Hortgro Izithelo Media Award 2026 | Lucentlands Media

Hortgro awards the Izithelo Media Award annually for outstanding journalism in and about the deciduous fruit (pome/stone) industry. The deciduous fruit industry’s journalism merit award focuses on ensuring continuous, constructive engagement between the fruit industry and the media.

Winner: Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie | Lucentlands Media

Motivation: Dynamic duo Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie started Lucentlands in 2019. Dewald is the wizard behind the camera, and Louise is the journalist and industry expert. What could go wrong? Well, it seems…nothing.

Over the years, both individually and as a team, they have accumulated several awards, and now they can add Izithelo. Louise, of course, received the Izithelo in 2007. Lucentlands Media is being awarded specifically for their podcasts and the impact they had on the South African pome and stone fruit industry.

Through the microphone and camera, they explored people, opportunities, challenges and innovations throughout the deciduous fruit value chain. By providing an accessible platform for growers, researchers, exporters and industry leaders to share knowledge and perspectives, Lucentlands has helped translate complex agricultural, economic and technical issues into engaging, informative discussions.

Its podcasts have highlighted topics such as innovation, sustainability, market access, logistics, technology, research, and the resilience of South African fruit producers, helping to inform stakeholders and promote a deeper understanding of the industry’s importance to the country’s economy and rural communities.

Through professional storytelling and a commitment to meaningful industry dialogue, Lucentlands has amplified the deciduous fruit sector’s voice and increased awareness of the people and organisations driving its success. Its consistent, insightful coverage makes it a deserving recipient of the Hortgro Izithelo Media Award 2026.