Print Media South Africa (PMSA) has honoured five of its own for their contributions to furthering the interest of the print media industry, the association said on Thursday.
The annual Print Media SA Fellowship Awards is regarded as the industry's most prestigious awards in recognising key decision-makers for their achievements.
The fellows are identified through nominations from the industry's stakeholders, PMSA said in a statement
Trevor Ncube, the PMSA president, announced the five at a cocktail function in Rosebank on Thursday evening.
Salie de Swardt, managing director at Media 24, was honoured for "his enormous contribution and commitment in furthering the interests of the newspaper and magazine market".
PMSA noted he had made a significant contribution during his 36-year service to the industry.
"His passion for the industry is evident through the key role he has played in the establishment of a number of newspaper and magazine titles, and the development of the Naspers group into the publishing powerhouse it is today."
Caxton Publishers & Printers Ltd chief executive Terry Moolman was honoured for his contribution in expanding the reach of print media to urban and rural communities through the establishment of community newspapers, freesheets and presses throughout South Africa.
"This has contributed towards a culture of reading and created opportunities for communities through the establishment of newspapers which service their specific interests and needs," Ncube said.
Thami Mazwai, the chief executive at Mafube Publishing, was honoured for the instrumental role he played in furthering and protecting the interest of black journalism through the Union of Black Journalists, by being a founder member of the Media Workers Union of South Africa, the Black Editors' Forum and South African National Editors Forum.
"His determination and passion for journalism is clear in his feisty spirit in addressing controversial issues, even if it was unpalatable to some of his colleagues."
Natasha Stretton, general manager of the PMSA was honoured for her contribution in managing the affairs of the former Print Development Unit and the role she played in securing and managing the negotiations with government in the establishment of the Media Development and Diversity Agency.
Cathy Pestana, administration manager of the PMSA, was honoured "for her constant support and dedication in assisting the leaders of PMSA throughout the turbulent years".
Previous honourees include Connie Molusi, Jan Malherbe, Harold Eedes, Nick Holdsworth and Sapa chairman Mike Tissong in 2003.
Others honoured by the PMSA are Brian Pottinger, Don Robertson, Graham Langmead, Hugo Redelinghuys, John Frewin, Jon Drake and Martin Dannheisser in 2002, Professor Guy Berger and Graeme King in 2001; Dennis Beckett, Jane Raphaely, Joe Thloloe, Noel Coburn and Rory MacNamara in 2000; Aggrey Klaaste, Jolyon Nuttall, Kotie van Heerden, Merry Short, Roy Minnaar and Ton Vosloo in 1999; and Barbara Cooke, Bob Harrison, Hennie van Deventer, Ian Snelling, Jos Kuper and Roy Paulson in 1998. - Sapa