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32 finalists in CNN MultiChoice media awards

Hyacinthe Sanou (topmost back row standing centre right) with the 32 finalists from 15 African countries who attended the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards as the culmination of a all-expenses paid four-day programme of workshops, media forums and networking in Nairobi. Namibia did not feature among the finalists, nevertheless the prestigious event was supported by high ranking dignitaries and business leaders.

The Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Hon Tjekero Tweya, the Chairperson of the MultiChoice Namibia board, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula and the General Manager of MultiChoice Namibia, Roger Gertze attended the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2015 Gala Awards ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi last weekend.

The grand prize went to Hyacinthe Sanou of Burkina Faso as the overall winner from a very competitive group of 32 finalists from 15 African countries. Sanou’s work documents the ousting of Blaise Campaore who ruled Burkina Faso for 27 years.
Said Sanou “I feel so lucky to be named CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year. My story was about power and how people can fight against it. I’m so proud that the story has been told and will now be remembered. I want to share my prize with all those who work at L’Observateur Paalga.”
Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta; Tim Jacobs, the CEO of MultiChoice Africa and Deborah Rayner of CNN International, presented Sanou with this award.
Rayner said: “Tonight’s winners really demonstrated the very best of journalism, from powerful investigative journalism through to celebratory stories of hope and change. I commend the judges’ decision to name Hyacinthe Boowurosigue Sanou the overall winner. Hhe is a worthy winner of the 20th African Journalist Award.”
Jacobs said: “Congratulations to all the winners. Your words and images reflect the reality of our world and attest to the important role the media plays in Africa’s development. As a good corporate citizen, together with our partner, CNN and other sponsors we will continue to invest in the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards to ensure increased development and advancement of outstanding journalism across the continent.”
Now in its 20th year, the Awards are supported by a range of prestigious sponsors: Media 24, African Development Bank, Dow, Ecobank, General Electric, IPP Media and Merck.
The overall CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2015 won a substantial cash prize and each finalists received a cash prize and an iPad Air, with runner-ups receiving an iPad mini.

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