Yibanathi Nhlakanipho has 6 years experience writing and curating verified entry-level jobs, internships, bursaries and career resources for South African youth. Every month, her articles on Scholarly Africa reach at least 1 million job-seekers.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMPETITION OVERVIEW
Entries are still open for the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards 2023, and qualifying journalists are invited to make submissions.
Entries close 15 September 2023
COMPETITION PRIZE MONEY
What’s at stake?
💰 Regional category winners: R5 000
💵 National category winners: R10 000
🏅 The overall winner gets an impressive R100 000
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
The competition in 2023 celebrates more than two decades of recognising authentic journalism and the challenge to rise above the booming age of generative artificial intelligence (AI).
With this new digital expansion, it is more crucial than ever to provide real and true stories to our people, recognising that every story is not just black and white, but nuanced and complex. Every story is human.
Instead of rejecting this new generation of AI, we ought to embrace it, use it wisely and leverage the technology to help tell authentic, new stories of the people of South Africa and the world.
That said, we ought to remain responsible, ensuring that reporting remains authentic and the public has access to authentic information. Authentic Information is at the core of this.
“Authentic Information”- This phrase stems from a play on the letters A.I. but reframes them to be relevant to the increasingly important role journalists play in providing factual information in modern society.
Our theme for this year focuses on taking a people-centred approach, where we acknowledge that we should not rely on automated journalism but rather on reporting that is authentic. In this day of so much generative content, real stories written by real people still have the power to change the world in the way only humans can.
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
Young Journalist
Those eligible for this category may enter up to three pieces as part of their entry. They may enter any other category as well but they should note that only two entries are permitted per entrant per category.
Radio
A copy of the broadcast must be uploaded in .wav, .mp3 or .ai format together with a full script and an English transcript.
Television
A copy of the broadcast must be uploaded onto YouTube or Vimeo and the link provided together with a full script and an English transcript.
A scan of the published version of the article must be uploaded in .pdf format. Note that this should clearly indicate the dateline and publication name as proof of publication.
Online Journalism
Entrants must provide full-page screen shots of the story in digital format, PDF files showing the full text, images and links, and copies of any of the videos used with the story. If the story is still available online, links must be provided on the VJOY website entry form.
Photography
Photograph(s) should be submitted in .pdf, .jpg or .jpeg (at least 72dpi and 1024 x 768 resolution) in the original colour or black and white in which it was shot. To indicate to the judges the relevance of the photograph(s) to a story or headline, and as proof of publication of the photograph(s), a .pdf scan of the published article (clearly showing dateline and publication name) must also be submitted.
- The maximum upload size of a file is 400MB.
- 300DPI Jpegs preferred or link (not behind firewalls)
- 10 published pictures per entry only.
- NB unpublished pictures will not qualify for judging.
- No videography can be submitted for the photography category.
There is no fee to enter the awards.
Any entry not fulfilling the criteria stated herein may be disqualified.
WHAT TO ENTER
For all entries, it is compulsory to provide proof:
- Proof of publication or broadcast, clearly showing date when this occurred.
- Name(s) and contact details of the journalist(s) whose work is entered.
- Acknowledgement of all who worked on the entry and their permission to enter the work in VJOY 2023.
- Motivation giving the background and context of how the work was researched, developed and produce and any impact that the entry might have had.
- Books, theses and films are not eligible for entry.
HOW TO ENTER
Any entry not fulfilling the criteria stated herein may be disqualified.
Start the entry process by registering online on the Vodacom Journalist of the Year website, providing your personal details and information on the piece(s) you will submit.
When you receive confirmation of your registration, log into the VJOY website and upload your entries and accompanying background details.
All entries uploaded online must adhere to required technical specifications listed below. WeTransfers are NOT permitted.
Please refer to the relevant buttons below for further details.
Yibanathi Nhlakanipho has 6 years experience writing and curating verified entry-level jobs, internships, bursaries and career resources for South African youth. Every month, her articles on Scholarly Africa reach at least 1 million job-seekers.
