INAUGURAL SATY AWARDS SURPASS ALL EXPECTATIONS

MEDIA RELEASE: 

History was made Saturday night at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg when the much-anticipated ANN7 South African Of The Year Awards were broadcast across the continent. The star-studded event was attended by the who’s who from sports, entertainment, politics and business. They included Basetsana Khumalo, Advocate George Bizos, Rivonia trialist Andrew Mlangeni and Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss who were present at the event to celebrate the achievements and contributions of extra-ordinary South Africans. 

The night opened with electric performances from Ella Henderson and later Nicole Scherzinger. They were followed by splendid performances by South Africa’s top performers Lira, Zahara, Mafikizolo and Mi Casa. Social media went abuzz from the time the broadcast went live and in no time #SATY2014 was trending nationally and internationally till the early hours of Sunday. 

Special comments from the elite guests present:

“My thoughts go back to when the Channel started and I think it took a lot of guts, hard work, commitment and focus for the people that worked around the clock to get it moving, It is here now and I think that everybody is feeling it” - Lindiwe Zulu,  Minister of Small Business

The whole focus on ordinary South Africans making a difference in South Africa as we saw during elections, I believe that is what has made ANN7 stand out amongst other channels. Furthermore, the concept of the SATY awards and their celebration of our diversity really makes it stand out. I wish the channel many more years – Brian Molefe, CEO Transnet

Happy birthday ANN7. I think the entity has managed to drive our information revolution very well.  There was much interest drawn by the election tracker during election time where the channel covered all parts of the country. I would like to say to you, keep up the good work in informing our nation and continue to reach out to previously disadvantaged people in the rural areas where information is still a scarce resource.  I wish you well and I believe you will continue to empower our people with information.  - Faith Muthambi,   Minister Of Communications

Happy birthday to ANN7, this is an awesome event, you came to the party to diversify the media in South Africa and we are grateful for that, and I think South Africa can feel you now. Let’s rock and roll. Haters are going to hate but you have arrived and may you see many more anniversaries.  Fikile Mbalula,  Minister of Sports

Well done ANN7, Its been tumultuous for all of us, thank you for the wonderful presentation of the elections. You were the best and keep the country flag flying high. You make us proud. freedom of speech has been enhanced since you came onto the scene  - Jessie Duarte, Deputy Secretary General of the ANC

This is a very fragile time and as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, we always take care of children because most times they do not even reach their fifth birthday. But I want to say to ANN7 happy birthday on your first anniversary and I know you will go very far. Looking at the set tonight it looks like there is a lot of ke chang!  - Yvonne Chaka Chaka, music legend and UN Goodwill Ambassador.

Happy anniversary to ANN7 for blasting into the media, slow start but wow! Have you just grown and grown, made noise and made everyone stand, watch and wonder as to what else you will bring. Not only have you brought some diversity into the media scene but you have also brought content that is very exciting and a lot of people are looking forward to what else you have in store – Nothemba Madumo, Metro FM Radio Personality

ANN7 continues to fulfil its mandate of reporting objectively and makes one feel that when you read the newspaper or watch the channel, it has kept the promise, and  is reflective of South Africa.  If you did something and when you read it, or watch it, you will feel that yes they are reporting about what was said or what I did even if it’s not nice. I thought it was important to come and be one of the people to say happy birthday ANN7 – President Jacob Zuma

The SATY2014 winners were: 

South African Of The year – Advocate Thuli Madonsela

Trendsetting celebrity of the year – Mafikizolo

Business person of the Year – Patrice Motsepe

Young South African Of The year – Sandile Kubheka

Campaign of The Year – 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela

Sports Person Of The Year – Hashim Amla

Spirit Of Humanity – John Pearlman Dreamfields Project

Lifetime Achievement award recipients – Andrew Mlangeni, Richard Maponya, Advocate George Bizos, Mama Gertrude Shope & Sophia Williams-De Bruyn

END. 

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