Three journalists from The New Times Publications were recognized on November 7 at the 2024 Development Journalism Awards (DJA), receiving awards for their impactful reporting. ALSO READ: The New Times’ Iribagiza wins 2023 female journalist of the year award Organized annually by the Association of Rwanda Journalists (ARJ) in collaboration with Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and Rwanda Media Commission (RMC), the DJA celebrates excellence and professionalism in journalism by honoring outstanding journalists across Rwanda. This year, the awarding ceremony coincided with the Africa Day of Information celebrations. The event began with discussions on the role of social media in modern journalism and concluded with the awards presentation. In its 11th edition, the DJA awarded 31 journalists, including 16 men and 15 women, for their contributions to development journalism, with Oswald Mutuyeyezu from Radio TV10 named Journalist of the Year. The New Times Winners Michel Nkurunziza received the Disability Inclusion Award for his piece, “Meet Rwaka, a Deaf Professional Driver Advocating for Change in Traffic Laws.” Reacting to his award, Nkurunziza said, “I am thrilled to be recognized by the Development Journalism Awards. This recognition motivates me to keep working hard, knowing the Rwanda Governance Board, journalists' association, and partners value our role in development.” Linda Mbabazi won in the Inspiring Journeys of Self-Reliance and Poverty Eradication category with her story, “How Two Women Are Shattering Gender Barriers in ‘Jobs for Men’.” Glory Iribagiza was awarded Best Story by a Female with her piece, “The Untold Tragedy of Rwandan Colonial Métis Six Decades Later.” Other winners The winner in the Feature Story (Online Media) category was Steven Nsamaza from Rwanda Dispatch and Health Reporting winner was Lionel Itangishatse from Radio Ishingiro The ICT and Telecommunications award was grabbed by Léontine Ineza from Energy Radio, while the Child Development Reporting award was won by Rachel Byavuka (Isangano Radio), Vestine Umurerwa (Isango Star TV), and Christian Nshuti Mugisha (IGIHE.com). The Sports Reporting award went to Thierry Titi Kayishema from the National Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Agriculture and Livestock Reporting award to Janniene Ndayizeye (RBA-Radio), Bonaventure Cyubahiro (RBA-RTV), and Emma Marie Umurerwa (Iriba News). Marie Louise Mukantagengwa from Ishingiro Radio won an award under the Documentary Production category, and in the category of Data Journalism the winner was Jean de Dieu Tuyizere from IGIHE. The Business Reporting award was won by Mercie Dieu Kazungire from Radio Salus, while Hygiene and Sanitation Reporting went to Venuste Habineza (Radio Salus), and Phoibe Mukandayisenga (Radio Ishingiro). Additional awards were given for stories on topics including gender promotion, child abuse, governance, investigative reporting, and talk shows among others. The Best Story by a female went to Emilienne Kayitesi from Isango Star, while the Best Journalist of the Year was Oswald Mutuyeyezu from Radio TV10.
