Dates announced for the 20th African Investigative Journalism Conference

It's official - the AIJC returns to Wits University in 2024 for its 20th edition, bringing another packed schedule of talks, panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops and networking sessions with some of Africa's finest and most renowned investigative journalists, trainers and experts.

SAVE THE DATE: October 30 to November 1, 2024. Wits University, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Keep an eye on the Wits Centre for Journalism's website and social media channels for updates and calls for input in the months ahead. See you there! 

Complete climate reporting survey and you could win a ticket to AIJC 2024

As part of their shared goal in shaping the future of climate journalism, the Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ) and climateXchange (cXc) are trying to capture and understand the challenges African newsrooms face when it comes to reporting on climate issues. By completing a short 3-minute survey (link below), you'll be entered into a lucky draw to win a ticket to the 20th African Investigative Journalism Conference, Africa's premier journalism gathering, which is set to take place at Wits University from October 30 to November 1, 2024*.

*One entry per person allowed. Closing date: 28 April 2024. One winner will be selected at random by a closed draw. The prize is not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Terms and conditions apply.

Click here to take the survey.

WCJ signs Memorandum of Understanding with African Women in Media

The Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ) and African Women in Media (AWiM) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance their common goals of creating enabling environments for African women who work in media industries, and changing the way African women are represented in media content.

The MOU was concluded between the two organisations after recognising the pressing need to advance the development of women in the media by providing training opportunities and platforms to amplify the voices of women on the continent. 

Click here to read more.

Strengthening crime and court reporting in South Africa

The Wits Justice Project is a project housed within the Wits Centre for Journalism, aimed at strengthening justice journalism in South Africa.

In January and February the Justice Project, supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, embarked on a national training programme aimed at equipping junior reporters with basic crime and court reporting skills. Ten training workshops were held at venues across the country, including Polokwane, Mbombela, Durban, Gqeberha, Cape Town, Kimberley and Potchefstroom, and three sessions in Johannesburg.

Click here to read more and sign up for future workshops.

Truths through the lens: The importance of photojournalism in Africa

In recent years, the landscape of photojournalism in Africa has experienced significant transformations, propelled by technological advancements, shifts in media paradigms, and evolving social dynamics. Nevertheless, photojournalism still stands out as a powerful tool, capable of capturing the essence of a moment in a single frame.

Leon Sadiki, mentor in photography at the Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ), talks to ADJENda about the importance of photojournalism in an age of AI and other digital advancements and about shaping the next generation of visual storytellers in Africa.

Click here for the full article.

New media innovations to be featured in upcoming Jamlab Africa Demo Days webinar

Join Jamlab Africa for the #DemoDays webinar, where teams that completed the latest Jamlab Accelerator Programme will showcase the exciting new media innovations they’ve been working on.

The Jamlab Accelerator Programme is a six-month hothouse programme for early-stage journalism and media start-ups. It provides teams with the tools, facilities, contacts, and support necessary to realise their ideas and ambitions.

The programme focuses on journalism and media innovations with the potential to transform information, conversation and public space.

WHEN: 22 April at 12pm.

Click here to register. 

• Pulitzer Center invites journalists worldwide to apply for its Transparency and Governance Reporting Grants, which aim to support deep reporting projects that investigate the root causes of corruption. Rolling deadline. Click here for details. 

• Earth Journalism Network invites media organisations and journalism schools to apply for its latest training and capacity building grant programme, designed to strengthen media reporting on biodiversity issues. Deadline: 9 April. Click here for details. 

• Code For Africa has an immediate vacancy for a talented and experienced English-language copy editor. At least five years of copy editing experience in a fast-paced newsroom or digital journalism space required. Deadline: 12 April. Click here for details.