Entry deadline for Sanlam Financial Journalism Awards looms

This year entries can be submitted in five different categories and must feature work published and/or broadcast between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015. Four of the categories, namely Business and Companies; Economy; Financial Markets and Consumer Financial Education, are open to South African journalists only.

The fifth category - the African Growth Story - is open to all journalists who practise in Africa and whose work is published and/ or broadcast on the continent. These entries should highlight the continent's economic awakening as well as the obstacles and challenges to growth in terms of investments, infrastructural development and economic progress.

Kenya's Business Daily journalist, Neville Otuki won the Best Newcomer award in 2014 based on his strong entry for the African Growth Story category. He says, "These Awards provide a robust platform for journalists across the continent to grow their experience, and are a powerful tool for injecting a spirit of professionalism and competency among financial journalists throughout Africa. I entered last year because I believed the Awards would offer me the best chance to share with the continent Kenya's growth story, as well as give me a platform for growth."

Neville Otuki (right) accepting his award last year

The special awards - Best Newcomer, Lifetime Achievement and Financial Journalist of the Year - are determined by the judging panel based on entries received in the five available categories. The judges will also select the best performers in each discipline/medium (online, print, radio and television).

The judging panel will evaluate entries based on news value, impact, rigour in reporting, analytical value, originality, integrity, specialist knowledge and storytelling.

More information can be found at the dedicated Awards website.