Our very own journalist Sinethemba Makonco was named SAFJA Young Journalist of the Year at Tuesday’s awards gala.
Makonco, 28, joined iDiski Times in March 2022 and has never looked back since. His dedication to uncovering breaking news stories, especially during the transfer window, has now been recognised by the South African Football Journalist Association, basically his peers.
“Emerging talent Sinethemba Makonco emerged triumphant in the Young Journalist Award,” a SAFJA statement read.
“Makonco’s impressive work and dedication to the field earned him this well-deserved recognition. The SAFJA awards serve as a platform to inspire and uplift young journalists like Makonco, encouraging them to pursue excellence in sports journalism.”
Meanwhile, renowned SABC journalist Mazola Molefe retained the South African Football Journalist of the Year award, beating seasoned journalists Lorenz Kohler (iDiski Times) and Mthokozisi Dube (Farpost).
SAFJA chairperson, Velile Mnyandu said: “Rewarding and acknowledging our members’ exceptional work has always been paramount to us ever since we started with these awards. But this year, as promised from the last edition of the awards, we introduce the Young Journalist Award. Through this award, we would like to promote the culture of excellence, quality reporting on football matters, and endless passion for the craft.
“Our two winners Mazola Molefe and Sinethemba Makonco are symbols of consistency in quality reporting and an example to what a SAFJA member’s work should be like. Congratulations to them and their media houses for these well-deserved awards. We thank our partners Hollywoodbets for always having been part of this vision,” said Mnyandu.
Menzi Ngcobo, Senior Sponsorship Coordinator at Hollywoodbets said, “Hollywoodbets is proud to support the SAFJA Awards, which continue to play a pivotal role in recognising and celebrating excellence in sports journalism. Congratulations to Mazola Molefe and Sinethemba Makonco for their outstanding achievements. Their dedication to uncovering the stories that shape South African football embodies the spirit of quality journalism. As Hollywoodbets, we are committed to supporting platforms that inspire and encourage the next generation of sports journalists to pursue their passion with integrity and commitment.”
The judging panel, led by experienced sports journalists Mathews Mpete, Arnold Rankoko, Thabiso “TT” Tema, and the SAFJA’s Exco 23/24, oversaw the rigorous selection process to ensure that deserving candidates were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
The SAFJA awards continue to celebrate and honour the best in sports journalism while nurturing and recognising the next generation of talented journalists.
