Magazines News South Africa

All the 2008 MPASA PICA winners

The 2008 MPASA PICA Awards were held for the second time in Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday night, 21 November 2008, attended by the glitterati of South Africa's magazine publishing history. For the first time ever, a Lifetime Achiever's Award was given out - posthumously to the late Harold Rupert Eedes, longtime industry stalwart and MD of Ramsay, Son & Parker (now RamsayMedia) who passed away from cancer earlier this year. [video]

MC Nataniel kept the awards ceremony flowing smoothly and speedily and the audience in stitches with his droll humour and pithy wisecracks. The lights of the Cape Town city bowl served as a glittering backdrop to the proceedings.

The 2008 awards saw a record number of entries - an increase of more than 100 over the previous year. Entries were significantly up in most publishing streams, with Visual Production of the Year attracting over 60 submissions. Theere were also seven new categories.

In terms of the results, newcomers to the industry fared well, with Pick n Pay Fresh Living (John Brown Publishing) earning the Pica award for Customer Magazine of the Year. Fairly-new-kids on the block, Mindshift (now published by IT Web) and Entrepreneur (Smart Business Solutions) scooped the Business-to-Business (B2B) Cover award and International Special Interest awards respectively. Destiny (Ndalo Media), Wild (TiP Publishing) and Mindshift (in addition to its PICA) also received Highly Commended accolades.

Consistent achiever

A consistent achiever in the B2B sector, The Dairy Mail (AgriConnect) bagged the Watling Trophy for Business-to-Business Magazine of the Year, while Weg!/Go! (Media24) took home the Rossi Trophy for Consumer Magazine of the Year.

Willemien von Solms of The Dairy Mail ended up with a PICA in each hand after winning Business-to-Business Editor of the Year towards the end of the evening. Abigail Murison of Clicks Clubcard (The Publishing Partnership) won Customer Editor of the Year, while Frith Thomas of Woman & Home (Caxton) won the Jane Raphaely Consumer Editor of the Year award. Thomas was lauded by the judges for consistently growing her title's circulation despite increasingly tough market conditions.

The Philip Tyler Trophy for Launch/Relaunch was won by Psychologies (Media24), with Highly Commended being awarded to both Intiem (Media in Africa) and Femina (Media24). Judge Muzi Kuzwayo, group CEO of TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris, commented that South Africa was built on bravery - and that bravery in entering a new publishing niche was a criterion that influenced the final selection.

Publishing sector judges paid particular attention to commercial performance, to the extent that those entering the Consumer Cover category (won by Media24's Finweek) had to prove that circulation had spiked in the month in which the cover was featured. A common thread running through both MPASA chairman John Relihan's opening speech and chief judge Gisele Wertheim Aymes' summary of the standard of the 2008 submissions was the need for titles to meet the demands of newly evolving technologies and media consumption trends by extending their brands to other media platforms, particularly digital and mobile.

Exceptionally high standard

Judge Mandy de Waal, a brand and content manager, commended the Editorial Excellence entrants for the superb quality of their work, much of which “could sit comfortably alongside the best international journalism”. Fellow judge Sue Grant-Marshall - author and journalist - praised the Afrikaans magazines in particular for their exceptionally high standard - De Kat clinched three Highly Commended Awards in the Profile Writer of the Year category (won by Gavin Foster for Best Life), as well as the PICA for Feature Writer of the Year (Ilse Salzwedel). Dana Snyman of Weg! was named Travel Writer of the Year.

Paul McNally of Men's Health was named Public Interest Writer of the Year - a brand new category calling for journalism that actively exposes and tackles a topical issue, making a positive impact on society.

Visi made a clean sweep of the design categories, winning not only the Décor, Crafts, Food and Gardening publishing award, but also the journalism awards for Visual Production of the Year (Tina-Marie Malherbe) and Designer of the Year (Etienne Hanekom). Judges commended Visi for being a “benchmark magazine” that keeps setting new standards for SA design. Other hot favourites were Elle Decoration (Avusa Media) - last year's Consumer Magazine of the Year winner - and Tuis/Home (Media24), which both clinched the Highly Commended publishing accolades.

