Comments Dot Field, chief communication officer at Vodacom, "Vodacom is pleased to once again be involved with these awards. I know that they play a vital role in highlighting those women who make a difference in our media industry and that the number of women in important positions is increasing every year. Vodacom is thrilled to be a part of this."
Nominations are called for in the following categories – Vodacom Women in The Media Award, the Rising Star Award which applauds the efforts of women under the age of 30 who are already making an impact in the media industry, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Last year, industry heavyweight and then CEO of Media 24 Patricia Scholtemeyer walked away with the top honour of the Vodacom Women in The Media Award 2007, while editor of SABC Television's business and economics desk Siki Mgabadeli was presented with the Vodacom Rising Star Award. Veteran journalist Joyce Sikhakhane was the recipient of the Vodacom Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging her substantial contribution to the industry. Previous winners also include the editor-in-chief of Mail & Guardian Ferial Haffejee and Libby Lloyd, then CEO of the Media Development & Diversity Trust.
The closing date for nominations is 15 May 2008 and forms are available on www.lizmedia.co.za/witm/nominate.htm. Nominees will be judged on their exceptional contribution to growth and development of the media in the past 18 months. Influential women from all media sectors, including research, business, editorial, sales and education, may enter, whether their influence be political, economic, social or cultural.
The awards ceremony will take place at Summer Place, Johannesburg, on 29 July 2008.
