Students from the Wits Journalism Programme and the City Varsity Film and Television School has launched one of the most
advanced new media services in South Africa, according to a media release. The new media platform –
called Mojozone – uses the mobile internet and Bluetooth to deliver
news, information and entertainment directly to students’ cellphones on
the Wits campus in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
“What we are promising on Mojozone is ‘All Bark, All Bite, No Bull’ news, information and entertainment that is relevant to students’ lives,†says Pakama Ngceni, Network Editor and Wits Journalism student.
The students have created their own media brand and are making all the content for it, using video, text, images and graphics.  They are also responsible for marketing their service and for conducting their own audience research.
Using specially designed Bluetooth technology, students in some of the busiest areas of campus will be offered news messages, even videos, sent directly to their phones. They will then be able to visit a dedicated ‘mobisite’ – an internet site specially designed for cellphones, where they will be able to browse more content.
In order to launch their project, the students have been taught to use the latest world-class technology including a Norwegian
WAP site system, which includes some of the best video tools available for mobile websites and a Bluetooth broadcasting system developed in South Africa, provided to them thanks to the substantial support of DStv Mobile, the mobile operations
division of MultiChoice. They have Nokia N95 mobile journalism cellphone kits as used by Reuters and can upload video directly onto the web from their phones.
The ‘Mojozone’ project is part of an experimental mobile journalism course of the Wits Journalism Programme. “As far as we know, combining the mobile internet and bluetooth to deliver content in this way is a world first,†says Indra de Lanerolle, who developed and teaches the course at Wits.
Prof. Anton Harber, Head of the Wits Journalism Programme, says that the course is part of their commitment to preparing
journalism students for the changes underway in journalism and media in South Africa: “Not long ago, students could think of choosing a career in print, radio or television. Now they need to consider that in their careers, or even in one job, they may work across many media – some still to be invented. This course is one of the ways in which we are preparing them for that future.â€ÂÂ
DStv Mobile is supporting the course and has developed some of the tools the students are using. They are providing technical support in building the advanced WAP and Bluetooth networks required for the project. Astrid Ascar, General Manager of Products at DStv Mobile says it is an opportunity to encourage young people to engage with mobile media. “We believe mobile is the way that most South Africans are going to get online in the future and we are thrilled to be able to continue our successful association with Wits Journalism for the second year running, offering their students the opportunity to explore
what is becoming a vital part of the media world.â€ÂÂ
Mathia Nalappan, General Manager for Nokia South Africa says she is looking forward to seeing the results of the students work.  “We are delighted to be supporting this very ambitious course and we can’t wait to see how the students will be
using our phones to produce video, audio and images for  ‘Mojozone’.
“This project offers the students an opportunity to learn about some of the new technologies that are set to transform
journalism and media – globally and in South Africa,†says De Lanerolle. “The challenges they are grappling  with are the same ones that media organisations in print, television and online are also grappling with – how best to deliver content to phones. It’s like being around at the very beginning of television – no one knows the answers yet and these students have as good a chance as anyone of finding some of those answers.â€ÂÂ
The course is organised in association with City Varsity Newtown Campus. The course has been made possible through the generous support of DStv mobile, a division of Multichoice mobile operations. Nokia has provided the Mojo N95 phone kits and  technical support for the project.
Visit the mojozone wap-site to view content on http://mojojo.mobi
For more information contact Indra de Lanerolle on 083 411 2829 or email Indra.de.lanerolle@gmail.com.
