Gazette editor nominated for CNN African Journalist of the Year

GAZETTE REPORTER
Lawrence Seretse, the editor in chief of The Botswana Gazette has been nominated for CNN MULTICHOICE AFRICAN JOURNALIST 2016.Seretse features among a prolific list of 38 journalists from across the continent who will battle it out for the ultimate prize after an independent judging panel makes a decision and announce the winner at a Gala Award Ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa, October 2016.
Seretse (27) is a young investigative journalist who quickly rose in his career and ascended to the level of Gazette Head of Investigations then deputy editor and finally the editor of the The Botswana Gazette after stints at Mmegi and The Business Weekly and Review.
Seretse got his nomination after publishing a story on the tourism consortium, Wilderness Safaris’ shifting of profits made in Botswana to tax haven jurisdictions like Bermuda.
Some of his breaking investigations include: an expose on corruption scandals in the Botswana intelligence services; the illegal lion trade and canned hunting between Botswana and South Africa by prominent people and tax avoidance scandals my multinational companies.
Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International said: “This year has seen a record number of entries for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards, from a diverse array of countries across the continent. The passion which African journalists display for telling compelling and top class stories knows no bounds. Once more, CNN proudly continues its commitment to encouraging inspired journalistic excellence with these awards.”
Greg Beitchman, Vice President, Content Sales and Partnerships, CNN International: “The African Journalist Awards continues to maintain its place as the most prestigious Pan African journalist competition. CNN encourages, promotes and recognises excellence in
journalism across all platforms, so we are particularly pleased to be able to support journalists who represent the continent’s thriving news industry in all its forms. With our
MultiChoice partners, we look forward to yet another thrilling Awards ceremony celebrating the very best journalism Africa has to offer.”
Tim Jacobs, CEO MultiChoice Africa, said: It is evident from this year’s entries that Africa has a vibrant media landscape which continues to develop in leaps and bounds. The finalists are to be applauded for their courage in covering some of the stories, many of which were in difficult circumstances. We are committed to increasing excellence in journalism and this initiative is close to our hearts, as it has helped unearth some of Africa’s greatest story tellers.”
Reacting to this nomination, Seretse abruptly said it was very encouraging for his works to be recognized in an international platform. “It means that we are doing something meaningful in the society, if it wasn’t for my mentors and passion maybe I would not be here, who knows? I hope this inspires my colleagues as well.”