The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has congratulated the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease, and videographer Aaron Berbrick for being recognised for their outstanding broadcast media coverage of the United Nations (UN).
This accolade pertains to an interview conducted by Bryce-Pease and Berbrick with Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, before the UN General Assembly in September, focusing on crises in Gaza and other conflict zones.
In a sit-down interview with Bryce-Pease, Fletcher cautioned that the burden on humanitarian workers could be greater this year.
He reflected on crises in Gaza, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where millions of people are facing emergencies while global funding for humanitarian relief continues to diminish.
The SABC duo was honoured as the gold winners of the Ricardo Ortega Memorial Prize.
This prize is named in memory of Ricardo Ortega, who was the New York correspondent for Antena 3 TV of Spain and tragically passed away while on assignment in Haiti in 2004.
Lamola stated that this prestigious award, given by the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA), signifies a notable recognition of journalistic excellence on a global level.
“For many years, the SABC, through the dedicated work of Mr Bryce-Pease and videographer Aaron Berbrick, has provided the South African public with insightful, accurate, and timely reporting on the deliberations and developments within the United Nations.
“Their work plays a vital role in keeping our nation apprised of critical international affairs and the multilateral efforts that shape our world,” the Minister added.
Bryce-Pease stated that the SABC News team in New York is thrilled by this acknowledgement and that the award validates their work and commitment.
“But also, the investment that the public broadcaster continues to make in our operations in the United States.
“Our ethos is to deliver quality, accurate content that not only inspires but also educates and informs, as well as being driven by substance and facts. Aaron and I are proud to receive this award but are only honoured to represent SABC News on the international stage,” he added.
The winners will be honoured at the 29th annual UNCA gala on Friday, 12 December 2025, at UN Headquarters in New York.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres will be the guest of honour for the evening.
This black-tie event will be attended by UN ambassadors, high-level UN officials, Hollywood celebrities, humanitarians, representatives from corporate and cultural organisations, and media from around the world.
During the gala, UNCA will showcase a short video clip featuring only the gold award winners. – SAnews.gov.za
