by baphe malusi phukwana
The first day of the conference was interesting; I met up with the other students that are in the FJP programme. They are all nice and friendly people. We attended two sessions, the first session was really interesting, they spoke about interesting issues such as, the impact of media in Africa, the effects of economic melt down and how the media covered it and the quality of news produced in Africa. The main issue was that, does Africa have journalists that will promote the continent and write good news stories rather than on focusing on stories that reflect a bad image about the continent. Also and how the world cup stories are being covered, the foreign media sensationalising and trying to put Africa on the bad light. They also stated that African media is still dominated by western view of what is news.
I can say Highway Africa is trying to establish and promote press and broadcast freedom in the African content, HWA is equipping and informing the new generation of journalists to be more interested into news that promote the good image of the continent. Also try to come up with our own methods of managing and controlling newsrooms and news content, meaning that media should take hold of its self so that through out the whole of Africa quality news are published. I believe with this programme good quality journalists will be produced and better news quality will be published.
This programme will also help me be a better journalist, be the type of journalist or watchdog that Africa expects me to be. It will also help to equip myself into writing what is news worthy and high light aspects in the African continent which in some way promote the image of the continent and how it operates. I will also get a chance to express myself. The highway Africa programme is offering many opportunities for me and the rest of the journalism students. I’m given a chance to network with people that are already in the field and they will help me in getting into the field of journalism. I’m also gaining knowledge from people that already have experience in the field.
This will help me to boost my confidence in socialising skill with people and also being given an opportunity into expressing my views about current political and social issues in the country and the rest of the continent. This programme will also help to broaden my knowledge about things that I may not know. It is my duty as a journalist in training to go back to my institution and my community to report and practise what I have and will learn from this conference. Let them know about issues that really matter and try and work with my community into publishing news that are off high quality and are uplifting. We as journalist we should not always focus on news that are negative and we should strive to get the news out to the public no matter what, using any form of communication, it may be a blog, radio station, your twitter page, etc.
05 July, 2010
First day in Gtown
by Poliswa Plaatjie
My first day started off on a very bad note, I was late for the opening ceremony because I had to register then have breakfast but I must say within the few minutes that I was inside the ceremony I was able to grasp a lot of information.
I’d say that the conference is trying to remind Journalists and future Journalists that the press is not a platform to spread rumours but rather a platform for Journalists to express themselves and become the voice of the voiceless.
They are also trying to emphasise the significance of objectivity for every writer because there are three sides to every story you come across and it’s the writer’s duty to give the reader/viewer all sides of the story.
I know it’s the first day of the conference but I’ve learnt so much already from the significance role the media has played politically and how the International Media has sent the wrong message across the globe about Africa.
Africa has a lot of potential and it’s the African Media’s job to tell that story, our people shouldn’t hear about our local news on CNN or BBC instead the African voices should give the public those news.
After listening to the speakers talk about the role the media has played in Africa and how it should start to focus on how the ordinary man interprets news, I felt like yeah I’m in the right conference for real because I also want to contribute to my continent.
This conference will help me learn more about being objective as a trainee in Journalism and also overcome fear and before attending the first day of the conference I used to feel like there are certain issues I can’t address because of fear but now I’m ready to take on what ever task is being given to me.
Objectivity is very important and I think that if I’m objective enough in any story then obviously I can be the best I can be, people are no interested on the writer’s personal views in a story they want facts so that they can decide for themselves which side to take.
During the opening ceremony one of the speakers spoke about gays, lesbians and bisexuals and how they do not have a form of security in our continent and it’s true. For an example here in South Africa even though the gay and lesbian law was passed but they are still discriminated and the speaker went on to say that we should learn about different ways to tackle the gay and lesbian issues in a fair way.
I don’t want to lie before I didn’t see myself writing about any gay or lesbian related story and come to think of it how can I call myself a fearless journalists if I’ll be scared to report about the lack of security that gays and lesbians are faced with. Now really the first day of this conference has been an eye for me and I can’t wait for tomorrow.
My first day started off on a very bad note, I was late for the opening ceremony because I had to register then have breakfast but I must say within the few minutes that I was inside the ceremony I was able to grasp a lot of information.
I’d say that the conference is trying to remind Journalists and future Journalists that the press is not a platform to spread rumours but rather a platform for Journalists to express themselves and become the voice of the voiceless.
They are also trying to emphasise the significance of objectivity for every writer because there are three sides to every story you come across and it’s the writer’s duty to give the reader/viewer all sides of the story.
I know it’s the first day of the conference but I’ve learnt so much already from the significance role the media has played politically and how the International Media has sent the wrong message across the globe about Africa.
Africa has a lot of potential and it’s the African Media’s job to tell that story, our people shouldn’t hear about our local news on CNN or BBC instead the African voices should give the public those news.
After listening to the speakers talk about the role the media has played in Africa and how it should start to focus on how the ordinary man interprets news, I felt like yeah I’m in the right conference for real because I also want to contribute to my continent.
This conference will help me learn more about being objective as a trainee in Journalism and also overcome fear and before attending the first day of the conference I used to feel like there are certain issues I can’t address because of fear but now I’m ready to take on what ever task is being given to me.
Objectivity is very important and I think that if I’m objective enough in any story then obviously I can be the best I can be, people are no interested on the writer’s personal views in a story they want facts so that they can decide for themselves which side to take.
During the opening ceremony one of the speakers spoke about gays, lesbians and bisexuals and how they do not have a form of security in our continent and it’s true. For an example here in South Africa even though the gay and lesbian law was passed but they are still discriminated and the speaker went on to say that we should learn about different ways to tackle the gay and lesbian issues in a fair way.
I don’t want to lie before I didn’t see myself writing about any gay or lesbian related story and come to think of it how can I call myself a fearless journalists if I’ll be scared to report about the lack of security that gays and lesbians are faced with. Now really the first day of this conference has been an eye for me and I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Looking back on the day that was….
by Asanda Guwa
At 06:45, I opened my eyes but was surprised to find that it was still so dark; in actual fact it was pitch black! So at the expense of seeming totally paranoid, I waved my finger in front of my eyes and still I couldn’t see a thing. I gave a little chuckle as I thought of a story a good friend of mine always tells about Xhosa people and their neighbours, she says in the township, when things go wrong in your home, you can always blame ‘Umama wase next door’ (the woman next door) for example when you go to tertiary and the children next door are still trying to get past grade 9 for the 4th time, you can always blame the woman next door because obviously she is not happy about your success and wishes it for her own offspring. It turned out that I was not blind on my first day at the Conference but was suffering from an eye infection. As soon as I temporarily sorted the eye out, I was on my way.
