In the top three
The Rep among best community papers in SA
IT WAS close but no cigar for the second consecutive year as The Rep ended in the top three of the Hultzer prize for best corporate-owned community newspaper in the Sanlam and Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Awards of 2015.
The Rep, competing against titles countrywide in the category for community newspapers with a circulation of under 10 000, was listed jointly with sister newspaper Talk of the Town of Port Alfred which also falls under the Times Media umbrella and Mpumalanga News. The latter newspaper took the honours at a prestigious function at Emperors’ Palace in Johannesburg last Friday. Communications minister Faith Muhambi handed over the awards.
The Rep was also in the top three in the 2014 awards.
Times Media Community Newspapers (TMCN) Editor Sonja Raasch said while it would have been great to bring home the award, it did not diminish the sense of pride in the achievements of The Rep and Talk of the Town. “It is phenomenal to have had two TMCN titles listed in the top three of South Africa’s best community newspapers in this category. We may not have won the top prize, but the nominations show the dedication of these newspapers’ staff in producing quality titles which aim to serve the interests of their communities.”
Raasch said the Queenstown newspaper’s team, which comprises both advertising and editorial sections supported by various correspondents, had proven their dedication to excel- lence. “The hard work and long hours they put in, often under trying circumstances, to ensure that the news reaches our readership must be applauded. I would like to pay tribute to each and every staff member and contributor for their unceasing efforts to make The Rep an ever better publication. You are amazing.”
The communities served by The Rep, which include Queenstown, Lady Frere, Ilinge, Sterkstroom, Cathcart, Whittlesea, Sada, Dordrecht, Tarkastad, Stutterheim, Molteno and Cofimvaba, have been immensely supportive. “We would like to thank you for trusting us to tell your stories, for giving us feedback and information and for being so passionate about the people and issues of these areas. With your support, we trust that we will keep on showcasing the news and views from the area.”
The advertisers, as the lifeblood of any publication, needed special mention. “Without our loyal advertisers, we could not survive. While ‘thank you’ is just two little words, we hope they will convey our immense gratitude for your investment in The Rep and the people it serves.”
Other achievements in the awards included the listing of The Rep reporter, Tembile Sgqolana, in the top 10 for sports reporting. Sgqolana’s photographs also featured in the accompanying booklet detailing the best photographic entries of the awards.
Talk of the Town news editor Jon Houzet made it into the top 10 for sports reporting and was listed among the top achievers for his columns.