Matilu Maria Morerwa and Whitney Tameera Essay both Honours Degree students, recently headlined the 2024 Annual Journalism Students’ Achievements Awards, by walking away with four awards each, at the Arthur Smith Hall, City Campus.

Expressing her excitement, Morerwa shared how proud she was to see her dedication paying off. “It is never easy when it comes to academics so to see myself excelling is a wonderful feeling,’’ she said.

She also advised her fellow students to stay true to their potential and give their level best.

Essay was named the student of the year as she also received the Dean’s Merit Award during the Bachelor of Journalism graduation earlier in the year.

Journalism lecturer Siphumelele Zondi warmly welcomed the guests, journalism students, and alumni. He directed the students’ documentary screening and alumni panel discussion aspects of the ceremony before handing over the microphone to the second level student Ngazini Siyephu and third level student Samkelo Biyela who were both excellent as programme directors.

The event was jam packed and audience was catered with food, music, poetry, Ingoma by Drama students and short documentaries produced by the journalism students.

This exhilarating awards event under the Celebrating New Factual African Storytellers theme was graced by esteemed guests from the different media sectors. Panellists were News24 reporter Sakhiseni Nxumalo, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Tourism and Film Authority’s Communications head Pinky Radebe, Hlomu – The Wife Author Dudu Busani-Dube, and AmaZulu Media Liaison Brilliant Mkhathini,  gave insight in the functions of the media and other communications spaces that journalism students will end up getting into in the future.

The panel discussion was directed by Radebe who is also a DUT alumni and students were also given an opportunity to pose questions and engaged with the panel guests. Other winners who walked away with multiple award were Enzokuhle Nelisa Sabela, Wandiswa Nxumalo, Nkanyiso Mchunu and Sanele Khumalo.

DUT Journalism acting programme co-ordinator, Dr Tarryn Frankish, congratulated the winners and further encouraged those who did not win to work hard next year. She also lauded the organising team and everyone who made this event a successful one.

“Thank you to everyone, the organising team, department, colleagues, students committee, performers and students. I would also like to congratulate the award winners and those who did not win I hope you are inspired to win it next year,’’ said Dr Frankish.

Pictured: Some of the winners at the 2024 Annual Journalism Students’ Achievements Awards.

Vukani Langa