“The annual SAPOA (South African Property Owners Association) Property Journalism Awards highlight the contribution of the media to the property industry at large,” says SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal.

Sponsored by Pace Property Group, the Awards aim to recognize journalists who make an outstanding contribution to the analysis, investigation and reporting of news and trends in the South African property market.

Entries are now open for the 2009 Awards.

“Submissions are being invited from property journalists throughout SA,” says Pace managing director David Green.

Strong demand and a commitment to expanding the 2009 Awards into broadcast as well as print media underscores the decision this year to award two new categories.

“We’ve introduced awards for Best Property News Television Interview and Best Property Radio Interview to include broadcast, as well as print, reporters,” explains Gopal, adding that the success of last year’s Awards promoted SAPOA to widen the pool of eligible submissions.

The three original categories – for Best Property News Journalist, Best Property Feature Journalist, and Best Property Publication – still stand, bringing the total number of categories to five.

The panel of seven judges for the 2009 Awards includes respected professionals from a diverse range of property disciplines: Leon Allison of Macquarie First South Securities and Brian Azizollahoff of Redefine Income Fund from the listed property sector; David Green of Pace Property Group, Kgaogelo Mamabolo of Liberty Properties and TC Chetty of  TC Chetty & Associates from the property management, asset management and development sectors; and, Kathryn Payton of Marketing Concepts and Cecilia Russell from The Star marketing and media sectors.

“The new panel was chosen with a view to finding fresh perspectives and insight,” adds Gopal, adding that the competition gets tougher each year.