Applications open for the 2025 AIJC Investigative Journalism Masterclass

The African Investigative Journalism Conference, a project of the Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ) in partnership with SKUP, the Association for Critical and Investigative Press in Norway and Bellingcat, will host an intensive training course on the latest investigative journalism techniques, taking place over three days immediately preceding the conference scheduled for 5 to 7 November 2025 at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The masterclass on digital forensics, OSINT tools, AI and data verification, conducted by the Bellingcat team in English, will run from Sunday 2 to Tuesday 4 November. The Masterclass fellowship also covers attendance of the AIJC conference and training sessions.

Follow the link for details.

Entries ongoing for third annual African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award

Run by the Wits Centre for Journalism, the African Investigative Journalism Conference, and supported by Absa Africa, the prestigious African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award recognises outstanding investigative reporting from across Africa that reveal untold stories, hold the powerful to account, question those in public life and serve the public interest.

The winner will receive US$5,000 while flights, accommodation and fees to attend the AIJC conference are covered for all finalists.

The award is open to all African journalists or teams of journalists working in any media for outstanding stories from and about Africa, published or broadcast in African media between 1 July 2024 and 1 July 2025.

Follow this link to view the rules for entry, and see how to submit your work.

Wits Centre for Journalism gives 24 health journalism grants to African journalists

The Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ) is proud to announce the selection of 24 journalists from across Africa who will each be granted $1,000 (R17,300) to investigate and report on a range of important health issues on the continent.

Over 494 applications were received. The themes ranged from challenges in accessing maternal healthcare, possibilities of outbreaks of pandemics in certain regions, the connection between climate change and health, the rise in non-communicable diseases and corruption in the public health system, among other vital issues.

Click here to see more and meet the grantees.

Webinar Recording: Reimagining Financial Journalism in the Age of AI

Guest speakers Ryk van Niekerk (editor of Moneyweb) and Rob Rose (editor and co-founder of Currency) join WCJ lecturer Gillian Jones for part one of a two-part Wits Centre for Journalism webinar series exploring how we should redefine and re-educate financial journalists for an AI-augmented future.

As artificial intelligence increasingly handles the computational and analytical tasks traditionally performed by financial journalists, what becomes the core purpose of financial journalism?

Follow this link to view the full recording.

Entries open for 2025 Nat Nakasa Awards for Courageous Journalism

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), in partnership with Sanlam, is pleased to announce that entries are now open for the prestigious Nat Nakasa Awards for Courageous Journalism 2025.

These annual awards honour the legacy of Nat Nakasa, a trailblazing South African journalist and writer who died in exile after courageously challenging injustice and censorship during apartheid. The awards celebrate journalists who continue in his footsteps by displaying integrity, fearlessness, and an unwavering commitment to truth and public service.

Click here for details.

Podcast studio open for bookings at the Wits Centre for Journalism

Looking for a professional space to record your next podcast? Welcome to Pod Place, a new podcasting studio available for bookings at the Wits Centre for Journalism in Braamfontein.

Designed and run in collaboration with Wits University’s VOW 88.1FM, the studio provides the perfect environment to bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re an aspiring podcaster or an experienced creator, our rate card offers various opportunities to suite your budget and needs. Get in touch with Tshepiso Ntombela via +27 (0)11 717 4028 or [email protected] to secure your booking today.

Take a look at the rate packages here.

• Netwerk24 is looking for a general news reporter with excellent Afrikaans language and writing skills to join the team in Johannesburg. A relevant tertiary qualification and at least 3 years’ experience are required. Deadline: 18 July. Click here for details.

• Students worldwide can apply for the Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford. The scholarships are intended for outstanding students who are motivated to engage with the global challenges facing humankind. Deadline: 31 July. Click here for details.

• Journalists worldwide can apply for Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Fellowships. The 10-month program seeks to support journalists working on in-depth AI accountability stories with funding up to US$20,000. Deadline: 11 August. Click here for details.