WCJ hosts workshop on psychological first aid for first responders with University of Tulsa's Prof Elana Newman

In one of the first integrated workshops of its kind, the Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ) hosted a training session for journalists, justice officials and emergency workers from across Gauteng, looking to impart skills that can help first responders improve mental resilience during and in the wake of traumatic incidents. 

To lead the discussion and training, the WCJ welcomed trauma expert Professor Elana Newman, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Tulsa and Research Director at the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma (Columbia University). WCJ lecturer Dr Nechama Brodie facilitated the event.

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In case you missed it - 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! 

Webinar explores how African newsrooms can increase revenue 

The Wits Centre for Journalism, fraycollege, the Media Development Investment Fund and the Sustainable Journalism Partnership recently hosted an online workshop looking at Revenue Generation for African Newsrooms.

The workshop featured speakers Lars Tallert – speaking on sustainability; Adedeji Adekunle – speaking on innovation; and Des Latham – speaking on revenue generation strategies.

View the full webinar here.

Podcast explores mental health in the journalism field

Makhosi Sibanda, a journalist and current PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town, is exploring mental health issues among men through the Men’s Conference Podcast. He speaks with the WCJ's Jamlab Africa about journalism work challenges and solutions, as well as experiences that ignited his podcasting journey.

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South Africa’s media have done good work with 30 years of freedom but need more diversity

In 1992, two years before the end of apartheid, Nelson Mandela bemoaned the state of South Africa’s print media. He said the media’s domination by middle class males from the minority white population posed the biggest threat to freedom of expression in the country. The same year, the African National Congress under his leadership adopted a media charter calling for all citizens to be empowered with the necessary information and contesting views to make informed choices. “An ignorant society cannot be democratic,” it declared.

The Conversation Africa asked Prinola Govenden, a media and communications senior lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, what became of the vision for free, inclusive and vibrant South African media.

Click here for the full article.

Image: Some newspapers defied government threats in 2013, and published pictures of President Jacob Zuma’s private home, which was revamped using taxpayers’ money. Alexander Joe/AFP via Getty Images.

Wits University postgraduate application deadline

The Wits Centre for Journalism offers several postgraduate study programmes for aspirant and working journalists - career-entry honours, mid-career honours, master's and PhD. Should you wish to further your studies in journalism and media with the Centre, please be advised that all applications for the 2025 academic year should reach the university by 30 September, 2024. 

Click here for more information on how to apply.

• Calling all journalists and freelancers working in Africa – entries are now open for Media Matters’s 2024 Isu Elihle Awards. Deadline: 30 May. Click here for details.

• Media Xpose is looking for a sub-editor with at least five years’ experience to join the team in CT. The successful applicant will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality & accuracy of content across various media platforms. Click here for details.

• Global Investigative Journalism Network invites reporters across the globe, with little to no experience, to apply for an upcoming introductory training course that will equip them with the skills necessary to navigate the intricacies of investigative journalism. Apply by 19 May. Click here for details.