The Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards for the Central South African Region took place in Bloemfontein on Friday. Top journalists from the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo entered their work to be judged.

A journalist at OFM News, Tshehla ‘Corn’ Koteli, was announced as the Vodacom Regional Young Journalist of the Year. This also means that he is a nominee and stands a chance to win the Vodacom National Young Journalist of the Year award, which takes place on 24 November 2022.

Koteli says that he had to enter his CV, a motivational letter and three of his stories. The headlines for these stories were:

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“I am excited about this award because it is something new, something that says I am doing good. What I am hoping to do is to learn more because with these types of awards, you get to meet other people and you hear what they are doing right and what they are doing wrong, so you learn from their mistakes,” he said.

He further adds that when he wins the national award, he would like to be able to master every beat known to man and to be able to do it to perfection. He added that he would like to be an all-rounded journalist and since he has found a new love for cars, motor journalism will be one of them.

“I do not want to be stuck in a box, so in the next five years, I hope I'll be able to do that, to cover every single beat and to deliver it so well that no one could ever say it is not good,” he added.

This prestigious accolade recognises the efforts of the rising stars in newsrooms across the region.

Takalani Netshitenzhe, Vodacom South Africa Chief Officer for External Affairs says: “This year’s theme is ‘Storytellers’, as we recognise the role journalists play as watchdogs in our society, seeking to report the stories of our time and holding power to account. Credible journalism plays an essential part in supporting healthy democracies and Vodacom is proud to play a part in promoting world class journalism in South Africa. Congrats to our regional winners and thanks to our convener, Mapi Mhlangu, and her esteemed judging panel who selflessly devoted many hours of work to the VJOYs.”

OFM News