Annie Zulu is the distinguished recipient of this year’s MakanDay Eminent Prize for Investigative Journalism. An accomplished freelance journalist with a career spanning over seven years, Annie has carved a niche in investigative reporting, focusing on underreported issues such as women and children’s rights, human rights, climate change, and environmental protection.
Her award-winning story, “UNMASKING STICKER: A Cruel Drug Destroying Zambia’s Street Children”, exposes the harrowing reality of how children as young as 14 become addicted to “sticker,” a dangerous drug made from jet fuel and sold openly by unscrupulous dealers. The documentary unveils the physical and emotional trauma inflicted on these vulnerable children and highlights the legal loopholes enabling the crisis.
Watch her powerful documentary here: UNMASKING STICKER.
Kennedy Mbewe emerged as the runner-up in the 2024 MakanDay Eminent Prize for Investigative Journalism.
Kennedy, a seasoned journalist with over eight years of experience, works at Radio Icengelo, a Catholic-run community radio station in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province. He is renowned for producing in-depth reports, news packages, and fact checks, and is highly skilled in research, interviewing, and compelling storytelling. His commitment to staying current with industry trends through training and events underpins his success.
His award-winning story, “Sexually Transmitted Marks,” sheds light on the disturbing practice in universities where lecturers demand sexual favors from students in exchange for favourable examination results.
Mcstan Ng’andu secured third place in this year’s awards.
Based in Choma District, Southern Province, Mcstan is celebrated for her fearless journalism and dedication to exposing injustices and wrongdoing. Since beginning her career in 2018, she has built a reputation for uncovering hidden truths and holding those in power accountable. A graduate of Rusangu University with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Mcstan focuses on public interest reporting.
Her award-winning story reveals the corrupt practices of government workers soliciting bribes from Zambians seeking national registration cards.
The three winners received their awards from Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Media, who served as the guest of honour at the awards night held on Friday, 29 November 2024, at the Radisson Blu in Lusaka.
Now in its third year, the event was also graced by members of the MakanDay board, representatives from media organizations, and journalists.
Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions to investigative journalism!
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