Avanti Awards 2002 put on hold

Following major concerns expressed by a number of prominent individuals in the video & television industry about the Avanti Awards 2001, a special meeting was called in Gauteng in the hope of addressing these concerns and reaching consensus and a better understanding of the way forward. 30 individuals attended this meeting, representing a cross section of companies/business that have supported the Avanti Awards over a number of years.

The NTVA initiated a National competition 21 years ago, which has grown to become the AVANTI ® Awards, as they are known today. It was pointed out that the Avanti Awards had outgrown the NTVA, which agrees that a national asset, such as the Avanti Awards, should be under the control of an umbrella body such as the proposed Federation.

In the interim, it was Agreed that a task team be selected to consult with other industry bodies and then formulate a proposal on the future of the Avanti Awards for the benefit of all in the Video, Television and New Media Industries.

To enable this process to be thoroughly and equitably developed, it was possible that 2002 would not see the staging of the Avanti Awards, but that this time would be better used in establishing a solid foundation from which the Avanti Awards could be managed into the future, taking into account the massive responsibility that these awards carry and the growing pains that they had experienced in the past.

The NTVA and all those present at this crucial meeting agreed that the South African Industry needed recognition of its achievements to encourage development and award excellence.

The AVANTI ® Awards shall be completely overhauled with a focus to be inclusive of the broader industry bodies and thus continue to ensure the vital role of an independent industry owned event.