The BEAT/Die Pos family shines at FCJ Excellence Awards

The editor and reporters at The BEAT have raised the proverbial campaign glass for sister newspaper Die Pos/The Post, following an incredible run at the Forum for Community Journalists (FCJ) Excellence Awards.

Die Pos/The Post editor, Keina Swart, emerged triumphantly tops in the categories of best headline-writing, as well as the hotly-contested best front page, with regards to corporate-owned paid newspapers.

Swart moved swiftly to attribute the big double win to a team effort, with particular reference to graphic designer, Willie Nel, and we therefore raise the bubbly for the broader Die Pos/The Post team.

Ther BEAT was awarded a certificate of recognition after being judged among the top 10 best headline-writing category.

The editor, Johnny Masilela, was also in the top 10 of the best columnist of the year, for a piece he writes regularly for Die Pos/The Post.

Veteran Johannesburg-based journalist, Riaan van Zyl, was named best columnist of the year at the FCJ awards.

Masilela’s profile was named the Caxton Awards Best Columnist of the Year during the preceding awards in recent months.

“I was stunned … I just could not believe it!” Keina Swart retorted just after being named the winner.

In his post-awards comment, Masilela attributed the tremendous achievements to “the relentless pursuit of excellence at both The BEAT and Die Pos/The Post”.

Die Pos/The Post reporter, Modimolle-based Ronél van Jaarsveld, was awarded a certificate of recognition for being among the top 12 journalists in the hard news category.

Photographer for both Die Pos and The BEAT, Herman Steyn, was also awarded a certificate of recognition for being included in the top 10 sports photographer of the year.

The FCJ Excellence Awards winners were unveiled at a gala dinner at Leriba Hotel and Spa in Centurion last Friday, 29 June.

— The BEAT