Tribute

MPASA Board director Julia Raphaely honoured Harold with a tribute composed by her mother, Jane, and PICA chief judge Gisele Wertheim Aymes shared her fond memories of working alongside Eedes on the MPASA Board. Anthea Eedes, Harold's wife, closed the tribute with a moving account of his passion for the industry, indomitable spirit and philosophical outlook.

CategorySectionResultTitle/PersonPersonPublishing houseColumn
Customer publishing excellenceRetail and Consumer GoodsWinnerPick 'n Pay Fresh Living John Brown Publishing
Customer publishing excellenceRetail and Consumer GoodsHighly CommendedPlascon ColourNew Media
Customer publishing excellenceLeisure and LifestyleWinnerObrigadoThe Publishing Partnership
Customer publishing excellenceLeisure and LifestyleHighly CommendedNo highly commended
Customer publishing excellenceEducation, Health, Conservation, Safety and SecurityWinnerHip2B2 New Media
Customer publishing excellenceEducation, Health, Conservation, Safety and SecurityHighly CommendedWildTiP Publishing
Customer publishing excellenceFinance and Other Professional ServicesWinnerJSEHighbury Safika Media
Customer publishing excellenceFinance and Other Professional ServicesHighly CommendedNo highly commended
Customer publishing excellenceAnnuals, Directories, Product Guides and Special EditionsWinnerDigest of SA ArchitecturePicasso Headline, Avusa Media
Customer publishing excellenceAnnuals, Directories, Product Guides and Special EditionsHighly CommendedNedbank Golf ChallengeThe Publishing Partnership
Customer publishing excellenceSupplementsWinnerNo winner
Customer publishing excellenceSupplementsHighly CommendedClassicfeel JewelleryDeskLink Media
Customer publishing excellenceCoverWinnerDesign IndabaInteractive Africa
Customer publishing excellenceCoverHighly CommendedJSEHighbury Safika Media
Business-to-business publishing excellenceLeisure Pursuits, Business Tourism and HospitalityWinnerNo winner
Business-to-business publishing excellenceLeisure Pursuits, Business Tourism and HospitalityHighly CommendedTravel News WeeklyNow Media
Business-to-business publishing excellenceLeisure Pursuits, Business Tourism and HospitalityHighly CommendedSA HorsemanAgriConnect
Business-to-business publishing excellenceEssential ServicesWinnerNo winner
Business-to-business publishing excellenceEssential ServicesHighly CommendedDeliveryString Communication
Business-to-business publishing excellenceProfessional ServicesWinnerLeadershipCape Media Corporation
Business-to-business publishing excellenceProfessional ServicesHighly CommendedBrandBrand Africa Media
Business-to-business publishing excellenceProfessional ServicesHighly CommendedMindshiftIT Web
Business-to-business publishing excellenceResource-based IndustriesWinnerThe Dairy MailAgriConnect
Business-to-business publishing excellenceResource-based IndustriesHighly CommendedSA MiningAvusa Media
Business-to-business publishing excellenceConstruction, Engineering and Related IndustryWinnerCivil EngineeringSAICE
Business-to-business publishing excellenceConstruction, Engineering and Related IndustryHighly CommendedIMIESA3 S Media
Business-to-business publishing excellenceCoverWinnerMindshiftIT Web
Business-to-business publishing excellenceCoverHighly CommendedLeadershipCape Media Corporation
Consumer publishing excellenceGeneral InterestWinnerSarieMedia24
Consumer publishing excellenceGeneral InterestHighly CommendedDestinyNdalo Media
Consumer publishing excellenceInternational General InterestWinnerWoman & HomeCaxton
