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

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 34th 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)
2nd place: Johané Neilson (Tuis |Home, Weg | Go, Weg! Ry & Sleep | go! Drive & Camp)
Galliova Health Writer
Winner: Glynis Horning (freelance writer)
2nd place: Lydia van der Merwe (Sarie, Sarie Kos & Sarie Gesond)
Galliova Egg Champion
Winner: Arina du Plessis (Landbouweekblad; Landbou Boerekos, Country Cooking & LandbouKind)
2nd place: Herman Lensing (SarieKos)
Galliova Chicken Champion.
Winner: Arina du Plessis (Landbouweekblad; Landbou Boerekos, Country Cooking & LandbouKind)
2nd place: Chad January (My Kitchen)
Galliova Digital Content Creator
Joint winners: Sam Linsell (Drizzle & Dip) and Georgia East (East After Noon)
2nd 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)
2nd 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.
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.
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.