Gold rush for Zululand Observer legend at national awards

Zululand Observer wins three national gold awards and secures 8 top-10 finishes at prestigious journalism awards.

1 hour ago

Tamlyn Cramer 2 minutes read

ZO consultant editor Dave Savides with his three awards Photo: Ronelle Ramsamy

THE Zululand Observer once again stood tall among its peers at the prestigious Avbob Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ) Excellence Awards, with three top spots and a further 8 top-10 finishes.

At a glamorous gala dinner at The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria last night (Friday), ZO consultant editor Dave Savides brought home the gold in no fewer than three categories – Editorial Comment & Columns, Headlines and Sport.

Initially speechless, Savides had this to say after the shock wore off: “Winning is always a by-product. It is all about being in touch with your community, working hard and being transparent. The rewards will come by themselves. Proudly Zululand Observer!”

Dave Savides’ gold standard headlines that earned him the top place at the Avbob FCJ Excellence Awards for 2025

Cementing its long-standing reputation of delivering award-winning content of the highest professional and ethical standards, the ZO featured as finalists in no fewer than 11 categories.

Judged rigorously among community newspapers from throughout South Africa, the Zululand Observer came 5th countrywide in the Paid Newspaper of the Year category, while Eyethu Bay Watch secured fourth in the Free Newspaper of the Year division.

“The accolades cement our reputation of being a regional newspaper of the highest journalism and ethical standards,” said ZO editor-in-chief Ronelle Ramsamy.

“We continually strive to give our readers and advertisers content of the highest quality. We also wish to congratulate Dave on this sterling achievement and for continuing to set the benchmark for younger journalists.

“His unwavering dedication to his craft, passion for his local community, and his undeniable talent are truly commendable and an inspiration to those following in his footsteps,” said Ramsamy.

Other top 10 finishes

Erwin Kruger: 7th in the Sport Photography category
Ronelle Ramsamy: 9^th in the Headlines category
Ronelle Ramsamy: 8^th in the Editorial Comment & Columns category
Zululand Observer: 7^th in the Best Back Page category
Zululand Observer: 6^th in the Best Front Page category
Dave Savides: 5^th in the Story of the Year category

The Avbob FCJ Excellence Awards, hosted by the Forum of Community Journalists NPC (FCJ), is a well-known event in the media industry, with over 600 entries in this year’s competition.

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