I had no idea what to expect from the conference itself, all I knew was that the Head of my department had said that I deserved to be here. I was eligible. Oh and not forgetting what I had read online; that the theme for the conference was “African Voices in the global media space” My interpretation of this was that the conference was about the role of the African media in the Global Village. After listening to some of the talks I realised that in actual fact what the conference was trying to achieve is a healthy state of the media compared to other global media agencies. They want to put an emphasis on blogging, what is it about and how is it a key player in the global media space? Most importantly they want to put an emphasis on objective reporting. Throughout the day the issue of reporting facts and the truth was on everyone’s agenda.
After registering and attending the first plenary Reporting Development forum, I was blown away. I had no idea how big this conference was, I had no idea I was part of something of such grandeur. I was in the same room as the ‘Retired’ President of Ghana, CEO’s, International Donor’s, journalists and other future journalists like myself. What really touched me was that Dr Diane Senghor ‘s speech. She said that they use to go out and teach rural people what was happening in their country and why, she said the most important thing is to groom the future generation of journalists to be analytical and to know how to report and most importantly to me, She spoke about self censorship and fear.
As I reflect on the day and as I think about what this conference means for my career, it’s quite simple. I come from the University of Fort Hare, some people call it the University of Frustration and Hunger. My school does not have bursaries and scholarships for Journalism students. I want to get the relevant media training I need in order to be a good journalist, I want to be empowered, I want to have choices concerning who I want to work for, what aspect of journalism I want to pursue and I never thought I could get that and where I am sitting right now, I can literally see that all of this is possible. Given the platform, I would like to tell the relevant people that We, as the future journalists don’t want to fail our country and our continent, we want to get training, we want to learn, we want to be able to report the truth and be analytical but we cannot do it without help and assistance of those with budgets that can make such huge differences in the quality of journalists produced in tertiary institutions such as mine. What exactly am I saying then? I will make the best of my time here.
At 06:45, I opened my eyes but was surprised to find that it was still so dark; in actual fact it was pitch black! So at the expense of seeming totally paranoid, I waved my finger in front of my eyes and still I couldn’t see a thing. I gave a little chuckle as I thought of a story a good friend of mine always tells about Xhosa people and their neighbours, she says in the township, when things go wrong in your home, you can always blame ‘Umama wase next door’ (the woman next door) for example when you go to tertiary and the children next door are still trying to get past grade 9 for the 4th time, you can always blame the woman next door because obviously she is not happy about your success and wishes it for her own offspring. It turned out that I was not blind on my first day at the Conference but was suffering from an eye infection. As soon as I temporarily sorted the eye out, I was on my way.
I had no idea what to expect from the conference itself, all I knew was that the Head of my department had said that I deserved to be here. I was eligible. Oh and not forgetting what I had read online; that the theme for the conference was “African Voices in the global media space” My interpretation of this was that the conference was about the role of the African media in the Global Village. After listening to some of the talks I realised that in actual fact what the conference was trying to achieve is a healthy state of the media compared to other global media agencies. They want to put an emphasis on blogging, what is it about and how is it a key player in the global media space? Most importantly they want to put an emphasis on objective reporting. Throughout the day the issue of reporting facts and the truth was on everyone’s agenda.
After registering and attending the first plenary Reporting Development forum, I was blown away. I had no idea how big this conference was, I had no idea I was part of something of such grandeur. I was in the same room as the ‘Retired’ President of Ghana, CEO’s, International Donor’s, journalists and other future journalists like myself. What really touched me was that Dr Diane Senghor ‘s speech. She said that they use to go out and teach rural people what was happening in their country and why, she said the most important thing is to groom the future generation of journalists to be analytical and to know how to report and most importantly to me, She spoke about self censorship and fear.
As I reflect on the day and as I think about what this conference means for my career, it’s quite simple. I come from the University of Fort Hare, some people call it the University of Frustration and Hunger. My school does not have bursaries and scholarships for Journalism students. I want to get the relevant media training I need in order to be a good journalist, I want to be empowered, I want to have choices concerning who I want to work for, what aspect of journalism I want to pursue and I never thought I could get that and where I am sitting right now, I can literally see that all of this is possible. Given the platform, I would like to tell the relevant people that We, as the future journalists don’t want to fail our country and our continent, we want to get training, we want to learn, we want to be able to report the truth and be analytical but we cannot do it without help and assistance of those with budgets that can make such huge differences in the quality of journalists produced in tertiary institutions such as mine. What exactly am I saying then? I will make the best of my time here.
My first day at highway Africa conference
by Ntshinka Lusizo
Before I attended highway Africa conference I thought it was all about gathering people from different countries for dinner and social chats. However after attending conference for the first time my thoughts changed completely about Highway Africa conference, in fact Highway Africa conference is not what I thought it was. Highway Africa is trying to achieve issues that involve journalism and commerce. It has goals of assisting future journalists to understand the world of journalism, future businessmen/women to be broad minded about the business world as well as delegates to be aware about importance of their carriers. Highway Africa gathers people from different disciplines to share their skills and experiences so that students can benefit from those skills and experiences. Students get the opportunity to meet successful people from different organisations and countries who can help them to achieve their goals.
It focuses on struggles that media and journalism are facing and suggest the solutions. I used to think journalism is about only exposing stories to publics but today I learnt that it digs issues that not everyone can see. I learnt that journalists are facing many challenges, for instance most African countries do not give journalists direct access in continental courts and also government does not enhance media standards to mention the few. Highway Africa believes that education is fundamental in promoting human rights therefore universities must provide courses that promote human rights. Critical investigated press that express needs of the people is life blood of any democratic country.
African media are being dominated by western media therefore highway Africa is trying to close that gap by providing future journalists with enough knowledge, skills and experience that they will need to improve African media even better. I found out that western media are using their powers to help their governments on using African resources illegal. African leaders are seen as the causes of African media being underestimated by western media and by the people in general. African leaders prefer to personal talk to western media more than African media because they do not want to be exploited.
Highway Africa will significantly contribute to me as a future journalist. My main interests lie in fields of journalism and commerce therefore I see this conference as the route that can assist me to reach the goals that I have set for myself. As I already said that my interests lie in two fields I have got a life time opportunity of meeting business executives who are coming from different organisations and countries as well. They have provided me with information and knowledge that I needed to achieve my goals. I got a chance to choose from different internships around the continent. Journalists from different African countries taught me that journalism is the field that needs to be respected than being criticised. The are opportunities of getting scholarships and internships from different organisations therefore Highway Africa has will contribute a lot to me as student.
Before I attended highway Africa conference I thought it was all about gathering people from different countries for dinner and social chats. However after attending conference for the first time my thoughts changed completely about Highway Africa conference, in fact Highway Africa conference is not what I thought it was. Highway Africa is trying to achieve issues that involve journalism and commerce. It has goals of assisting future journalists to understand the world of journalism, future businessmen/women to be broad minded about the business world as well as delegates to be aware about importance of their carriers. Highway Africa gathers people from different disciplines to share their skills and experiences so that students can benefit from those skills and experiences. Students get the opportunity to meet successful people from different organisations and countries who can help them to achieve their goals.
