Limpopo Mirror senior journalist Wilson Dzebu received three top awards during the annual Far North Print Journalists Awards ceremony held at the Makhado show grounds on Friday evening.

Dzebu (35) won first prizes in the Best Crime Reporter, Best Community Builder and Best Human Interest Categories - the only contestant who scooped more than two awards during the function.

The mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Cllr Glory Mashaba, applauded journalists for their positive contribution to community development. She was the guest speaker during the ceremony. Mashaba said journalists are an important part of the community because their contribution can be seen on a daily basis. "Imagine how life would be without journalists. These are hardworking men and women who make sure that our communities are always up to date about what is happening around them. They really deserve honour and recognition, because they are the light of the world. We are here to celebrate their outstanding achievements because they work long and irregular hours without recognition."

Mashaba warned journalists to refrain from acquiring information in an unlawful manner. "You need to observe the code of professional practice for journalists and report fairly, accurately and truthfully. You must not be biased because your job is to give out the information as it is. We appreciate the role of the media, because it is the only vehicle that tightens our relationship with the masses at grassroots level. Keep up the good work because life without you would be like a shattered globe of darkness," she added.

Chief Luvhaivhai Tshivhase says journalists should always be seen as frontiers in the war against poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and corruption. "Journalists are always there when we need their services and we remain in touch with our subjects because of them. However, journalists must be as neutral as possible to avoid taking sides. Wise journalists leave politics to the politicians and inform the community without bias. You deserve the awards because your hard work is unquestionable."

In the Broadcasting Field Reporters Category, the first prize went to Rudzani Tshivhase of Phalaphala FM, followed by Jabulani Baloyi and Florina Sebola. The Broadcasting Community Development Category was won by Louis Bobodi of Phalaphala FM. The second prize went to Bishop Baloyi of Jacaranda FM and the third place went to Livhalani Mmbi of Univen FM. The Best Current Affairs Presenter award went to Ndivhyafhi Mathode of Phalaphala FM. Louis Bobodi won the Best Sports Presenter Award and Humbelani Nengovhela was the Best Improved Presenter, followed by Billy Bilankulum Ntsakisi Maswanganyi, Lufuno Tshivhase and Owen Muebi.

Insp Thivhulawi Tshilate of the Vhembe SAPS won the Communications Category, followed by Maano Sidiki of Mopani SAPS, Shandukani Mathagu of Hayani Hospital, Phuti Seloba of the Department of Health and Social Development and Phumudzo Makharamedzha of the Musina Municipality.

In the Print Media Category, independent journalist Silas Nduvheni emerged as the best education reporter, followed by Cynthia Magoro and Elmon Tshikhudo, both of Vhembe News. Frank Mavhungu of Limpopo Mirror came out tops in the Sports Category and he was followed by Kaizer Nengovhela of Vhembe News. The best photographers were Emmanuel Davhana, Frank Mavhungu and Elmon Tshikhudo.

The Best Crime Reporter Award went to Wilson Dzebu and Frank Mavhungu (both of the Limpopo Mirror) came second with Kaizer Nengovhela in the third place. The Best Community Builder Award went to Wilson Dzebu, followed by Silas Nduvheni and the third place went to Elmon Tshikhudo. Dzebu won the Human Interest Category, followed by Cynthia Magoro of Vhembe News.