As a result of the national lockdown, journalism in South Africa has come under severe financial pressure, with losses in revenue due to decreased advertising spend. This has resulted in job losses and downsizing of media houses nationwide, says the bank.
Standard Bank says that journalism is critical to the country's democracy and to keeping South Africans informed.
"As the Publishers Support Services, we recognise the bank's commitment to a free, fair and independent press as demonstrated through its ongoing support of the
Sikuvile Journalism Awards. [The awards
] recognise excellence in journalism and reward journalists for publishing the truth under difficult and — at times — threatening conditions," says Rashid Wajoodeen, senior accountant at Publishers Support Services.
Xolisa Vapi, head of communications at Standard Bank Group, explains that Standard Bank values the work done by South African journalists, especially in their coverage of the pandemic, which has demonstrated their commitment to keeping the South African public informed 'during a time great difficulty'.
"They are the unsung heroes, designated as essential workers on the frontline, who have diligently been telling the stories of the spread and containment of the virus," says Vapi.
"The need for good journalists and journalism has never been greater and we are hopeful that through interventions such as the SANEF Relief Fund, we will continue to see a strong press operating without fear or favour in South Africa," adds Vapi.
"We see this contribution to the SANEF Relief Fund as an opportunity to alleviate the current plight facing our most valued journalism fraternity by providing them with the support they so duly deserve during these challenging times," cocnludes Vapi.
2020 saw nearly 400 entries into the awards. The winners were revealed virtually on Thursday, 15 October. Each received R15 000, a trophy and a certificate.
For more information, visit
www.pdmedia.org.za. You can also follow the
Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards on
Facebook.