JMS alumnus, and journalist at the Saturday Star newspaper in Johannesburg, Sameer Naik won the 'Journalism 2010' category at the 10th annual Mondi Shanduka Newspaper Awards.
This was for his coverage of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Naik began covering the World Cup eight months before the event – reporting on stadium preparation, the ticketing process and the impact the event would have on local tourism.
During the soccer spectacle he reported on the opening ceremony, attended numerous matches and visited the hotels and training centres where teams were staying. "I was lucky enough to meet some of the most passionate soccer fans in the world, who I still keep in contact with," said Naik.
"Just making it as a finalist was an amazing feeling. Winning it was a dream come true. I have been a journalist for just under two years now and to win a Mondi so early in my career is something very special," said Naik.
"I dedicate this award to everyone at the Saturday Star newspaper – my editor Kevin Ritchie who gave me the amazing opportunity of covering the World Cup every week and for showing such faith in a young journalist like myself and to all my colleagues for always assisting me and giving me the best advice and support possible. They equally deserve the award."
Naik won a Mondi Shanduka trophy and R15000.
He completed his BA (Journalism) in 2007.