Finalists in MDDA-Sanlam Local Media Awards announced

Lumko Mtimde, Chief Executive of the MDDA says community journalism plays an important role in South Africa today. Image: Grub Street

A total of 89 finalists have been selected from the 750 entries received for the 2013 awards, with 64 for print and 24 in the broadcast section.

The winners will be announced at a gala event to present the awards on Friday at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.

Sanlam's Head of Group Communications, Ainsley Moos, in a statement, congratulated the finalists and thanked the journalists and media organisations for entering and supporting the awards.

"We recognise that the healthy competition and the success of the awards are sustained by the enthusiastic participation and commitment to the awards by the community media across South Africa. In return, we remain committed to providing the resources and the platform for these important awards."

Chief Executive of the MDDA, Lumko Mtimde said they had secured a great team of experienced individuals for the two panels of judges.

"We are also grateful to them for the sterling job they continue to do to ensure that there is rigorous and fair adjudication of the entries.

"These two teams gave selflessly of their time and expertise and we acknowledge the very important role they play in maintaining the integrity of the awards and providing feedback that is so critical for the advancement of community media in our country," said Mtimde.

The awards aim to acknowledge the best in community journalism in South Africa.