It focuses on struggles that media and journalism are facing and suggest the solutions. I used to think journalism is about only exposing stories to publics but today I learnt that it digs issues that not everyone can see. I learnt that journalists are facing many challenges, for instance most African countries do not give journalists direct access in continental courts and also government does not enhance media standards to mention the few. Highway Africa believes that education is fundamental in promoting human rights therefore universities must provide courses that promote human rights. Critical investigated press that express needs of the people is life blood of any democratic country.
African media are being dominated by western media therefore highway Africa is trying to close that gap by providing future journalists with enough knowledge, skills and experience that they will need to improve African media even better. I found out that western media are using their powers to help their governments on using African resources illegal. African leaders are seen as the causes of African media being underestimated by western media and by the people in general. African leaders prefer to personal talk to western media more than African media because they do not want to be exploited.
Highway Africa will significantly contribute to me as a future journalist. My main interests lie in fields of journalism and commerce therefore I see this conference as the route that can assist me to reach the goals that I have set for myself. As I already said that my interests lie in two fields I have got a life time opportunity of meeting business executives who are coming from different organisations and countries as well. They have provided me with information and knowledge that I needed to achieve my goals. I got a chance to choose from different internships around the continent. Journalists from different African countries taught me that journalism is the field that needs to be respected than being criticised. The are opportunities of getting scholarships and internships from different organisations therefore Highway Africa has will contribute a lot to me as student.
A deep insight into the media industry
by Sindisiwe Mthembu
Journalism is one of the most complicated yet interesting careers. The interesting part of it is that the media industry changes everyday due to the advanced technology introduced to access information unlike in the ancient days where reporters had to read books to get information but now there are social networks that allow people to share information and there are also sites that are easy to visit to get information.
Highway Africa conference was very informative. The issues or the topics discussed were an eye opener to me as a journalism student and as a young person fascinated by the media but who doesn’t really have any experience. It is different when you have a lecturer standing in front of you talking about objectivity in reporting stories, ethics, balance and accuracy but finally having heard the people who work in the media sharing their experiences, the difficulties that journalists come across when trying to get stories and the difficult situations where they have to report about conflicts. This has made me realise that it is not about writing and having the story making the front page of a newspaper but it is about using media to give the people a voice in everything happening in their country and making their views known. The media is known for being biased when it comes to reporting about issues regarding gender. Rosemary Okello-orlale spoke strongly about how journalists tend to shy away from other issues concerning males but only report about the poor women or a female that has suffered a particular form of abuse. Okello-orlale says the media must also tell stories about a man who has lost his job and give him the opportunity to express his feelings.
This again took me back to realising the importance of being able to report a balance and an unbiased story. On an issue of how people rely on international media for information or news Okello-orlale said journalists who work for giant international media industries such as the BBC and CNN are given enough time to do research when given a story unlike in Africa where a journalist is given a few days to research and work on a story trying to catch a deadline. She says most of these stories consist of inaccurate information and they are not award winning stories. I could personally relate to what she said because often times I read a story in a newspaper and at the end it says “the person could not be reached for comments”, this makes me wonder how that journalist managed to put together a story and have it published when there is only one side of the story and where she or he did not get some of the information from “the horses mouth” the person whose story is about.
Having attended the Highway Africa conference I now have an idea of what to expect when I get into the media industry and what other opportunities are available within the media industry.
Journalism is one of the most complicated yet interesting careers. The interesting part of it is that the media industry changes everyday due to the advanced technology introduced to access information unlike in the ancient days where reporters had to read books to get information but now there are social networks that allow people to share information and there are also sites that are easy to visit to get information.
Highway Africa conference was very informative. The issues or the topics discussed were an eye opener to me as a journalism student and as a young person fascinated by the media but who doesn’t really have any experience. It is different when you have a lecturer standing in front of you talking about objectivity in reporting stories, ethics, balance and accuracy but finally having heard the people who work in the media sharing their experiences, the difficulties that journalists come across when trying to get stories and the difficult situations where they have to report about conflicts. This has made me realise that it is not about writing and having the story making the front page of a newspaper but it is about using media to give the people a voice in everything happening in their country and making their views known. The media is known for being biased when it comes to reporting about issues regarding gender. Rosemary Okello-orlale spoke strongly about how journalists tend to shy away from other issues concerning males but only report about the poor women or a female that has suffered a particular form of abuse. Okello-orlale says the media must also tell stories about a man who has lost his job and give him the opportunity to express his feelings.
This again took me back to realising the importance of being able to report a balance and an unbiased story. On an issue of how people rely on international media for information or news Okello-orlale said journalists who work for giant international media industries such as the BBC and CNN are given enough time to do research when given a story unlike in Africa where a journalist is given a few days to research and work on a story trying to catch a deadline. She says most of these stories consist of inaccurate information and they are not award winning stories. I could personally relate to what she said because often times I read a story in a newspaper and at the end it says “the person could not be reached for comments”, this makes me wonder how that journalist managed to put together a story and have it published when there is only one side of the story and where she or he did not get some of the information from “the horses mouth” the person whose story is about.
Having attended the Highway Africa conference I now have an idea of what to expect when I get into the media industry and what other opportunities are available within the media industry.
The glory of Highway Africa
by Anorth Mabunda
My second day in Grahamstown ( 05 July 2010) has been marked by an opening of the biggest media gathering in Africa dubbed the Highway Africa, which aims to address the African media trends, developments and more challenging issues facing the African media in the realm of globalisation. This conference aims to abolish the centre-periphery situation whereby the flow of information and communications is dominated by the West/North and promoting African news by Africans
As a fledgling journalist and privileged to be part of the2010 Future Journalists Programme, this will definitely give me an exposure to these media trends and challenges and thus get me in touch with the vast global phenomenon,” Media”, as many of its professionals and experts come in hordes for a wonderful debate. This is a stepping stone to entrenching my knowledge, particularly writing skills and assimilating the new emerging media trends. It is funny how I blogged and tweeted for the first time since birth yesterday, thanks to Anele our FJP assistant for dimming my ignorance , I think this is a goodbye to my face book page.
Day one of the conference broadened my mind, I had some questions to ask and critical comments to add during the proceedings but I had a fear to stand up and voice my concerns,” I limited my own freedom of speech”.
Mathatha Tsedu gave what I sow as a bias presentation during the topic; Truth is the first casualty of war: journalism and media in times of conflict. He blamed African journalists for not doing enough in terms of coverage in times of war, omitting the fact the some African states have introduced draconian legislations against the freedom of expression, journalists are being victimised and censored during war times.
I like the theme of the conference, African Voices in the global media space; it is the concept I always wanted to see being shared on the table, concerning the negative effects caused by the 21st century epoch of globalisation which gives the West more power over the developing Africa.
