Sikuvile Journalism Awards Sponsor, Standard Bank donates R500 000 to SANEF
Standard Bank, proud sponsor of the Sikuvile Journalism Awards, has provided R500 000 to the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) Relief Fund for journalists.
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.
Standard Bank’s contribution is aligned with the Bank’s support for journalism in the country, with its ongoing sponsorship of at least five years of the Sikuvile Journalism Awards. Standard Bank believes that journalism is critical to the country’s democracy and to keeping South Africans informed.
“As the Publishers Support Services (PSS), we recognise the bank’s commitment to a free, fair and independent press as demonstrated through its ongoing support of the Sikuvile Journalism Awards, which recognise excellence in journalism and reward journalists for publishing the truth under difficult, and at times, threatening conditions,” says Rashid Wajoodeen.
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 COVID-19 pandemic which has demonstrated their commitment to keeping the South African public informed during a time of 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,” says 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,” says Vapi.
This year there were nearly 400 entries into the Awards. The winners were revealed virtually on 15 October. Each received R15 000, a trophy and a certificate.