IOL’s multimedia journalist, Robin-Lee Francke has come out victorious after bagging two awards at the Western Cape’s 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards.
Francke was awarded for her live reporting/ breaking news when covering the Joshlin Smith missing case.
Her second award went to her Lifestyle reporting on the piece titled “Thinking of adopting or becoming a safety or foster parent in South Africa? Here are all the details you need to know”
More than 1,200 entries were received from journalists around the country as they shared examples of their best work from the past year.
"As we commemorate 30 years of democracy in South Africa, we are reminded of the importance of media as the fourth estate that is crucial to our democracy. Ethical, independent and critical journalism holds those in power accountable and brings transparency to affairs that matter, said director for External Affairs at Vodacom South Africa, Takalani Netshitenzhe.
“Coinciding with 30 years of democracy, Vodacom South Africa celebrates 30 years of connecting South Africans and we are proud to be continuing our legacy of honouring excellence in journalism across a range of categories, recognising some of South Africa’s finest reporters and most newsworthy stories. Support for journalism remains paramount as the sustainability of journalism creates well-informed and connected societies," Netshitenzhe added.
Meanwhile, IOL editor, Lance Witten, said he was proud of what Francke has done for IOL.
“I’ve worked with Robin for a number of years and followed her career closely as her colleague within our media group, always noting her tenacity and her willingness to learn and grow.
“Robin is fully deserving of the accolades and has shown incredible potential, particularly in the last year where she has proven herself capable of leadership, guiding and mentoring her less experienced colleagues, while honing her own craft. I’m very proud to have Robin on my team and celebrate her success along with her supportive colleagues,” said Witten.
The Western Cape winners:
Live reporting/ breaking news – Robin-Lee Francke from IOL for “Joshlin Smith”
Investigative – Caryn Dolley from Daily Maverick for "SA's drug dons - where they are now”
Opinion – Don Pinnock from Daily Maverick for “Trading in wild things: Major rethink required, for biodiversity’s sake”
Lifestyle – Robin-Lee Francke from IOL for “Thinking of adopting or becoming a safety or foster parent in South Africa? Here are all the details you need to know”
Features – Willemien Brümmer from Netwerk24 for a series on neurodiversity
Photography – Ayanda Ndamane from Cape Times for “Pro-Palestine and Pro-Israel supporters clashed with Police”
Sport – Nick Dall from Financial Mail for “White-washing the history of black rugby”
Financial and Economics – Susan Comrie from AmaBhungane for “The gas oligarchs”
Politics – Catherine Rice with contributors Dan Clayton, Erin Bates and Greg Nelson from Carte Blanche for “Knysna Collapse”
Sustainability – Victoria O'Regan with contributor Kristin Engel from Daily Maverick for “Taking stock – staggering scale of Western Cape wildfires as fire season continues to rage”
Innovation in journalism – Andrew Thompson from Financial Mail for “Opening salvoes in the Amazon vs Takealot battle”
Young Journalist nominee for the Western Cape region went to Joel Ontong from News24 who will also compete for the national Young Journalist of the Year Award.
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