African voices needs to be heard, we should speak for ourselves because no one knows Africa better than us. But the main focus in the conference seems to be on introducing Information and Communications Technologies such as the Internet which is a brilliant idea but what about the issue of access. If this “African Voice” is meant to speak to the elite then for me it is not a voice at all. Africa is characterised by a huge digital divide which is favouring the rich elite and living behind the vast poor communities. The majority of poor Africans hardly have access to the internet. I assume that new African channels by Africans will be introduced but where?: on DSTV where the majority doesn’t have access to, how about working closely with all so-called big independent media and telecommunications companies in Africa, like Telkom, MTN and Media 24 in order to introduce freely accessible 24 hour Africa news channels. My concern was also outlined during the discussion process by former Ghanaian president John Okufour. Mapule Mbalati also reached my point,” we are more focussed on entertainment rather the education and relevant news bulletins” but any way that’s a topic for another day.
My first priorities of the day were met in seconds. I wanted to meet some of my favourite role players in the African media, Joe Thloloe, the SA press ombudsman and head of the media-24, Mathatha Tsedu. I approached them professionally and so they didn’t hesitate or seem to doubt giving me their business cards.
I am looking forward to learning more and meeting more media professionals during this conference. I am no longer going to sit back and form part of the passive audience, I am going to ask more questions and write more on this blog, na khensa.
My second day in Grahamstown ( 05 July 2010) has been marked by an opening of the biggest media gathering in Africa dubbed the Highway Africa, which aims to address the African media trends, developments and more challenging issues facing the African media in the realm of globalisation. This conference aims to abolish the centre-periphery situation whereby the flow of information and communications is dominated by the West/North and promoting African news by Africans
As a fledgling journalist and privileged to be part of the2010 Future Journalists Programme, this will definitely give me an exposure to these media trends and challenges and thus get me in touch with the vast global phenomenon,” Media”, as many of its professionals and experts come in hordes for a wonderful debate. This is a stepping stone to entrenching my knowledge, particularly writing skills and assimilating the new emerging media trends. It is funny how I blogged and tweeted for the first time since birth yesterday, thanks to Anele our FJP assistant for dimming my ignorance , I think this is a goodbye to my face book page.
Day one of the conference broadened my mind, I had some questions to ask and critical comments to add during the proceedings but I had a fear to stand up and voice my concerns,” I limited my own freedom of speech”.
Mathatha Tsedu gave what I sow as a bias presentation during the topic; Truth is the first casualty of war: journalism and media in times of conflict. He blamed African journalists for not doing enough in terms of coverage in times of war, omitting the fact the some African states have introduced draconian legislations against the freedom of expression, journalists are being victimised and censored during war times.
I like the theme of the conference, African Voices in the global media space; it is the concept I always wanted to see being shared on the table, concerning the negative effects caused by the 21st century epoch of globalisation which gives the West more power over the developing Africa.
African voices needs to be heard, we should speak for ourselves because no one knows Africa better than us. But the main focus in the conference seems to be on introducing Information and Communications Technologies such as the Internet which is a brilliant idea but what about the issue of access. If this “African Voice” is meant to speak to the elite then for me it is not a voice at all. Africa is characterised by a huge digital divide which is favouring the rich elite and living behind the vast poor communities. The majority of poor Africans hardly have access to the internet. I assume that new African channels by Africans will be introduced but where?: on DSTV where the majority doesn’t have access to, how about working closely with all so-called big independent media and telecommunications companies in Africa, like Telkom, MTN and Media 24 in order to introduce freely accessible 24 hour Africa news channels. My concern was also outlined during the discussion process by former Ghanaian president John Okufour. Mapule Mbalati also reached my point,” we are more focussed on entertainment rather the education and relevant news bulletins” but any way that’s a topic for another day.
My first priorities of the day were met in seconds. I wanted to meet some of my favourite role players in the African media, Joe Thloloe, the SA press ombudsman and head of the media-24, Mathatha Tsedu. I approached them professionally and so they didn’t hesitate or seem to doubt giving me their business cards.
I am looking forward to learning more and meeting more media professionals during this conference. I am no longer going to sit back and form part of the passive audience, I am going to ask more questions and write more on this blog, na khensa.
The Hitchhikers guide to Highway Africa
By Siphesihle “RAZ” Mthembu
As a veteran of the Highway Africa and future journalists programme (I use the word veteran with the powers vested in me by the unofficial non-existent Sihle Mthembu Life guide, which defines a veteran as someone who has done something at least ONCE). I have decided that after day one of the running around trying to find this that or the other and a mixture of easy conversation and vigorous debate, it would be worth while for me to give the Journalist/Hitchhikers guide as to how to survive the FJP and HA programme.
Tip # 1: what do drivers? Actors and academics have in common? (No it’s not the fact that they would rather not pay their taxes), but it’s the fact that they are simply allergic to asking for directions. Right after you finish shinning your shoes and air punch thinking to yourself man “I’ve arrived”. You will be well advised to locate yourself. By all accounts Rhodes is a big university (especially to those of us that like to limit our Horizons of infinite abilities to the 140 characters on our Twitter updates). So it will take more than a few clicks before you know the blocks. The most commonly used venues are (Nelson Mandela Dining Hall-where you shall never go hungry-but only during meal times) (Eden grove this venue has two large lecture theatres one called Eden Grove red (because the seats are red) and another called Eden Grove Blue (because yes you guessed it the seats are blue). The last Major event venues is the African Media Matrix (is modern beautifully painted building which for its Broadway style light surprisingly uses the colour red instead of the traditional matrix colour green (I guess the only feasible excuse for this is the fact that this is an African take on it). Amongst the other locations one must locate are the toilets because contrary to popular belief the rest room is one of the most desirable places to be. All locations are outlined in a map that you will get. When you have completed Tip# 2
Tip# 2: the second thing one must do when visiting someone’s house is let the landlord know that you have arrived. So at Eden Grove first floor right next to the Blogging lab, you will find a registration venue (you don’t know what I’m talking about? Then you didn’t read Tip# 1- and if you still don’t know what I’m talking about don’t worry just smile and nod, you’re an academic you’ll figure this out). Hopefully you won’t have to wait for long for registration as the computers tend to freeze up when they know the hold the information and names of important delegates such as Retired Ghanaian President John Kufuor and Advocate Pansy Tlakula. Please also remember to bring the correct spelling of your name with you. The last thing you need is the added stress of wondering why (after reading your tag) people keep calling you Dludla instead of Dladla.
Tip#3: Now that you know where you are and you know who you are, its time to dot he most important thing to do is Tip 3. Know who everybody else is. So forget the serious mandate that you were given with you ticket and act like a typical African. Put on your newsroom tendencies and mix, mingle and make merry with everyone at the event. You never know who might me standing next to you, Highway Africa is a place for us to make friends and meet colleagues. Collect as many business cards as possible and remember as many names as you can.
Wow, what a kick off!!
