Die Matie walked away with an 'ATKV-Mediaveertjie' for best student newspaper at a prize-giving ceremony held at the Lyric theatre in Gold Reef City, Johannesburg on 12 May. The newspaper is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
This ceremony gives recognition to exceptional contributions to Afrikaans media.
"We still have a lot to learn, and it's nice to get a pat on the back for what we've achieved so far," said Eugenie Gregan, editor of Die Matie. "We are full-time students who have to fulfil an important obligation between classes, tests, sport matches and social events. There is tension on campuses across the country and it's our responsibility to report on it accurately. We have to listen to the diverse and often opposing views on campus, but ultimately have to keep in mind that we are not in service to anything but the truth."
"This means we are not always popular and that we make mistakes, but we always try to do better," she added.
Wapad, the student newspaper of North-West University ('Pukke'), was the other finalist in this category of the awards.
"Congratulations to Eugenie and her team, and everybody who supported and helped them, especially Jacolette Kloppers, former editor and mentor to many. In its 75th year, Die Matie has proved how crucial a student newspaper is in providing a voice for a new generation. Well done Eugenie, may this award inspire you and your team to even greater heights," said Prof Lizette Rabe, Chair of the Department of Journalism at Stellenbosch University.
Photo: Eugenie Gregan with Die Matie's award. Photographer: Jurgen Marx
