Siemens Southern Africa – “Knowledge is power”: Quality reporting of science and technology issues can simplify complex topics to the benefit of African communities
Siemens Southern Africa – “Knowledge is power”: Quality reporting of science and technology issues can simplify complex topics to the benefit of African communities
Unfortunately, given how rapidly technology advances, it can often be misunderstood and perceived as a baffling topic. “Knowledge is power” – and thankfully journalists, producers and broadcasters have the ways and means to throw light on complex subjects to the benefit of their communities. This is the philosophy of the Siemens Profile Awards.
Siemens sees the reporting of science and technology in an easily understandable format as a priority for Africa. By addressing country-specific technology issues, media have the influence to bring about positive changes in social-economic conditions and to make a huge impact on the lives of African people.
This is way the annual Siemens Profile Awards was launched more than ten years ago. By honouring journalists, broadcasters and producers for their excellence in science and technology reporting, the programme aims to develop, nurture and advance quality science and technology reporting with a key focus on facilitating the empowerment of African communities through the extension of knowledge.
In this year’s 2012 Profile Awards, 86 entries were received: 24 in the energy efficiency category, 18 in the sustainable cities category, 14 in the industrial productivity category, 13 in healthcare and 17 student category entries.Commenting on the entries received, Kerry Swift, convenor of the judging panel said the top entries were all of a very high standard and displayed evidence of adequate research, a grasp on the subject matter and a clear and concise presentation of the facts in a simple and effective manner.
The winners?
Irma Venter from Engineering News was announced as the overall Siemens 2012 Profile Award winner.
In the energy efficiency category, Bibi-Aisha Wadvalla was the winner with her article, “Solar energy projects picking up again after uprising”, which was published in the Sci/Dev/Nature Middle East.
Sean Wood came out tops in the sustainable cities category with his article, “Burn it up”, as published in Popular Mechanics.
In the industrial productivity category, Irma Venter’s “X Factor” article in the Engineering News was the category winner.
Oliva Rose-Innes’ article published in Health24, “Malaria – an African Story”, was the clear winner in the healthcare category.
Lastly, representing the Rhodes University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies, Bradley Janssen, Lisa Bluett and Ntombikayise Mlangeni were the winners in the student category with “What the Frack”.
Siemens News ZA
