The 2015 ‘Oscars of South African Property Journalism Awards’ announced

The 2015 South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Property Journalism Award recipients were announced on Wednesday at the Annual SAPOA International Convention and Property Exhibition in Durban — sponsored by JHI Properties.

Re-affirming its intent to enhance Investor knowledge, the commercial property sector honoured and recognised the dedicated and professional members of the media who have contributed immensely to the industry.

SAPOA was established in 1966 by the leading and large property investment companies to bring together all role players in the commercial property field aiming to create a powerful platform for property investors.

Today its members control about 90% of all commercial and combined portfolios in excess of R500-billion.

This year’s four category winners, adjudicated on a scorecard of exacting criteria, are: Alistair Anderson of Business Day Live who was named Property News Journalist of the year.

Ray Mahlaka of Moneyweb won the Property Features Writer category.

After launching another stable for the African market: www.africapropertynews.com, SA Commercial Prop News was voted the best Online Property News source  — 4th time in a row.

Real Estate Investor Magazine which took the title of Best Printed Property Publication.

“The SAPOA Property Journalism Awards serves not only to recognise the best in the industry but also to encourage journalists to strive to achieve the highest standards, and hopefully the recognition from these awards will serve to motivate and inspire the best publications and journalists in the profession,” says Neil Gopal, SAPOA CEO.

The two winning journalists each walk away with R20,000 in prize money and a trophy, while the winning publications each receive trophies for their achievements.

The respective winners, and runner ups:
 
Property News Journalist Category
 
Winner: Alistair Anderson
 
Property writer at Business Day Live, Alistair Anderson, boasts degrees in economic science, management accounting and journalism from the University of the Witwatersrand. He has been commended for his superb writing skills; his ability to cover a wide range of topics as well as his fresh approach to breaking property news.
 
Runner up: Roy Cokayne
 
Senior financial reporter at Business Report, Roy Cokayne, was chosen as the runner up in this category due to his vast experience, knowledge and writing on the property sector.
 
Property Feature Journalist Category
 
Winner: Karabo Ray Mahlaka
 
With an interest in markets, property and public policy, Moneyweb journalist Karabo Ray Mahlaka is a noteworthy up-and-coming writer who boasts an exceptional writing style.
 
Runner up: Alistair Anderson
 
Having won this year’s Property News Journalist category, Alistair Anderson was also selected as the runner up in this category.

Property Online News Category
 
Winner: SA Commercial Property News
 
Once again for the fourth time in a row, SA Commercial Property News impressed judges with its comprehensive site, which they felt presented a wide variety of current and topical property information. It’s neat, visually appealing, easy-to-navigate structure earned it top place in the category.

“We are truly honored to receive this Award once again. This has positioned SA Commercial Prop News as the top online property brand for the South African Property Industry,” says Media Director, Ortneil Kutama.
 
Runner up: Property Wheel
 
Property Wheel was named as the runner up in this category.
 
Best Property Publication Category
 
Winner: Real Estate Investor Magazine
 
Real Estate Investor is this year’s winner for best property publication. Real Estate Investor is a monthly guide that offers a unique insight into the world of investing. Editorial is split into the four key areas of property investment into residential, commercial, offshore and lifestyle.
 
Runner up: Architect and Builder
 
Architect and Builder was selected as the runner up. The publication has been showcasing South Africa’s top architectural projects for 65 years. The publication is widely read by key players in the architectural, building, engineering and allied industries.
 
This year’s five-person Judging Panel, chosen for their valuable insights and expertise, included:

·        Nomzamo Radebe, Managing Director, JHI Properties
·        Rob Rose, Editor, Business Times
·        Vernon Matzopoulos, Head, Business Day TV
·        Mark Pettipher, Managing Director, Design & Photography Services
·        Brian Azizollahoff, Managing Director, Capstone Property Group