Lebogang Mgiba
Well, where do is start? After the 20 hours trauma in bus, toddler screaming her lungs out when I was trying to get some sleep. I was close to speaking French and tell her to shut her lil mouth but that would have been so rude of me. We arrived in Grahamstown in the morning and I just fell in love with the environment (I’m not sucking up, truth be told). Anele did a little tour with us to the Department of Journalism. Wow I felt ripped off at the University of Johannesburg because we are not as advanced as Rhodes University. Yeah I’m jealous, who wouldn’t? After the whole tour we went to Eden grove to try and register but the system was down but finally managed to register at the end.
I had that opportunity to meet different people from different backgrounds, cultures and I even realised that there were high school students participating in this initiative. Oh and how can I forget the goody bag, Of course I like free stuff-I’m black after all. Again, it also proved a point that journalists don’t know how to dress, just because they journalists doesn’t necessarily mean they should just dress the way they feel it’s appropriate. They also have reputations to protect, and no one wants to be called the “untidy journalist”. I’m not saying they should wear designer clothes, but just to be presentable.
I must admit, it’s a privilege for me to be chosen as one of the Future Journalist Programme participants, as I believe it’s the beginning of my journalism career. The High Way Africa conference is trying to give students a platform to get to meet professionals in the industry and to network with them and who knows, you might just meet your future employer. It’s a bit nerve wrecking to approach these top notch people and ask for business cards, but hey it’s do or die. It is my future that will be on the line after all.
Journalism is a broad word, and there’s a lot you can do with a journalism degree/diploma. The beat that I want to venture into is Entertainment journalism, that’s where I want to see myself. I would like to know everything within journalism but entertainment is what I would like to excel in and with Highway Africa, I will be able to meet professional journalists on my field and getting advice that I need and not forgetting to ask that business card.
Reflection: the sessions that I attended today were very interesting. They spoke about how social media (twitter, blogs) changing the definition of news. Mapule, former SABC member also emphasised the fact that TV and radio focus more on entrainment than education, of which I strongly agree, tabloid journalism has taken over. Issues were raised by the panellists about reporting on African stories and delegates were given opportunities to have a say on what they spoke about.
One of the best things was to meet Professor Guy Berger, who’s the head of the school of journalism and communication at Rhodes University as some of our journalism readings at UJ are based on his work.
Well, where do is start? After the 20 hours trauma in bus, toddler screaming her lungs out when I was trying to get some sleep. I was close to speaking French and tell her to shut her lil mouth but that would have been so rude of me. We arrived in Grahamstown in the morning and I just fell in love with the environment (I’m not sucking up, truth be told). Anele did a little tour with us to the Department of Journalism. Wow I felt ripped off at the University of Johannesburg because we are not as advanced as Rhodes University. Yeah I’m jealous, who wouldn’t? After the whole tour we went to Eden grove to try and register but the system was down but finally managed to register at the end.
I had that opportunity to meet different people from different backgrounds, cultures and I even realised that there were high school students participating in this initiative. Oh and how can I forget the goody bag, Of course I like free stuff-I’m black after all. Again, it also proved a point that journalists don’t know how to dress, just because they journalists doesn’t necessarily mean they should just dress the way they feel it’s appropriate. They also have reputations to protect, and no one wants to be called the “untidy journalist”. I’m not saying they should wear designer clothes, but just to be presentable.
I must admit, it’s a privilege for me to be chosen as one of the Future Journalist Programme participants, as I believe it’s the beginning of my journalism career. The High Way Africa conference is trying to give students a platform to get to meet professionals in the industry and to network with them and who knows, you might just meet your future employer. It’s a bit nerve wrecking to approach these top notch people and ask for business cards, but hey it’s do or die. It is my future that will be on the line after all.
Journalism is a broad word, and there’s a lot you can do with a journalism degree/diploma. The beat that I want to venture into is Entertainment journalism, that’s where I want to see myself. I would like to know everything within journalism but entertainment is what I would like to excel in and with Highway Africa, I will be able to meet professional journalists on my field and getting advice that I need and not forgetting to ask that business card.
Reflection: the sessions that I attended today were very interesting. They spoke about how social media (twitter, blogs) changing the definition of news. Mapule, former SABC member also emphasised the fact that TV and radio focus more on entrainment than education, of which I strongly agree, tabloid journalism has taken over. Issues were raised by the panellists about reporting on African stories and delegates were given opportunities to have a say on what they spoke about.
One of the best things was to meet Professor Guy Berger, who’s the head of the school of journalism and communication at Rhodes University as some of our journalism readings at UJ are based on his work.
My first impression of the Highway Africa conference
by Jenny Mathebula
I attended the first day of the Highway Africa conference today and I have to say it was quite a day. Today definitely ranks as one of the best experiences in my life. It was such an honour to be in the same room as with people such as the retired president of Ghana his Excellency Mr John Kufuor. Attending this conference was not something that I thought would happen this early in my journalism career.
The Highway Africa conference is taking place in conjunction with the 2nd World Journalism Education congress this year and this tires in perfectly with what highway is trying to archive with such as the FJP and the numerous others that it has.
The first day of conference has been an incredibly pleasant experience. It made me realise just how much I still have to learn about the media landscape in Africa. It has also reinforced most of what I learnt as a first journalism student at TUT.
Most of the sessions that I attended today centred on Media freedom or the lack of that still exists in many African countries and developing of the media industry in Africa. What resonated with me the most during all of the discussions was the danger that many African journalists still find themselves in their quest for the truth. The fact that the are journalists getting killed and arrested for doing the jobs in 2010 is shocking and disturbing to me.
Another discussion that interested me was based on the perception of Africa in the rest of the world, whether the world cup is going to change the way in which people currently our continent and what we can do as the media to change the perception that people of Africa. Although the international media is largely responsible for the distorted image that many people especially in the west hold of Africa believe that sometimes the African media itself to blame for this. Let’s take the South African media for instance. Instead of reporting about the many good things that are happening in South Africa , thing that actually affect the people of our Country they would rather concentrate whether the one of the president’s wives had and affair or not.
I have learnt so much already and it’s just the first day of conference. I really can’t wait to attend the rest of the week’s sessions because I am positive it will only help me become a better journalist. The most important thing that I have realised while attending the conference today is that I want to become a stronger advocate for human in our continent. There are so many atrocious violations of human rights that are going untold which results in people not getting the help that they need because no one who actually cares knows about it.
It might only be the first day but I tell that this conference will help me in my academic work because it elaborates on everything that I have learnt over the past year and a half. It will help me to horn my skills as an aspiring journalist and this is perfect place to network. I have been so inspired since I arrived. Hearing Advocate Pansy Tlakula’s CV made me realise that I still have a long way to go. I hope one day in the not so distant future I will return to Highway Africa conference as a speaker and have a CV even half that impressive. I love seeing strong and successful woman. I am done for the day and need to get some rest. Talk to you guys tomorrow.
