The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Press Freedom Award, co-sponsored by the Southern Africa Trust, is given to honour excellence in journalism, which is described as "the upholding of ethics of the profession at all costs and the relentless pursuit of the truth behind the facts". The award, offering a cash prize of US$ 2,500, seeks to recognise the work of an individual or institution where this is considered to have made a significant contribution to the promotion of media freedom in the region, through reportage or in other ways such as media reform, lobbying, or training. The award is open to all forms of media such as photography, print, video, internet, or media associations and institutions.

Click here for more information about the award.

Eligible individuals or institutions should be based in the Southern African region. The Press Freedom Award can only be entered into through nominations. All nominations should be accompanied by a motivation letter not exceeding 1,500 words stating how the nominee meets the above criteria and the CV of the nominee. Where applicable a copy of the work, or a portfolio of work, should be included with the nomination. Nominations should be sent to the MISA secretariat for the attention of the Regional Director.

Click here to download a list of previous winners in PDF format.

e-CIVICUS 385, April 24 2008, and MISA website on April 29 2008.