Inspirational Future Journalists Programme

By Bongiwe Tutu


The Future Journalists Programme is a platform for young journalists to further establish themselves in the world around them. It’s an organisation where a variety of second year students from all over the country residing from different universities come together in a joint initiative of future journalists making an impact in the controversial social and economic issues affecting us in our futures. This programme is a strong foundation whereby students grow into better individuals that can sparkle in field of journalism and other proffessions.

There are many issues that affect our youth and media and there is a need for solutions and change. This program is one of the platforms where this and more can be done and it is truly an honour to be part of it. It really means so much to be part of this family where you know that you are slowly but surely making your mark and leaving your prints in this world. A place where you are not only inspired by the program but by the variety of people you get to interact with. There is so much growth in this program and it is a blessing for all the future journalists who are part of it.

As a youth we have to grab every opportunity that comes our way and make the best out of it. We should not feel discouraged by the circumstances that seem to come our way of achieving our goals, there is no success in giving up, it is important that we are always strong in our focal arena.

I thank our trainer Nyx Mclean and the Future Journalists Programme Co-ordinator Nqobile Sibisi; these are very proffessional, higly esteemed and profound women who have taught us so much that empowers and builds us as individuals, I thank everyone else for their current and future contributions and wish you all the best :)

Opinion on Gerard Boyce talk at think Fest

Gerard Boyce, an economist student doing his doctrine at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal gave a presentation this morning in Eden Grove, on the topic of Youth attitudes in regards to SA identity, democracy, life satisfaction. He used a qualitative method for his study. His presentation also showed that youth attitudes are related to perception of life satisfaction.

His study showed that the youth’s attitudes towards voting were not huge, that the youth were disinterested when it came to those matters. I believe the apathy which the youth have towards voting is because we feel no one takes us seriously but this does not mean they will not vote although this may not be the truth for most.

Young people are a youth in crisis! I believe the youth are in crisis in terms of how we identify with who we are in relation to the older people.

His study used the categories of African, Colored, Indian and White. My question is, how do we define African? Anyone could have identified themselves as African, especially the youth.

In his presentation I noted that national pride, amongst our youth is quite high amongst the youth. Could this be due the recent events that have taken place in S.A.? I think events like the 2010 Soccer World Cup can be the reason it is high, although the voting is low it shows that the youth believe in our country and what it can be.

The study showed young people have more great expectations about the future and are more hopeful. This for me is a great link up to the national pride which was touched on. With that said the youth are hopeful because and have great expectations due to the fact that although there has been suffering endured in the past so with time we hope it will get better.

The qualitative study he used was not appropriate in regards to its agenda. It was a study about the youth but it felt like it was without the youth’s true opinions. Forums and discussions would have helped his study/findings.

In my opinion the youth are misunderstood and there are very few individuals to partake or engage with the youth, many things are based on assumptions.

By Nokwazi Khumalo

Small Minds

Money Maker- gets black people intrigued,

Conserved cultural walls collapse, cracking in anticipation,

They flock in numbers to watch sexual participations

Flash backs of Mouche- puppets, invincible characters,

Blacks in the audience minority, whites majority.

Heartbreaking realisation, blacks cannot use imagination

Can’t watch shows that encourage mental stimulation.

heroes of our lives

Heroes of our lives

Ever had one of those days when you want to jump for joy, when your excitement was so much you could hardly contain it? Then there are those days when you feel like the world is on your shoulders, when you find it hard to even breathe. But we are human and these emotions are inevitable. However there amazing people who are able to inspire, motivate and bring back the spirit of living and happiness in the lives of others. Maya Angelou is no exception; she is one of the many heroes who make life worthwhile.

Maya Angelou is an African American, born in 4 April 1928. She has dedicated her life to helping others and motivating people. She is a well known poet, civil rights activist and author amongst other things. Her best known contributions to literature are her series of six auto biographies. She also served as a Northern Coordinator for Dr Martin Luther King, she also taught at the Wake Forest University since 1991.

Her services are of immense importance to the whole of American nation and she does all this with a lot of tenacity, love and passion for people and the arts.
Maya Angelou is an inspiration to many because she does her work with passion and has received numerous awards for her incredible work including being named women of the year in communications, nomination for best supporting actress and she also has a tony award under her belt.

I want to apply her qualities into my everyday life. Aspiring to be journalist I think it is important for me to do my journalism work with outmost passion, tenacity as she does. Adapt her style by producing the kind of journalism that does not only inform but also touch people’s lives. Be able to make an impact that will make the world a better place as she has done.

My favourite quote from Maya Angelou “My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry, to get work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return”

By Busisiwe Busenga