Nokuthula makes us proud

The North Coast Courier’s Nokuthula Ntuli was named Most Promising Newspaper Journalist of the Year at the Caxton Excellence Awards at the Joburg Theatre last Thursday.

Nokuthula writes solid, thoroughly researched stories. She came out ahead of hundreds of newcomers from Caxton newspapers around the country.

Nokuthula also received a highly commended award in the best feature photograph category.

“I cannot really remember what happened that night. I recall hearing my name announced as a finalist and then squeezing my fellow journalist’s hand until I almost crushed it. I am told I ran onto stage, spun around with a ballerina and did a little dance, but my mind was blank!”

Once Nokuthula was congratulated backstage, reality sunk in.

“I believe it was my coverage of the Tongaat Mall disaster last year, being one of the first reporters on the scene, that gave me the edge to win.”

She said winning the award only motivates her to work harder to become a better journalist and photographer.

“I am looking forward to improving my craft this year, so I can bring home another award. It felt good to have a company as large as Caxton recognise my hard work in front of
my peers.”

Nokuthula’s secret to award-winning journalism is simple: “when someone threatens to sue you, tell them to go right ahead.”

“You cannot be scared if you are a journalist. Remove yourself from your story and stay objective. Never show your fear. No matter how difficult a story becomes, push through until you publish.”

Nokuthula was not the only Courier staff member to be recognised at the awards. Get It Ballito Umhlanga journalist Monique De Villiers was a finalist in the Get It journalist of the year category and editor Bruce Stephenson’s photograph of a dolphin being rescued off Ballito was a finalist in the best hard news photograph category.