Consumer publishing excellenceInternational General InterestHighly CommendedReal Simple8 Ink Media
Consumer publishing excellenceInternational General InterestHighly CommendedSeventeen8 Ink Media
Consumer publishing excellenceSpecial InterestWinnerWeg!/Go!Media24
Consumer publishing excellenceSpecial InterestHighly CommendedAfrica GeographicAfrica Geographic
Consumer publishing excellenceSpecial InterestHighly CommendedFinweekMedia24
Consumer publishing excellenceInternational Special InterestWinnerEntrepreneurSmart Business Solutions
Consumer publishing excellenceInternational Special InterestHighly CommendedNational Geographic Kids8 Ink Media
Consumer publishing excellenceDécor, Crafts, Food and GardeningWinnerVisiNew Media
Consumer publishing excellenceDécor, Crafts, Food and GardeningHighly CommendedELLE DecorationAvusa Media
Consumer publishing excellenceDécor, Crafts, Food and GardeningHighly CommendedHome/TuisMedia24
Consumer publishing excellenceAnnuals, Directories, Product Guides and Special EditionsWinnerEat InNew Media
Consumer publishing excellenceAnnuals, Directories, Product Guides and Special EditionsHighly CommendedEat OutNew Media
Consumer publishing excellenceSupplement of the YearWinnerO - Find Your BalanceAssociated Magazines
Consumer publishing excellenceSupplement of the YearHighly CommendedCosmo Kicks Butt!Associated Magazines
Consumer publishing excellenceCoverWinnerFinweekMedia24
Consumer publishing excellenceCoverHighly CommendedELLEAvusa Media
Consumer publishing excellenceCoverHighly CommendedMove!Media24
Consumer publishing excellenceConsumer Magazines (largely free distribution)WinnerThe Property MagazineMedia Nova
Consumer publishing excellenceConsumer Magazines (largely free distribution)Highly Commendedno highly commended
Overall publishing excellenceLaunch/Relaunch - The Philip Tyler TrophyWinnerPsychologiesMedia24
Overall publishing excellenceLaunch/Relaunch - The Philip Tyler TrophyHighly CommendedFeminaMedia24
Overall publishing excellenceLaunch/Relaunch - The Philip Tyler TrophyHighly CommendedIntiemMedia in Africa
Overall publishing excellenceOnline SolutionWinnerwww.fin24.comMedia24
Overall publishing excellenceOnline SolutionHighly Commendedwww.yourparenting.co.zaAlchemy Publishing
Overall publishing excellenceOnline SolutionHighly Commendedwww.shapemag.co.zaTouchline Media
Editorial excellenceColumnist of the YearWinnerObrigadoChris RoperThe Publishing Partnership “Risky Business”
Editorial excellenceColumnist of the YearHighly CommendedManweesJean Meiring Man-weesSeries of columns
Editorial excellenceColumnist of the YearHighly CommendedMindshiftMax du Preez ITWeb“Left? What Left?”
Editorial excellenceTrade and Industry Writer of the YearWinnerMining WeeklyIrma VenterCreamer Media“Sea Change”
Editorial excellenceTravel Writer of the YearWinnerWeg!Dana SnymanMedia24“Ons Trek is Op”
Editorial excellenceTravel Writer of the YearHighly CommendedLongevityAngus BeggAvusa Media“A Taste of Darjeeling”
Editorial excellenceTravel Writer of the YearHighly CommendedWegRyBarnie LouwMedia24“Op Soek Na Khauxa!nas”
Editorial excellenceClicks Clubcard Health and Wellness Writer of the Year (sponsored by Clicks Clubcard)WinnerShapeJoanne Lillie Touchline Media“Mommy, Do I Look Fat in This?”
Editorial excellenceClicks Clubcard Health and Wellness Writer of the Year (sponsored by Clicks Clubcard)Highly CommendedMen's HealthPaul McNallyTouchline Media “Soweto Muscle Rising”