I attended the first day of the Highway Africa conference today and I have to say it was quite a day. Today definitely ranks as one of the best experiences in my life. It was such an honour to be in the same room as with people such as the retired president of Ghana his Excellency Mr John Kufuor. Attending this conference was not something that I thought would happen this early in my journalism career.
The Highway Africa conference is taking place in conjunction with the 2nd World Journalism Education congress this year and this tires in perfectly with what highway is trying to archive with such as the FJP and the numerous others that it has.
The first day of conference has been an incredibly pleasant experience. It made me realise just how much I still have to learn about the media landscape in Africa. It has also reinforced most of what I learnt as a first journalism student at TUT.
Most of the sessions that I attended today centred on Media freedom or the lack of that still exists in many African countries and developing of the media industry in Africa. What resonated with me the most during all of the discussions was the danger that many African journalists still find themselves in their quest for the truth. The fact that the are journalists getting killed and arrested for doing the jobs in 2010 is shocking and disturbing to me.
Another discussion that interested me was based on the perception of Africa in the rest of the world, whether the world cup is going to change the way in which people currently our continent and what we can do as the media to change the perception that people of Africa. Although the international media is largely responsible for the distorted image that many people especially in the west hold of Africa believe that sometimes the African media itself to blame for this. Let’s take the South African media for instance. Instead of reporting about the many good things that are happening in South Africa , thing that actually affect the people of our Country they would rather concentrate whether the one of the president’s wives had and affair or not.
I have learnt so much already and it’s just the first day of conference. I really can’t wait to attend the rest of the week’s sessions because I am positive it will only help me become a better journalist. The most important thing that I have realised while attending the conference today is that I want to become a stronger advocate for human in our continent. There are so many atrocious violations of human rights that are going untold which results in people not getting the help that they need because no one who actually cares knows about it.
It might only be the first day but I tell that this conference will help me in my academic work because it elaborates on everything that I have learnt over the past year and a half. It will help me to horn my skills as an aspiring journalist and this is perfect place to network. I have been so inspired since I arrived. Hearing Advocate Pansy Tlakula’s CV made me realise that I still have a long way to go. I hope one day in the not so distant future I will return to Highway Africa conference as a speaker and have a CV even half that impressive. I love seeing strong and successful woman. I am done for the day and need to get some rest. Talk to you guys tomorrow.
It's the African way or the Highway
By Sungeni Chithambo
I can already see that the Highway Africa Conference is going to be an experience of a lifetime. Not only is it the first conference I have ever attended but it is one which epitomizes the goals and ideas of my future journalism career. This prestigious conference is trying to achieve some sense of African unity. By bringing together a diverse multitude of delegates not only from around Africa but from the rest of the world, African media and its role in our ever-changing society can be defined and redefined using interpretations from various backgrounds. This is the unique flavour of Highway Africa, the only conference of its kind. Highway Africa is trying to bring people together and the attention it draws clearly shows us that the journey African journalism is embarking on, is one to be taken seriously. This is what I gather from the talks and discussions I have been to so far. This conference gives people a voice. Who knew I’d ever be in the same room as the retired president of Ghana and watch him avidly discuss issues of African development with people from all around the continent?
I am already overwhelmed at the number and calibre of guests at this conference and even more overwhelmed at the notion of networking with them. But I have to get over this irrational fear of crowds because it would not do well with my career at all. What journalist lurks in corners waiting for stories to come floating down from the sky? So I think it’s about time I give myself some advice; get some spine girl! I am yet to attend the Absa Africa Night and if this does not prove to be the networking opportunity of a lifetime then I don’t know what will. Highway Africa and the delegates taking part have much to contribute to my future career as a media worker. Their experience, background and advice will shape the choices I make regarding exactly which path I want to take in the future. My plans might change and I believe it is up to the media professionals attending this conference to mould my ideas of journalism and help me grow. Rubbing shoulders with some of Africa’s finest media professionals will hopefully lead to me drawing on their ideas and incorporating them into my own view of journalism in this flourishing continent.
There is so much people have to share. Highway Africa is an event well worth talking about, tweeting about, blogging about and making Facebook status updates about. Everything that happens throughout this conference needs to be documented so that others not part of the Highway African experience can gain insight into things like developmental issues in Africa and the problems African media is facing.
I am enjoying the experience so far. My fellow future journalists are awesome, my FJP coordinator is awesome, the long walk up the hill, not so awesome, but hey, we can’t have everything. After this conference is over, I want to know exactly what I want to do with my journalism career and where it is going to head. I need to be prepared.
I can already see that the Highway Africa Conference is going to be an experience of a lifetime. Not only is it the first conference I have ever attended but it is one which epitomizes the goals and ideas of my future journalism career. This prestigious conference is trying to achieve some sense of African unity. By bringing together a diverse multitude of delegates not only from around Africa but from the rest of the world, African media and its role in our ever-changing society can be defined and redefined using interpretations from various backgrounds. This is the unique flavour of Highway Africa, the only conference of its kind. Highway Africa is trying to bring people together and the attention it draws clearly shows us that the journey African journalism is embarking on, is one to be taken seriously. This is what I gather from the talks and discussions I have been to so far. This conference gives people a voice. Who knew I’d ever be in the same room as the retired president of Ghana and watch him avidly discuss issues of African development with people from all around the continent?
I am already overwhelmed at the number and calibre of guests at this conference and even more overwhelmed at the notion of networking with them. But I have to get over this irrational fear of crowds because it would not do well with my career at all. What journalist lurks in corners waiting for stories to come floating down from the sky? So I think it’s about time I give myself some advice; get some spine girl! I am yet to attend the Absa Africa Night and if this does not prove to be the networking opportunity of a lifetime then I don’t know what will. Highway Africa and the delegates taking part have much to contribute to my future career as a media worker. Their experience, background and advice will shape the choices I make regarding exactly which path I want to take in the future. My plans might change and I believe it is up to the media professionals attending this conference to mould my ideas of journalism and help me grow. Rubbing shoulders with some of Africa’s finest media professionals will hopefully lead to me drawing on their ideas and incorporating them into my own view of journalism in this flourishing continent.
There is so much people have to share. Highway Africa is an event well worth talking about, tweeting about, blogging about and making Facebook status updates about. Everything that happens throughout this conference needs to be documented so that others not part of the Highway African experience can gain insight into things like developmental issues in Africa and the problems African media is facing.
I am enjoying the experience so far. My fellow future journalists are awesome, my FJP coordinator is awesome, the long walk up the hill, not so awesome, but hey, we can’t have everything. After this conference is over, I want to know exactly what I want to do with my journalism career and where it is going to head. I need to be prepared.
Highway Africa Experience 2010
Junior Bester
Highway Africa is an organisation that is aimed at uniting African journalists through various internet medians such as blogs, emails and even the social media phenomenon Twitter. They address this issue through four programmes. The first of which is research. Highway Africa denotes a lot of time and energy towards research. Research remains one of the key components for any journalist that wishes to have a successful career.
