WCJ Webinar: In conversation with Tessa Dooms and Lynsey Ebony Chutel, authors of Coloured

Join veteran investigative journalist Beauregard Tromp in conversation with Tessa Dooms and Lynsey Ebony Chutel, authors of newly published book Coloured, a reflection on and celebration of coloured identities as lived experiences in South Africa. Included in a broader discussion about the book, the panel will explore how journalists in the country, who work in fast-paced news environments often without the luxury of time, can ensure a better examination of the underlying context and find the bigger, more nuanced story.

17 October, 12pm to 1pm.

Click here to register.

Exploring AI in higher education

How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools augment, shape or impact future academic endeavours? What ethical considerations need to be clearly defined when using AI in a learning environment? Can AI be used for good in this space? 

Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ) lecturer Pheladi Sethusa recently spoke at a workshop hosted by the Wits Centre for Learning, Teaching and Development (CTLD), to address questions such as these in reflecting on the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the implications we are beginning to see and explore in learning and teaching.

Read the full article here. 

AI Ethics in Africa: WCJ postdoctoral fellow Dr Job Mwaura awarded prestigious African Peace Network Fellowship

Postdoctoral fellow at the Wits Centre for Journalism, Dr Job Mwaura, has been awarded the prestigious African Peace Network Individual Research Fellowship (APN-IRF) by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), based in New York.

AI’s integration into everyday life is becoming increasingly prominent, and this widespread adoption carries pressing questions surrounding the ethical implications of AI tools and their use in society. Mwaura’s research, titled “Ethical Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence in Crime Control and Public Order Management”, aims to address these questions, and harmonise the revolutionary prospects of AI in crime control with the moral imperatives that must underline innovations in this space.

Click here to read the full article.

WCJ Webinar [recording]: What is the price of justice in South Africa? 

Over the current Medium Term Expenditure Framework period, justice cluster ministries are allocated nearly R150-billion each financial year. Over R100-billion is spent on policing, more than R25.5 billion on correctional services, and R23 billion on our courts and legal services.

To discuss the budgets and to better understand where this money is being spent, academic, accountant and activist Khaya Sithole hosted an engaging discussion with members of parliament Glynnis Breytenbach (DA) and Xola Nqola (ANC), as well as WCJ lecturer and head of the Wits Justice Project, Dr Nechama Brodie.

Watch the full webinar here.

Early bird tickets now on sale for the 19th African Investigative Journalism Conference

Early bird tickets for Africa’s flagship journalism conference are now available, but don’t delay, the special ends on 6 October!

The African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) is back for its 19th year, kicking off at Wits University on 20 November for three packed days of lectures, seminars, talks and networking sessions.

The conference offers a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the business, as well as to share excellent work with a global audience. We will also see the winner crowned in the inaugural Wits Centre for Journalism-AIJC African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award, supported by Absa bank. This year’s conference promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Here are some highlights you can look forward to.

Take your studies further in 2024 with world-class postgraduate programmes from the WCJ

Applications for the career-entry and mid-career honours in journalism programmes at the WCJ are open. With an in-depth and engaging blend of theoretical course work, expert mentorship, and practical experience gained from running the Centre's online campus newspaper, Wits Vuvuzela, students are given all the tools needed to seamlessly transition into professional life after graduation.

The mid-career degree is an option for working journalists and communicators who wish to develop their skills, specialise in a particular area, or branch into entirely new areas of the profession. This degree is for journalists and communicators who already have a degree behind them, or who have been working in the field for at least three years. The course can be taken on a full-time (one-year) or part-time (two-year) basis. You can be a graduate in any field, with an average of at least 65% in your final year. There is also a recognition of prior learning option available for applicants without a degree.

Click here to find out more. 

Follow this link to apply. 

• The Press Council of SA invites applications or nominations for public representatives for current and future vacancies on the council and panel of adjudicators. Deadline: 6 November. Click here for details.

• Join the first cohort of the South African National Editors’ Forum’s Fellowship in Financial Journalism. To apply, email a copy of your ID or passport, CV, and letter of motivation to [email protected]. Only 20 places available initially. Deadline: 6 October. Click here for details.

• Spotlight is looking for a deputy editor with a strong journalism background, excellent attention to detail, and a passion for public interest health journalism. At least five years’ experience needed. Deadline: 6 October. Click here for details.

• The 2023 Civic Tech Innovation Forum and Jamfest are around the corner! This year’s #AfricaFlows theme will look at the influence of AI in the work of media and civic tech innovators across Africa. Date: 16 – 19 October. Click here to get your free tickets.