An investigation into appalling conditions in school hostels has won two South African journalists the top prize at the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards . Msindisi Fengu and Yandisa Monakali shared the top honor of CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year for their series `` School hostels of shame , '' which appeared in South African newspaper Daily Dispatch . The series investigated appalling conditions experienced by thousands of pupils in South Africa 's Eastern Cape , uncovering hygiene and safety risks in school hostels and lifting the lid on corruption within the education department . Their winning entry was chosen from 1,387 submissions from 42 nations across the continent . It also won the Print General News Award . `` It 's a huge honor to win , '' the pair said in a statement . `` It means all the work we put in has been rewarded . It always feel good to be recognized by your fellow journalists . We 'll keep pushing this agenda . '' Ferial Haffajee , chair of the judging panel , said the top prize was tightly contested . `` But we felt that 'Hostels of shame ' had resonance across the continent . We live in an era of fast everything , so fast journalism is a big part of it . To find a piece of work where people took their weekends , took months to do it and told the story over some length is a real joy . '' The award carried a substantial cash prize , plus a visit to CNN Center in Atlanta to attend the three-week CNN Journalism Fellowship . All finalists received a cash prize , with category winners receiving a laptop and printer as well . Fengu and Monakali were among 27 finalists from 11 countries who attended the Awards ceremony at the Cape Town International Convention Center Saturday as the culmination of a four day program of workshops , media forums , networking , and sightseeing . Parisa Khosravi , senior vice president , global relations for CNN Worldwide , said the awards highlighted the depth and strength of journalism in Africa . `` These men and women have proven that top-notch journalism is alive and prospering , and Africa will have its stories told to the world . '' Nico Meyer , CEO of MultiChoice Africa , said journalists played a vital role in the development of African media . `` Without your hard work and perseverance , the development of the media across Africa would not be possible . '' Khosravi presented the top award with Collins Khumalo , CEO of MultiChoice South Africa . The awards were established in 1995 to encourage , promote and recognize excellence in African journalism .
Their story was an investigation into hygiene and safety risks in school hostels . It ran as a series in a South African newspaper . The award was presented at a ceremony in Cape Town Saturday .