The second programme is education and training. As I mentioned above Highway Africa wish to make use of internet medians to rely its messages across the board, so it is important for everybody to be able to properly utilise these medians. This can be done through training and practice.
The third programme is the sharing of information amongst each other. By making use of the following medians we are now able to share information freely and easily. This is a huge advantage as Highway Africa is not only looking to improve individual journalism but rather journalism as a whole within Africa.
The fourth programme and ultimately the flagship of Highway Africa is the African Voices in the Global Media Place conference. It is an annual conference held by Highway Africa and it is where all the previous programmes culminate to achieve Highway Africa’s ultimate goal.
The conference is designed to allow distinguished and educated delegates to network with current and future media professionals so as to educate each other on the problems facing African media, which is the oppression faced by African journalists within Africa and the lack of an African voice in the global media empire.
The oppression of African media is a serious problem has it hampers the growth of free speech within Africa. If we as future journalists become afraid of telling or speaking the truth because we are afraid of what out very own government will do to us then we will surely fail as journalists. As journalists we have the duty to rely the truth to the public and we should be protected to do so. Therefore it is important for organisations such as Highway Africa to stress this issue as they have the influence and contacts for a solution to be made.
African media has for so long just been a channel for the whole world to hear about the problems arising in Africa. Delegates of this conference believe it is time for that to change. The whole world turns a blind eye when Africa achieves beyond expectation or better than their Western counterparts so it is up to Africa to form a stronger voice so that we as Africans can tell the world when we achieve and keep the world informed about the news and affairs that arise from Africa.
Being at the conference has been a good experience for me so far as it shows me how to properly interact with delegates. The experience I believe has also helped me a lot as it has shown me the manner in which to properly approach speakers during seminars and the confidence to pose questions towards them. The Highway Africa conference also enables me to network with various people that can benefit me in the future and it allows me to make valuable contacts that I can hopefully utilise one day for my own personal advantage
Highway Africa is an organisation that is aimed at uniting African journalists through various internet medians such as blogs, emails and even the social media phenomenon Twitter. They address this issue through four programmes. The first of which is research. Highway Africa denotes a lot of time and energy towards research. Research remains one of the key components for any journalist that wishes to have a successful career.
The second programme is education and training. As I mentioned above Highway Africa wish to make use of internet medians to rely its messages across the board, so it is important for everybody to be able to properly utilise these medians. This can be done through training and practice.
The third programme is the sharing of information amongst each other. By making use of the following medians we are now able to share information freely and easily. This is a huge advantage as Highway Africa is not only looking to improve individual journalism but rather journalism as a whole within Africa.
The fourth programme and ultimately the flagship of Highway Africa is the African Voices in the Global Media Place conference. It is an annual conference held by Highway Africa and it is where all the previous programmes culminate to achieve Highway Africa’s ultimate goal.
The conference is designed to allow distinguished and educated delegates to network with current and future media professionals so as to educate each other on the problems facing African media, which is the oppression faced by African journalists within Africa and the lack of an African voice in the global media empire.
The oppression of African media is a serious problem has it hampers the growth of free speech within Africa. If we as future journalists become afraid of telling or speaking the truth because we are afraid of what out very own government will do to us then we will surely fail as journalists. As journalists we have the duty to rely the truth to the public and we should be protected to do so. Therefore it is important for organisations such as Highway Africa to stress this issue as they have the influence and contacts for a solution to be made.
African media has for so long just been a channel for the whole world to hear about the problems arising in Africa. Delegates of this conference believe it is time for that to change. The whole world turns a blind eye when Africa achieves beyond expectation or better than their Western counterparts so it is up to Africa to form a stronger voice so that we as Africans can tell the world when we achieve and keep the world informed about the news and affairs that arise from Africa.
Being at the conference has been a good experience for me so far as it shows me how to properly interact with delegates. The experience I believe has also helped me a lot as it has shown me the manner in which to properly approach speakers during seminars and the confidence to pose questions towards them. The Highway Africa conference also enables me to network with various people that can benefit me in the future and it allows me to make valuable contacts that I can hopefully utilise one day for my own personal advantage
Becoming a Highway African
By Wilhelmina Maboja
Many of you are well aware that trying to even appear to sit gracefully on one of the many swing chairs at Eden Grove Red is close to impossible. It is one thing to see a fellow student try and shimmy themselves into the seat but a Highway Africa delegate? Hilarious! It’s even better when they pretend that their final manoeuvre was effortless, unknown to an observer who sinks into their seat in muffled laughter.
Since its existence for 14 years, one of the main things that the Highway Africa conference is trying to achieve has been to bring African journalists together. From this, a forum is created where issues of the media, media in Africa and the international perspective of Africa can be discussed.
It was then, amid this roomful of delegates, that something profound overwhelmed me: There’s a strong possibility that my future employer had a glimpse of my underwear on my way to my seat, simply because I forgot to wear a belt today. Then again, being one of the world’s largest annual conferences for African journalists, it was only fitting that I began my voyage of gathering knowledge in such a way.
The keynote address was started off with the Head of the Rhodes Journalism Department Guy Burger, who emphasised that the conference was a place where knowledge and scholarship can prosper. This set the tone for me to exercise my many journalistic skills of subtle stalking and over-eager questioning of delegates. In addition, I was told to bear in mind what Highway Africa was trying to achieve and how it would contribute to my career.
From what one can see, one of the aims of the conference was to lay out the sorely obvious fact that African voices in the media were being determined by the West. Professor Alfred Opubor, who was part of a panel discussion, put the issue faultlessly: ''There are African voices but there is no African voice…and while there is media in Africa, there is no African media''.
Additionally, when seminars paused for a break, the second aim the conference tries to achieve showed: The food. Whether it was a three course breakfasts, lunch or dinner, proudly sponsored by organisations such as Telkom and Media24, it was clear that the informational weight of the conference was to be consumed in both ways.
Such a collaboration of local, regional and international media makers and participators in one location undoubtedly allows Highway Africa to achieve its goal on emphasising communication and for it to be used as a medium. This is from the tech-savvy journalist to the man who sells amakipkip (rainbow popcorn) on a street corner. The very fact that I can tweet about the conference and the grumpy man in front of me who would rather play with his ipad than listen to the keynote address shows that techology and media are two peas in a pod.
It is evident that the potential to network with grand heavyweights of the African media world and their often poor sense of style (a golf shirt and tie will never be ideal), could possibly contribute to the journalist I want to be, the pursuit of my career as not only a traveller of my continent but a coffer of knowledge of it.
Highway Africa is my potential platform to the world of African media with the hope that it can achieve the goal of turning a collection of African voices into one African voice in the global media space. Golf shirt and tie excluded.
Many of you are well aware that trying to even appear to sit gracefully on one of the many swing chairs at Eden Grove Red is close to impossible. It is one thing to see a fellow student try and shimmy themselves into the seat but a Highway Africa delegate? Hilarious! It’s even better when they pretend that their final manoeuvre was effortless, unknown to an observer who sinks into their seat in muffled laughter.