Editorial excellenceClicks Clubcard Health and Wellness Writer of the Year (sponsored by Clicks Clubcard)Highly CommendedShapeJoanne LillieTouchline Media “Dying to be Thin”
Editorial excellenceClicks Clubcard Health and Wellness Writer of the Year (sponsored by Clicks Clubcard)Highly CommendedHuisgenoot PolsMari HudsonMedia24 “Die Span Wat Dit Laat Gebeur”
Editorial excellenceVisual Production of the YearWinnerVisiTinaMarie MalherbeNew Media“Eastern Promises” and “Fragile Microcosmos”
Editorial excellenceVisual Production of the YearHighly CommendedObrigadoGeogia GardnerThe Publishing Partnership“Roll Up, Roll Up”
Editorial excellenceVisual Production of the YearHighly CommendedVisiDaryl McGregor and Kevin Mackintosh. New Media“Elephants”
Editorial excellenceDesigner of the YearWinnerVisiEtienne HanekomNew Media“Time Flies”
Editorial excellenceDesigner of the YearHighly CommendedObrigadoGeorgia GardnerThe Publishing Partnership“Snatched”
Editorial excellenceDesigner of the YearHighly CommendedTasteMark SerraNew Media“Sprigs of Verdant Mint”
Editorial excellenceDesigner of the YearHighly CommendedDe KatRonel van HeerdenAfrican Sky Publishing“Kortliks”
Editorial excellenceFeature Writer of the YearWinnerDe KatIlse SalzwedelAfrican Sky Publishing“Ons is Swart Afrikaners”
Editorial excellenceFeature Writer of the YearHighly CommendedFarmer's WeeklyStephan HoffstatterCaxton“Police in Sky Switch Crops in Old Transkei"
Editorial excellenceFeature Writer of the YearHighly CommendedMen's HealthChris ParkTouchline Media“My Friend's a Junkie”
Editorial excellenceProfile Writer of the YearWinnerBest LifeGavin FosterTouchline Media“The Dad Who Won't Forget”
Editorial excellenceProfile Writer of the YearHighly CommendedDe KatSimone ScholtzAfrican Sky Publishing“Grietjie van Garies”
Editorial excellenceProfile Writer of the YearDe KatTheo KempAfrican Sky Publishing“Die Nagjakkals van Zoar”
Editorial excellenceProfile Writer of the YearHighly CommendedDe KatLouine van der VyverAfrican Sky Publishing“Die Houtskooltowenaar”
Editorial excellencePublic Interest Writer of the YearWinnerMen's HealthPaul McNallyTouchline Media“You're HIV-Positive - Now What?"
Editorial excellencePublic Interest Writer of the YearHighly CommendedFarmer's WeeklyStephan HofstatterCaxton“SA's Looming Water Crisis”
Editorial excellencePublic Interest Writer of the YearHighly CommendedMarie ClaireLori CohenAssociated Magazines“Anyone Can Be A Victim”
Editorial excellencePublic Interest Writer of the YearHighly CommendedThe Property MagazineEd SuterMedia Nova“The Price of Indifference”
Editor of the yearEditor of the Year - Customer PublishingWinner Clicks ClubcardAbigail MurisonThe Publishing Partnership
Editor of the yearEditor of the Year - Business-to-Business PublishingWinnerThe Dairy MailWillemien von SolmsAgriConnect
Editor of the yearJane Raphaely Editor of the Year - Consumer PublishingWinnerWoman & HomeFrith ThomasCaxton
Magazine of the yearCustomer Magazine of the YearWinnerPick 'n Pay Fresh Living John Brown Publishing
Magazine of the yearBusiness-to-Business Magazine of the Year - Watling TrophyWinnerThe Dairy Mail AgriConnect
Magazine of the yearConsumer Magazine of the Year - Rossi TrophyWinnerWeg!/Go! Media24

The publisher of Wild magazine was incorrectly cited as The Publishing Partnership in the POCA Winners' Showcase magazine. The correct publishing house is TiP Publishing. MPASA regrets the error and commends the magazine on its performance at the 2008 PICA Awards.

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