The awards celebrate the significant impact that journalism has on South African society.

In addition, to the big prize each national winner receives R15 000, while every regional category winner will receive R7 500.

Editors throughout South Africa are encouraged to identify their most promising young journalists who have been in the business for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of five years and enter them for the Editors Choice Award.

It's the opportunity of a lifetime for the winner who will receive a grant enabling him or her to study internationally.

There are 14 categories in total from which entrants can choose:

• TV General News
• TV Feature
• Print General News
• Print Feature
• Radio News; Radio Feature
• Financial/Economic
• Columnist; Cartoonist
• Photographer
• Sport
• Community Media
• Online Journalism and Editors Choice

All entries must have been published or broadcast between May 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009. The competition opens on April 9, 2009 and closes on May 28, 2009. The competition begins with the regional awards, which will be held around the country in September and these winners in the various categories will automatically compete at the National Awards ceremony which will take place at a glittering function to be held in Johannesburg in October.

A Lifetime Achievement Award is also awarded to a journalist who has made a meaningful contribution to the media profession. This winner is chosen by the judging panel.

To download entry forms go to www.ngopulse.org/opportunity/2009-vodacom-journalist-year