Durban – Cape Times editor Siyavuya Mzantsi has bagged top honours in two categories at the International News Media Association’s inaugural 30 Under 30’s awards for rising stars in the global news media industry.
INMA announced the winners during a virtual ceremony on Thursday.
More than 160 nominations were received from 20 countries and Mzantsi won in the leadership category (the other categories were advertising, audience, content+product and business intelligence). Mzantsi also won the grand prize for Africa.
Mzantsi comes from humble beginnings in Tsolo, a small town in the Eastern Cape, also home to Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi. He launched his journalism career as an intern at Independent Media and has quickly climbed up the ranks since then.
Before being named the first black African editor of the Cape Times in its 143-year history last year, he had shown his versatility as a journalist by serving as a multimedia reporter, content producer, news editor, and assistant editor.
His appointment to editor at the age of 26 also makes him the youngest editor in the news media group and possibly in Africa. He has been recognised for his bold voice, which includes winning the regional Vodacom Journalist of the Year for his work on racial inequalities and the marginalisation of women.
He is dedicated to bringing more black women into the newsroom while also reaching under-served communities.
“The day this publication becomes accessible to children of gardeners and domestic workers, the lowly paid in our society, is the day I would have achieved my goal,” he said.
The judges also selected six young professionals as regional grand prize winners.
Other shortlisted Indy candidates included:
MaryAnne Isaac – Studio Independent
Tara Isaacs – Cape Community Newspapers
Lubabalo Grant Poswa – African News Agency
Londiwe Gumede – Studio Independent
Dhivana Rajgopaul – IOL
Criteria for selection included being under 30 years of age, early career achievements, insights into innovation, ability to influence, and likely management skills.
INMA’s Young Professionals Initiative was set up to look at how to engage under-30 rising stars to help them elevate the news media, guide the INMA community, and bring new life and energy to an industry undergoing transformation.
Brandstories Disclaimer:
Brandstories is not liable for the contents of the information published on this platform. The information which subscribers publish on this website is for general information purposes only and Brandstories facilitates the ability for viewers and subscribers to access this platform. Subscribers who publish their content on Brandstories are held responsible for their own content. This includes ensuring that it is factually accurate, grammatically correct, free of spelling errors, and does not contain unsavoury content that could result in legal action. In the case of linguistic translations, the onus is on the client to ensure that the translation is accurate. In no event does Brandstories make representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information supplied and published. This website includes links to other websites, including third party websites. Brandstories does not recommend, endorse or support any views that are held by subscribers publishing information, and within these links provided. Furthermore, Brandstories does not have control over the nature, contents and availability of information contained on these sites. Any form of reliance readers and consumers may place on information published on Brandstories is strictly at their own risk. Brandstories makes every effort to ensure that the website is up and running smoothly at all times, however Brandstories does not take responsibility for, and will not be held liable for times when the website is temporarily unavailable due to technical glitches that are beyond our control.