adminGogo walked away with a total of US$3 000 in prize money for both categories and received trophies and certificates for the category.
The Herald was awarded a certificate for being the Most Consistent Media House on covering environmental issues.
The daily, which has come out the best in several awards in recent months, was saluted by the judges for giving prominence to environmental matters at a time when there are competing political and economic issues.
The other winners for the night were Patrick Musira of The Suburban News, who won the Best Print Media Award and Phineas Gutu of ZBC-TV who was awarded the Best Electronic Reporter prize.
Rainbow Tourism Group, NewsDay and Nyaradzo Funeral Services jointly sponsored the awards with Environment Africa.
According to the panel of judges, there were close to 40 entries and the level of competition was good.
“Judges were excited and amazed at the passion, dedication and enthusiasm displayed by journalists in covering major environmental issues in the country,” said the judges.
“Their resourcefulness and bravery in pursuing environmental stories has our deepest admiration. We commend all journalists who continue to bravely report on environmental issues and stories around the country.”
Guest of Honour and Nyaradzo Group chief executive Phillip Mataranyika said it was important for the media to report on environmental issues.
He urged people to join the annual Walkathon organised with a view to plant at least five million trees in the country.
“The environment is important and that is why we hold such walks every year to raise awareness,” he said.
“This year we will be walking to Masvingo with the aim of planting more trees and preserve our environment.”
Gogo won the prizes after writing a number of articles on the environment with the one titled: “ICTs critical in mitigating impacts of climate change” being specifically mentioned.
The judges said Gogo dealt with the subject in a sensitive way, showed a depth of research and good use of analytical skills in the article.
“The winner of this award is one of the best, most thorough and most consistent environmental reporters to ever emerge in Zimbabwe in recent years,” they said.
Online Reporter