Awards Wrap: Tony Jackman & Anna Trapido Galliova food writers of the year, entries open for Savanna Comics' Choice Comedy Awards, finalists revealed in Jacaranda FM Womenpreneur Her Perfect Pitch Competition

The Media Online’s weekly column delivering news of award wins, entries, competitions, dates to note and winners in the media.

Winners in the 2023 Galliova Food and Health Writers’ Awards announced

The Winners of the 2023 Galliova Awards (from left to right):
Tony Jackman, Glynis Horning, Chad January (back), Lucille Botha representing Arina du Plessis (front), Anna Trapido (back), Sam Linsell, Georgia East, Esther Malan

South Africa’s top food and health writers and digital content creators were announced at the 34^th annual Galliova Awards on Friday.

A total of R214 000 in cash prizes were awarded across eight categories. The newly introduced category, the Galliova Egg Hero, which invited entrants to submit content aimed at budget-conscious South Africans with limited disposable income, attracted many newcomers, including food and health writers and social media influencers.

This new award category demonstrates once again how the Galliova Awards is constantly evolving to reflect the local media’s response to the changing needs of South African consumers. Sponsor of the event, the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) stated that despite the challenges being currently experienced in the poultry industry, eggs are still one of the most affordable animal proteins available.

During the lengthy judging process, all seven judges commented on the excellent calibre of work submitted across all categories, resulting in very close scores between the top five entrants. Due to the high standards of entries, for the first time in the history of the Galliova Awards, there was a tie for first place in two of the categories.

The 2023 Galliova Award winners are:

The Galliova Food Writer

Joint winners: Tony Jackman (Daily Maverick) and Anna Trapido (freelance writer)

The judges decided that both writers were worthy of first place and therefore the cash for the first and the second prizes will be shared.

Galliova Food Stylist

Winner: Chad January (My Kitchen)

2^nd place: Johané Neilson (Tuis |Home, Weg | Go, Weg! Ry & Sleep | go! Drive & Camp)

Galliova Health Writer

Winner: Glynis Horning (freelance writer)

2^nd place: Lydia van der Merwe (Sarie, Sarie Kos & Sarie Gesond)

Galliova Egg Champion

Winner: Arina du Plessis (Landbouweekblad; Landbou Boerekos, Country Cooking & LandbouKind)

2^nd place: Herman Lensing (SarieKos)

Galliova Chicken Champion.

Winner: Arina du Plessis (Landbouweekblad; Landbou Boerekos, Country Cooking & LandbouKind)

2^nd place: Chad January (My Kitchen)

Galliova Digital Content Creator

Joint winners: Sam Linsell (Drizzle & Dip) and Georgia East (East After Noon)

2^nd place: Dawid Botha (Lekker Weskus)

The judges could not choose one first place winner, so it was decided to split this prize between two people and award the second prize to newcomer Dawid Botha.

Galliova Egg Hero

Winner: Esther Malan (Huisgenoot & You)

2^nd place: Sinoyolo Sifo (Sifo the Cooking Husband)

The Galliova Champion

Winner: Arina du Plessis (Landbouweekblad; Landbou Boerekos, Country Cooking & LandbouKind)

Introduced in 2022, The Galliova Champion recognises and acknowledges one of the winners, from the other seven categories, for their exceptional work. It is not a guaranteed award, and only granted if all judges agree one winner surpassed all expectations.

Entries open for 11th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards

The laughter returns with a resounding encore as entries officially open for the 11th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards.

With a legacy of over a decade, the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards is a pivotal platform in the SA comedy industry, celebrated for recognising and honouring the comedic talents that have given the nation endless moments of joy and laughter.

Established to bolster the comedy sector, the awards endeavour to ensure the South African comedy scene is robust and globally competitive.

Over the years, heavyweights such as Trevor Noah, Loyiso Gola, Tumi Morake, Skhumba Hlophe, Celeste Ntuli, Schalk Bezuidenhout and more have taken home an award for their significant contribution to South African comedy. Last year, Robby Collins took home top honours, including the coveted Comedian of the Year Award and Wazi M Kunene scooped the Savanna Newcomer Award.

Long-time partner to the awards – and comedy in general – Savanna Premium Cider is back as the title sponsor. “We love participating in this laughter-infused journey, as we collectively work to elevate our comedy stars to the international stage where they rightly belong, and to support emerging talent from the ground up” says Kayla Hendricks, Savanna senior brand manager.

Enter now at www.comicschoice.com. Entries close for the Savanna Newcomer Award only on Thursday 9 November. Entries close for all other categories on 12 December 2023.

Top 10 finalists announced in the Womenpreneur Her Perfect Pitch Competition

Women entrepreneurs across South Africa have reason to celebrate as the Top 10 finalists have been officially announced for the highly anticipated Womenpreneur Her Perfect Pitch Competition.

This exciting initiative, generously sponsored by Jacaranda FM and Access Bank South Africa, has garnered record breaking entries and support for its mission to empower and uplift women in the world of entrepreneurship.

After a rigorous selection process that involved evaluating numerous innovative business ideas and pitches from talented women who own their businesses, the Womenpreneur Her Perfect Pitch Competition’s expert judging panel has now unveiled the impressive Top 10 finalists who have made it to the next round. These finalists represent a diverse range of industries and bring forth creative solutions that have the potential to make a significant impact in the business world.

The Top 10 finalists for the Womenpreneur Her Perfect Pitch Competition are:

Cleopatra Van Ster – Sha’pleft Health Care Services
Mahlatse Mamaila – INO Biodiesel
Morongwe Mokone – Mo’s Crib
Candy Androuakos – Leafline
Faith Mokgalaka – Puno
Jabulile Morobi – Lesedi Scientific Services
Heidi Patmore – Manjaro Marketing
Kimlynn Temple – Tipped
Hlobisile Bathabile Yende – The Yende & Partners
Malesele Rachel Tema – Plus Fab

The Association of African Exhibition Organisers announces the return of the ROAR Awards in 2024

The Association of African Organisers’ (AAXO) ROAR Awards are back, set to take place on the 29 February 2024, and poised to once again celebrate and honour exceptional achievements in exhibition organisation, exhibitor participation, and service excellence.

The ROAR Awards ceremony has earned a distinguished reputation as a pinnacle event within the exhibition industry, providing a unique platform for association members to connect, rejoice in their accomplishments, and bask in the prestige of their awards.

Rooted in the rewards of Respect, Opportunities, Achievements, and Recognition, the ROAR Awards not only highlight outstanding accomplishments but also set the stage for elevating industry standards and aspirations for the year ahead.

“We believe in the power of recognition and its ability to inspire progress. After a brief hiatus, the ROAR Awards are back, serving as a beacon for excellence in our dynamic industry,” said Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Chairperson of AAXO. “This event is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a platform where the industry’s finest come together to network, share insights, and raise the industry bar.”

At the core of the AAXO ROAR Awards is a deep commitment to acknowledging and appreciating excellence in every facet of the exhibition landscape, celebrating the culmination of hard work and dedication and serving as a catalyst for industry growth and advancement.