TREVOR Ncube, the Zimbabwe Independent proprietor and owner of The Standard and South Africa’s Mail & Guardian has received the prestigious German African Award 2008 in recognition of his fight for media freedom, human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The president of the European Parliament Professor Hans-Gert Pottering presented the award at a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, last month.Karl Heinz Hornhues, president of the German Africa Foundation, said Ncube was a strong and courageous voice of freedom who had never capitulated to the political pressure, intimidation and violence of the Zimbabwean regime.“He (Ncube) is a positive example for all journalists, Zimbabweans and Africans who believe in freedom and democracy,” said Hornhues.The German African Award has been awarded by the foundation since 1993 to outstanding personalities for their efforts in human rights, democracy and social development. The previous winners of the award include South Africa’s Finance minister Trevor Manuel and former Botswana president Sir Ketumile Masire.Ncube said he was overwhelmed by the award. He thanked both Zimbabwean and South African journalists for their bravery in fighting for the poor and marginalised.“I dedicate this award to all these people whose pain and sacrifices make the little discomfort I have experienced pale into insignificance,” he said. “My life has found meaning as my colleagues and I have tried to champion their causes.”Last year Ncube received the International Publishers Association’s 2007 Freedom Prize in recognition of exemplary courage in upholding freedom of expression and freedom to publish in his country and internationally. —— Staff Reporter.
