The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards officially opened this morning coinciding with the country’s move from Lockdown 4 to Lockdown 3.

Like most businesses, the Publishers Support Services have had to factor in the effect of COVID-19 to date and going forward.

The decision was therefore taken that this year’s Awards would take place, but virtually.

The Awards entries close on 15 July and judging will take place from 27 July to 3 August 2020.

This year the judging panel has a new Convener Judge, Lizeka Mda, who has 28-years’ experience in the media and communication field locally and internationally.

The judging panel includes Dinesh Balliah, Henry Jefreys, Mike Siluma, Tyrone August, Phindile Xaba Shona Bragley Pippa Green, Liesl Louw -Vaundrum, Mary Papayya, Ryland Fisher, Neo Ntsoma, Maud Motanyane, Themba Hadebe, Gus Silber and Thabo Leshilo.

The judges will consider entries into the 14 categories as well as the South African Story of the Year, Journalist of the Year and Upcoming/Rising Star of the Year, which are chosen from the category winners.

A bursary for mid-career journalists to empower mid-career journalists and editorial executives who had ?ve years’ experience at least will also be adjudicated.

All judging will be done virtually, and the awards event will also be a virtual event to be held on 15 October.

This year, freelancers can enter for free provided they submit a letter confirming their work from their editor and the publication must be aligned with media associations.

PSS members will pay R80 entrance fee.

The entry kit with all details regarding submissions can be accessed and downloaded at http://www.pdmedia.org.za/ and all submissions can be submitted at https://sikuvile.org/

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