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Senior Guardian journalist among CNN finalists
2008-05-17 09:38:59
By Guardian Reporter
A senior editor with The Guardian, Mwondosha Mfanga, has been named among finalists of the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards 2008 competition, it has been disclosed.
The chairman of an independent judging panel, Azubuike Ishiekwene, said in a press statement made available to the Guardian that Mfanga, who currently works as chief-sub editor for The Guardian daily newspaper, will be joining other 22 nominees for final in Accra, Ghana in July this year, where the winners of the competition will be announced.
This year`s competition received 1912 entries from 44 countries throughout the continent, including those from French and Portuguese speaking countries, marking a record number of entries in the competition`s history.
``I have followed CNN MultiChoice Awards for the past four years and watched them grow steadily to become the gold standard of excellence in journalism awards on the African continent, especially for young professionals who want to make a difference. Increasingly, the entries are speaking to the continent`s needs, and the echoes are far-reaching,`` said Ishiekwene, on announcing the results on Thursday.
The MultiChoice chief executive officer, Eben Greyling said: ``Awards have become the standard for excellence for pan-African media.``
Asked to comment about how he felt after being chosen to be among the finalists, Mfanga said: ``I thank God for reaching that stage. I have previously made several attempts for the CCN Award. I have been consoled. I also see this as a big honour for The Guardian, which is a newspaper of high standing. My success has resulted from our teamwork.``
The continental competition is held in partnership with MultiChoice, and in collaboration with the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Other prestigious sponsors include Celtel, Coca-cola Africa and IPP Media.
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