The Sunday Time’s “Cato Manor Hit Squad” story was joint runner-up for the Taco Kuiper Prize for Investigative Journalism in 2013. We note the editor’s admission today that they “committed mistakes [in their reporting] and allowed ourselves to be manipulated by those with ulterior motives”, and their decision to return the prize. We appreciate their honesty in dealing with this.
Our panel of judges made the award in good faith. We are deeply disappointed that this entry has now been shown to have fallen short. South Africa has an excellent record of fine investigative journalism and the Awards will continue to support, promote and recognise the best of it and be vigilant in upholding the highest standards.
Anton Harber
Convenor of Judges, Taco Kuiper Award for Investigative Journalism
Background: For 15 years, the Taco Kuiper Award has recognised powerful investigative journalism in South Africa, and Taco Kuiper Grants are given to journalists to enable investigative work. The awards and grants are sponsored by the Valley Trust in memory of publisher Taco Kuiper, and administered by Wits Journalism. For further information, see www.journalism.co.za/tacokuiper
