The Highvelder, for the first time, participated in the annual FCJ-awards (Forum for Community Journalists) and raked in several prizes on 26 February.

The competition sees entries from journalists employed on a permanent or freelance basis at regional community newspapers, magazines and online community publications in South Africa.

Ms Rene Joubert, Highvelder journalist, was a finalist in three photographic categories namely: Hard News, General News and Sport News.

She obtained a third place with her photo, Digging up the truth in the General Photo of the Year category.

Mr Wayne van der Walt, Highvelder editor, also entered the photographic category and won News Photo of the Year with his photo, Beautifully Destructive as well as Sport Photo of the Year with his photo Don’t blink.

Mr Van der Walt’s photo, The weather outside is frightful, in the General Photo of the Year category, secured him a second place and he was also the runner up for Photographer of the Year.

Mr Hugo Redelinghuys, executive director of the FCJ said: “A huge word of thanks goes out to each and every one who entered and many congratulations to the finalists and winners. “You are truly the cream of the crop in our industry, even more so because of the record number of entries received.”

He also thanked the team of judges – who are all experts in their field, and said the competition would not be possible without them.