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Highlights from #AIJC18

The 14th African Investigative Journalism Conference was a busy, and intense three days of learning, connecting and networking of African and global muckrakers. The conference brought together over 350 delegates from 36 different countries from October 29-31, 2018. We share some of the highlights from the conference.

Africa-China Photo Exhibition 2018

The Africa-China Journalists Forum & Photo Exhibition took place at Wits University on 1 November. The Photo Exhibition featured 20 images taken by 14 photographers; at the Forum Justin Hui, Hong Kong-based photographer and architect led a discussion of all the images in the exhibition. The Photo Exhibition followed a call for submissions opened by the Project in August 2018 for images that best encapsulate “Africa-China”, i.e. emphasising on-the-ground African impact and perspectives to illustrate how the lives of the people of Africa are changing amid the comprehensive phenomenon of Africa-China interactions.

Events

Belt & Road Conference at Wits University, 23 November

The BRI Conference will explore Chinese perspectives on the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) and is part of ongoing engagement on the BRI at Wits University. The Conference will provide an opportunity for South African media, researchers, think tanks, government and the public to engage directly with African and Chinese experts on the BRI and to consider South Africa’s potential participation in the BRI.

From our Projects

Wits Journalism hosts a number of projects that have a substantial impact on the South African media industry.

WITS JUSTICE PROJECT: Following ConCourt ruling, SAPS continues to arrest people for possession of cannabis

The new ConCourt judgment legalising private use of cannabis should lead to a decrease in dagga arrests, but power still rests with the police. To date, cannabis arrests are one of the biggest SAPS arrest categories. Complete decriminalisation would free up R3.5-billion in police resources.

CITIZEN JUSTICE NETWORK: Christianity and rights protection: Were to go to fully understand your rights

Religion is a complex topic, and recently the religious fraternity has been tainted by false churches that have very peculiar methods in performing miracles including the advent of healing by Doom, Jik, snakes and grass. According to a paralegal journalist, these occurrences have not swayed churchgoers and have left some feeling that their rights are not protected.

JAMLAB: South Africa’s podcasting is set to boom

Podcasting in South Africa is undoubtedly on the rise, with hobbyists, brands and media organisations getting in on the trend and listenership steadily growing. If you’re waiting for the breakthrough South African year of podcasting or our big ‘Serial moment’ you may be disappointed by the patience and hard work that this medium needs for growth. But this emerging industry is hopeful about opportunities here and on the continent. We explore what exactly that bright future may look like.

AFRICA CHECK: Does Kenya’s tea-rich Kericho county get ‘nothing’ for its green gold?

How resources are shared can be a source of friction between Kenya’s central government and its 47 new counties. Their governments often want a larger share of the resources in their territories. Tea earns Kenya billions of shillings in exports. But is the governor of Kericho, a key growth area, correct to say his county earns nothing from the cash crop?

Podcasts

Radio shows produced by the Wits Radio Academy.

Business Buzz – Big Decisions

We all need to make some big money decisions in our lives. In our Buffalo index you’ll get some practical examples of how to educate yourself about personal finances. Thandeka Nxumalo from 2-Tone Recruitment explains how to negotiate your first salary.

Listen here

The Science Inside – Biobricks

We spend time with Dr Dyllon Randall from UCT who was part of world first research where human urine was used to make building bricks. In Unscience in gets delicious with a mathematical formula for the perfect pizza.

Listen here

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