City Times’ Pita honoured at FCJ awards
He received the prestigious Alet Roux Trophy for best newcomer and the best editorial comment and columns award.
Benoni City Times journalist Lebohang Pita has been recognised for his exceptional work, receiving two awards at the prestigious 34th Avbob Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ) Excellence Awards at Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Centre, on August 22.
The awards celebrate excellence in community journalism, honouring reporters who go beyond the headlines to deliver stories that inform, inspire and hold power to account.
Pita received the prestigious Alet Roux Trophy for best newcomer and the best editorial comment and columns award. He was also in the top 10 in the sports writing category, while Benoni City Times is the eighth best free community newspaper in the country.
Previously nominated in the 2022 and 2023 awards, Pita said this recognition highlights his commitment to storytelling that connects deeply with readers.
“It fills me with pride that my work is not only recognised in Benoni but beyond the borders for this great city. I’m beyond excited. I’ve enjoyed every moment of the past three years and I’m happy that the hard work and countless hours spent following our talented athletes is paying off,” he said.
“But I would be lying if I said it’s all my doing. I’m surrounded by great people whose support has been valuable. Thanks to my editor, Lana, news editor Ntombi and my biggest supporter, Jani, for their belief in me.
“Thanks to Karen Watts for her unwavering support and to Benonians for allowing me in their homes to interview their children.
“Lastly, this wouldn’t have been possible without the unsung heroes of the work we do, our sub-editors led by Riaan Engelbrecht and lay-out team led by Leshnee Raman. I appreciate the work you guys do and thank you for polishing our articles and being the superstars you are.”
Speaking on Radio Sonder Grense (RSG), FCJ executive director Ben Burger said, “We look forward to see what Lebohang Pita has to offer and I have told him that he must now strive to take journalist of the year.”
This year saw 541 entries, the biggest in the awards’ history. The George Herald team – Lizette da Silva, Kristy Kolberg, Alida de Beer and Michelle Pienaar – won journalist of the year, while Highvelder’s Wayne van der Walt won his third successive photographer of the year award.
Also Read: City Times takes top honour at FCJ Excellence Awards
Also Read: City Times journos represent at national awards
