Judges described her work as “thorough, well researched with a captivating writing style”.

This year more than 1 300 entries were received and over R200 000 in prize money awarded.

Other journalists of the Middelburg Observer were finalists in some of the most anticipated awards of the night.

Bridget Mahlangu was finalist in the category Most Promising Newspaper Journalist of the Year, Johann Gresse was finalist in the category Sports Writer of the Year, Gerhard Rheeder was a finalist in two categories, Investigative Journalist of the Year and Newspaper Journalist of the year, and Jana Botha was also a finalist in two categories, Best Regular Column Writer and Newspaper Journalist of the year.

The top five Newspaper Journalists of the year included three journalists of the Middelburg Observer, as well as the ultimate winner, Daleen Naude.

The Middelburg Observer was in the top three as Newspaper of The Year and also received special mention for keeping readers online the longest on the looklocal website.

“Mirroring the growth of Caxton itself, from small beginnings the awards have grown into the spectacular event they are today. A key spinoff has been the improvement in excellence across the board. Well done to all our winners, we’re very proud of you,” said CEO of Caxton’s Local Newspapers Bruce Sturgeon.