Vuyokazi Nkanjeni, a sports writer for The Herald, received the Journalist of the Year award at the Eastern Cape Sport and Recreation Achiever Awards, hosted at the East London International Convention Centre on Friday, 29 September, 2023.
Nkanjeni won over other finalist colleagues including George Byron from The Herald, and Anathi Wulushe from Daily Dispatch.
Nkanjeni expressed surprise at her win, saying:
“I was really shocked when my name was called out as the winner. I didn’t think I would win this year because I was up against tough opponents in my category.”
Sport Journalist of the Year (Print Media) Vuyokazi Nkanjeni
According to Nkanjeni, her ability to cover a range of sports contributed to her win. “Although my job title says soccer writer, I cover other sports codes as well, like boxing and athletics,” she said.
Throughout her career, Nkanjeni has faced challenges as a female sports reporter. She noted that people sometimes don’t take her seriously, especially in print media. “I sometimes struggle to get interviews with coaches and players for match previews or other general stories,” she said.
The Shoulders of those Went go Before
Nkanjeni attributes her success to mentors in the industry. “Sisi Carol Tshabalala and Kass Naidoo have really paved the way for many female reporters,” she acknowledged. She also offers advice to aspiring sports journalists to keep an open mind and be willing to learn new things.
Under the guidance of her editor, Alvin Reeves, Nkanjeni plans to continue expanding her skills. She credits him as her role model and mentor. As she celebrates her achievement, Nkanjeni remains focused on her journalistic responsibilities and looks forward to a successful career ahead.
The awards recognise individuals, federations and teams that excel both on and off the field for the period June 1 2022 to June 30 2023.
Veteran Proteas women’s all-rounder Marizanne Kapp was a stand-out women’s sport candidate, walking away with the event’s Sportswoman of the Year accolade, in absentia in view of her participation in the Proteas Women ODI series win in Pietermaritzburg, on Thursday.
Also receiving honours on the day were Sportswoman of the Year for Persons with a Disability, Sinesipho Mahlatshana for her Para-Athletics successes; the iconic runner Susanna Burri receiving the Sportswoman of the Year-Golden Age; Presenter of the Year went to Noloyiso Bonga for her Electronic Media work; and Disability Sports’ Jean Miggels won the Administrator of the Year accolade.
Winners at the Eastern Cape Sport and Recreation Achiever Awards at the East London International Convention Centre on Friday, 29 September, 2023:
Sportswoman of the Year: Marizanne Kapp (Cricket)
Sportswoman of the Year for Persons with a Disability: Sinesipho Mahlatshana (Para-Athletics)
Sportswoman of the Year-Golden Age: Susanna Burri (Athletics & Road-Running)
Sport Journalist of the Year: Vuyokazi Nkanjeni (Print Media)
Presenter of the Year: Noloyiso Bonga (Electronic Media)
Administrator of the Year: Jean Miggels (Disability Sports)
Photo Caption: The Herald sports writer Vuyokazi Nkanjeni smiles with her Journalist of the Year award, at the Eastern Cape Achiever Awards ceremony on Friday, 28 September, 2023. Photo: Supplied
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