''I remember when it went without saying that a South African would win the television category in this awards ceremony. Radio and print categories were not so bad, but when it came to television there was an ocean of difference between entries from South Africa and those from many other parts of the continent. But just look at how this has changed. It is no longer the case that it has to be a South African winning because today we're getting good television journalism being done from many parts of the continent.''
Regarding journalism in Africa Joel Kibaza says ''things will not be easy. Bravery and principle are called for. For instance in countries where there's new oil and gas finds – what and how much can you report on the process, the people and the money involved, and where that money's going? The next 10 to 15 years will be a very, very different place but society will be the winner with greater openness and accountability. That's the role now of journalists, as well as into the future.''
Ikechukwu Amaechi, editor of The Daily Independent in Lagos says ''the media is not just a tool of promoting democracy in Africa, but it its backbone''. ''It's very important that their editorial independence and financial viability are ensured to protect the public interest.''
