For the first time in the five-year history of the Mondi Shanduka Journalist of the Year Awards, there will be an overall award for the Mondi Shanduka Journalist of the Year, in addition to the traditional South African Story of the Year, which is selected by judges from the range of entries received.
Hosted by Mondi Shanduka Newsprint and the Newspaper Association of South Africa, the awards will honour the newsmen and women who brought us the stories of 2005 through breaking news and in-depth features, provocative commentary, captivating photographs, and innovative layouts and spreads.
A total of 603 entries were received from 186 entrants, reflecting an increase on the previous year's tally of 589 entries from 153 entrants.
For the second consecutive year, there is a deserving Lifetime Achiever Award which recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution towards furthering the interests of newspaper journalism in South Africa over a career of at least 20 years.
The finalists will meet on Wednesday 5 April 2006 at the Sandton Sun to find out who will take home the kudos, a Mondi Shanduka nib and a share of R110 000 in total prize money.
Here are the finalists across all categories in no particular order:
A Stidolph - The Witness - 'Department of Home Affairs', 'They must be members of the SA observer mission' and 'Trade barrier and new Iraq'
Alet Pretorius - Beeld - 'Shaik court saga'
Andries Gouws - Beeld - 'Só het Zuma my verkrag?'
Antoine de Ras - City Press/Rapport - Khutsong series, and especially 'No Khutsong amid so much fiery anger'
Anton Hammerl - Saturday Star - 'Mugger meets his match as woman fights back'
Anton Vermeulen - Beeld - 'Wonde wat nie weggaan' and 'Koopbeginsel gaan te gronde'
Arlene Prinsloo - Die Burger - 'Hamba, Zuma'
Beauregard Tromp - The Star - 'A Rwandan love story' and LRA in Uganda stories
Dumisane Lubisi, Dominic Mahlangu, and Wisani wa ka Ngobeni - Sunday Times - 'Zuma rape claim'
Elsabé Brits - Die Burger - Whole series, including 'Laat daar lig wees in die Karoo'
Fred Khumalo - Sunday Times - 'Christmas with the Khumalos'
James Oatway - City Press - 'Train ride on the wild side'
Jeremy Gordin - The Sunday Independent - 'Shaik Saga'
Jonathan Ancer - The Star - '1 man vs the mob'
Jonathan Ancer - The Star - 'Have a good one, Dave'
Jonathan Shapiro - Zapiro - 'Tough part is getting back to work' and 'Change? Change takes time, my friend'
Maureen Isaacson - The Sunday Independent - 'Love song to a whale and other inspirations' and 'From Gulag survivor to Bush favourite'
Simphiwe Nkwali - Beeld - 'Thandi and Thabo'
Sithembiso Msomi - City Press - 'Or invoked in battle for ANC'
Stefaans Brümmer, Sam Sole and Wisani wa ka Ngobeni - Mail & Guardian - 'Oilgate'
Susan Winters - The Witness - 'A positive journey'
Tanya Farber - The Sunday Independent - 'Life of a closet Goth'The judging panel has commended the following journalists:
Gill Gifford - The Star - 'Eyes of a killer'
Rowan Philp - Sunday Times - 'Autopsy: Kebble assaulted, Kebble's desperate sell-off'
Lindsay Barnes - Weekend Witness - 'Home Affairs shambles'
Shadi Rapitso - City Press - Series including 'Illegals on a long, smelly train ride home'
Eddie Botha - Daily Dispatch - Series on SA Rugby, including Brian van Rooyen's leadership
Neels Blom - Business Day - 'Fly-fishing on Wednesday'
Wilson Mgobhozi - The Star - 'Who Zuma might be up against'
Esa Alexander - Die Burger - 'Wie nou, Mbeki'
Anton Hammerl - Saturday Star - Series of 'Lords Resistance Army'
Natasha Pamplin - Die Burger - 'Wie nou, Mbeki?'This year's panel comeprised Professor Guy Berger, head of media studies and journalism at Rhodes University as the convener, Sarah Crowe, Johan De Wet, John Dludlu, Ethel Hazelhurst, Portia Kobue, Joe Thloloe and Siphiwe Nyanda.
