More than 1 300 entries were received nationally across 12 categories this year. Regional category winners receive R5 000 and the overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year winner an impressive R100 000.

According to the judging panel, “Less populous regions of South Africa are not an obvious source of powerful economic stories but the efforts of enterprising journalists regularly produce gems in these areas. The regional winner for Free State, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West, Olebogeng Motse, ventured across three of these provinces in a quest to expose the activity of construction mafias across central South Africa.”

Olebogeng says: “Thank you to the Vodacom Journalist of the Year judging panel for the recognition. I am simultaneously humbled by the award and motivated to work harder on my craft. Thank you as well to the OFM management for the continued guidance and support over the years. None of this would be possible without the encouragement we get from the leadership to always do our best.”

The 2023 theme for the awards is Authentic Information and Hybrid Content at a time when journalists are challenged to rise above generative artificial intelligence, and to publish accurate information.

“As journalists inform the public, it is crucial that the information they are sharing is truthful and authentic,” said Takalani Netshitenzhe, Vodacom South Africa’s Director of External Affairs. “The misuse of news reporting can lead to mistrust among the public. Vodacom is proud to play a role in encouraging journalists to bring important issues to light, in a manner that is factual and original. Congratulations to all of our regional finalists for their efforts.”

The national awards ceremony takes place in Johannesburg on Thursday, 30 November.

For more info, contact marketing@ofm.co.za.

ENDS

Why OFM

OFM, the Sound of Your Life, is Central South Africa’s premier commercial radio station, offering a mix of music, news, and entertainment. The station celebrates 37 years in the broadcasting industry in 2023. OFM is part of the Central Media Group, with its head office in Bloemfontein.

The station serves the affluent SEM 7-10 economically active marketplace with a broadcast footprint across the Free State, Northern Cape, southern Gauteng and North West. OFM is synonymous with the people of Central South Africa, and includes a full spectrum of listeners, from urban working moms and dads to corporate professionals, as well as rural communities and agricultural producers.

The station has an incredibly loyal and supportive audience. OFM enjoys one of the highest occurrences of time spent listening to the radio in South Africa. This is achieved by the station’s great music offerings – such as playing listeners their favourite songs on the Request Network and counting down Central South Africa’s 30 biggest hits on the Central SA Top 30.