted the Property Magazine's interesting and diverse content, readability, strong visual appeal and expansive reader interest, all underpinned by its highly attractive layout, style and design.

Entries for 2011 were of such a high standard that a number of special citations were made by the judges. Adrienne Brookbanks from Walls and Roofs received a special mention in the Feature Journalist of the Year category for her informative and well-researched articles. In addition, South African Property Review also received special commendation in the Best Property Publication category.

Judges

Judges were Hermans & Roman Property Solutions business development manager Athalea Minnaar, JHI CEO Marna van der Walt, Broll GM research and marketing Sanett Uys, Stanlib head of property funds Keillen Ndlovu and Property Sector Charter Council CEO Portia Tau-Sekati.

"We are continuously delighted to see the quality of the property journalism which is entered each year, and the extensive participation from the journalists is greatly encouraging," said SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal. "The participation in the awards affirms the status of property journalism as a unique and specialised discipline, which continues to grow."

The South African Property Owners Association Property Journalism Awards are sponsored by Hermans & Roman Property Solutions.

Sanlam Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism information added at 10.17 on 13 May 2011.