Says Peter Sullivan, chairman of Print Media SA's Media Freedom Committee and convener of the judges, "While Professor Berger's popularity has nothing to do with his winning, I know all journalists and many students of journalism will cheer and celebrate that this worthy man, who works so hard for the profession with the greatest of integrity and the least self-interest, is now being nationally recognised by his peers.
"Well done prof, we are all extraordinarily proud of you and your achievements."
Sponsored jointly by Print Media South Africa (PMSA), the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) and the Nieman Foundation, the Nat Nakasa is South Africa's pre-eminent award for courage in journalism.
Prof Berger is the ninth winner of the award, and the first academic. Former winners include photographers Alf Kumalo and Debbie Yazbek, reporters Buks Viljoen and Justin Arenstein, and editors Mathatha Tsedu and Jon Qwelane.
His nominators pointed out he satisfied all criteria, which included showing integrity and reporting fearlessly, displaying a commitment to serving the people of South Africa, tenaciously striving to maintain a publication despite obstacles, resisting censorship, and showing courage in making information available to the South African public.
Berger has headed Rhodes University's journalism department for the past 11 years. He has been the prime mover in getting both funding and support for the university's new Africa Media Matrix building, which now houses the journalism and media studies school.
Jailed for two years in apartheid times for "aiding and abetting the aims of banned organisations", he went into exile then returned to edit two newspapers, resigning as editor from New Era because his staff refused to run an interview with National Party Law and Order Minister Adriaan Vlok - they believed the minister came out looking too good.
Berger continues to write columns, and continues to jump into controversy with both feet, notably when he attacked tabloids for not showing journalism but being adept at entertainment, hyping and adherence to simplistic stereotypes.
