Apply now for Sampson journalism award

Reporting projects entered into the awards must continue in the spirit of those early Drum days and be journalism that is original, topical and imaginative, that sets out to expose and explain.

During his term, the magazine captured the spirit of the times with its bold coverage of jazz, gangsters, shebeens and the celebration of black heroes. Sampson worked with many of the finest writers and photographers the country has seen, including Henry Nxumalo, Nat Nakasa, Todd Matshikiza, Can Themba, Bob Gosani and Jurgen Schadeberg, and pioneered a powerful, first-person narrative style of reporting and investigation, with the 'Mr Drum' character going to prison or working on farms to expose appalling conditions.

Applicants should submit a proposal of 500 words, a CV, a writing sample and a covering letter by email to by the closing date of 31 March 2010.