With the aim of rewarding reporting excellence in the fields of science and technology in Africa, Sigi Proebstl, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Southern Africa, says the marked increase in the number of entrants from across the continent has made the Profile Awards truly Pan-African in their scope and reach.

“It is our firm belief that science and technology reporting needs to be continuously accelerated and improved on the continent in order to demystify these very important topics that have the potential to impact massively on the lives of all Africa’s people,” says Proebstl. “The recognition and reward of those writers, broadcasters and producers who effectively do this, therefore, is a vitally important task.”

Supporting this view, Kerry Swift, Executive Director: Development at Rhodes University and the convener of the Judging Panel composed of senior journalists from English, French and Arabic media, technology writers, academics and technologists, said that overall, the trend was up in terms of the number of entries received, countries participating and in the depth of knowledge displayed.

“Of particular importance was this year was the quality and quantity of entries from the north of Africa, indicating a wide spread from countries across the continent such as Nigeria, Egypt and Burkina Faso, as well as from Francophone Africa,” said Swift. “Of the winning entries, what stood out clearly was the depth of research, the ability to unbundle complex technology, individual writing styles and a broad interest in the technology arena, with several entries considered to be world-class.”

Commenting on the overall winning entry, Swift says Jennifer Stastny’s piece entitled ‘Unseen Ally’ takes on the powerfully evocative subject of cancer, and looks at iTemba LABS, a Cape-based hospital that uses two types of sub-atomic particles to attack the disease.

“‘iTemba’ is Xhosa for ‘hope’ and LABS stands for ‘Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences’. The writer explains the nature of cancer and how mainstream medicine conventionally handles it through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and combinations of these treatments, which are not always effective,” says Swift. “This is why the proton and neutron therapies used at iThemba are so innovative. She unravels the technology in simple-to-understand language, explains its application and impact and suggests how this innovative technology can offer cancer sufferers new hope.”

According to Swift, entries were examined for reporting that was accurate, informed and balanced, and that communicated science and technology reporting in an easily understood manner, with strong emphasis placed on context.

“The Category and Merit Awards went to those journalists who unbundled technology so audiences could easily grasp the nature and benefits of new technologies, and who did so in a clear and concise manner,” he added.

Proebstl said that as developments in science and technology continue apace, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the leading edge of innovation, which is why Siemens sees the reporting of science and technology in an easily understandable format as a priority for Africa.

“We believe that science and innovation can help us create a safer and healthier society, a cleaner environment and a prosperous knowledge-driven economy for this entire continent's people,” says Proebstl.

Greg Gibbons, Director of Corporate Communications at Siemens Southern Africa, confirmed that the Profile Awards is a long term investment in the partnership between Siemens and the media and efforts to accelerate participation are on the cards.

“To date, almost R4 million has been invested in the programme since its inception in 2001,” he concludes.