Since its existence for 14 years, one of the main things that the Highway Africa conference is trying to achieve has been to bring African journalists together. From this, a forum is created where issues of the media, media in Africa and the international perspective of Africa can be discussed.
It was then, amid this roomful of delegates, that something profound overwhelmed me: There’s a strong possibility that my future employer had a glimpse of my underwear on my way to my seat, simply because I forgot to wear a belt today. Then again, being one of the world’s largest annual conferences for African journalists, it was only fitting that I began my voyage of gathering knowledge in such a way.
The keynote address was started off with the Head of the Rhodes Journalism Department Guy Burger, who emphasised that the conference was a place where knowledge and scholarship can prosper. This set the tone for me to exercise my many journalistic skills of subtle stalking and over-eager questioning of delegates. In addition, I was told to bear in mind what Highway Africa was trying to achieve and how it would contribute to my career.
From what one can see, one of the aims of the conference was to lay out the sorely obvious fact that African voices in the media were being determined by the West. Professor Alfred Opubor, who was part of a panel discussion, put the issue faultlessly: ''There are African voices but there is no African voice…and while there is media in Africa, there is no African media''.
Additionally, when seminars paused for a break, the second aim the conference tries to achieve showed: The food. Whether it was a three course breakfasts, lunch or dinner, proudly sponsored by organisations such as Telkom and Media24, it was clear that the informational weight of the conference was to be consumed in both ways.
Such a collaboration of local, regional and international media makers and participators in one location undoubtedly allows Highway Africa to achieve its goal on emphasising communication and for it to be used as a medium. This is from the tech-savvy journalist to the man who sells amakipkip (rainbow popcorn) on a street corner. The very fact that I can tweet about the conference and the grumpy man in front of me who would rather play with his ipad than listen to the keynote address shows that techology and media are two peas in a pod.
It is evident that the potential to network with grand heavyweights of the African media world and their often poor sense of style (a golf shirt and tie will never be ideal), could possibly contribute to the journalist I want to be, the pursuit of my career as not only a traveller of my continent but a coffer of knowledge of it.
Highway Africa is my potential platform to the world of African media with the hope that it can achieve the goal of turning a collection of African voices into one African voice in the global media space. Golf shirt and tie excluded.
22 June, 2010
ORIGINAL REALITY CLEANS G-TOWN STREETS AS POLICE REPOSSESS ALL FAKE GOODS
by Simphiwe Kanityi
Grahamstown National Arts Festival is a yearly festival where all (still to check how real this is) people of South Africa gather in this antique town to show their talent. Showing of talent come in many varying shapes and sizes ranging from music of all kinds, dances of all kinds, stage plays, drama, varying clothes, food and all that is of arts you can think off.
What I want to talk about here specifically is the selling of clothes. There are traditional clothes of all the ethnic groups you can possible think off but this is also an opportunity where the business people from afar places get to sell their goods. This morning judging from the weather things were not going to be the same in the few days of commencement for this fest. We have seen some few drops of rain while the police made it their mission to go around the village green area repossessing all the fake goods which are branded as the originals, range from Nike, Adidas, and soccer t-shirts. I guess if you haven’t your favourite team soccer t-shirt for this world cup you might be crying by now since you planned to get one cheap during the festival.
It is not that I am glad that this is happening neither saying it should not happen but am just concerned of other places where this might be happening. I know for sure that this is happening only in this national arts festival but in Port Elizabeth streets are still full of such goods. It is not that PE is full of corruption but it’s close to Grahamstown which symbolises that every town in South Africa is full of these fake goods. If we can get political a bit we can say that it will (not be impossible) but take time to really eradicate all this for as long as all other national important particulars can be faked, the illegal crossing of borders, IDs, Passports you name all those that comes to your mind.
So what does this mean to the fest goers and fest makers? We know that this years’ festival is longer than usual but some business men and women says it is a blow that their goods are being taken away. Some goes on to say they do not see many business people staying till the end of the festival…in world cup terms “Phillip (feel it) can be gone” sooner than expected. This is due to the fact that if their goods are possessed by the police they will be left with nothing to trade which provides no reason for them to stay around. We will be watching closer to see the development of this story otherwise it is still difficult to speak to the authorities because coming to the festival one needs to have his goods approved by the festival organisers. The festival started on a low note but there is hope that as the week progresses there will be more buzz.
Grahamstown National Arts Festival is a yearly festival where all (still to check how real this is) people of South Africa gather in this antique town to show their talent. Showing of talent come in many varying shapes and sizes ranging from music of all kinds, dances of all kinds, stage plays, drama, varying clothes, food and all that is of arts you can think off.
What I want to talk about here specifically is the selling of clothes. There are traditional clothes of all the ethnic groups you can possible think off but this is also an opportunity where the business people from afar places get to sell their goods. This morning judging from the weather things were not going to be the same in the few days of commencement for this fest. We have seen some few drops of rain while the police made it their mission to go around the village green area repossessing all the fake goods which are branded as the originals, range from Nike, Adidas, and soccer t-shirts. I guess if you haven’t your favourite team soccer t-shirt for this world cup you might be crying by now since you planned to get one cheap during the festival.
It is not that I am glad that this is happening neither saying it should not happen but am just concerned of other places where this might be happening. I know for sure that this is happening only in this national arts festival but in Port Elizabeth streets are still full of such goods. It is not that PE is full of corruption but it’s close to Grahamstown which symbolises that every town in South Africa is full of these fake goods. If we can get political a bit we can say that it will (not be impossible) but take time to really eradicate all this for as long as all other national important particulars can be faked, the illegal crossing of borders, IDs, Passports you name all those that comes to your mind.
So what does this mean to the fest goers and fest makers? We know that this years’ festival is longer than usual but some business men and women says it is a blow that their goods are being taken away. Some goes on to say they do not see many business people staying till the end of the festival…in world cup terms “Phillip (feel it) can be gone” sooner than expected. This is due to the fact that if their goods are possessed by the police they will be left with nothing to trade which provides no reason for them to stay around. We will be watching closer to see the development of this story otherwise it is still difficult to speak to the authorities because coming to the festival one needs to have his goods approved by the festival organisers. The festival started on a low note but there is hope that as the week progresses there will be more buzz.
19 June, 2010
FJP REUNION? Yes, please!
I miss the Future Journalists Programme. Its been two years and I remember that two years ago this time we were all prepared and super amped for the upcoming challenge that was the Arts Festival and seeing Grahamstown coming alive. Not only did I shock myself by writing my first tongue-in-cheek article and also interviewing Xolela Mangcu, who turned out to be a nightmare, very rude and unkind to young journalists, but I stood my ground and got the response I needed.
I miss YOU guys. We may chat on Facebook, twitter and everything, but you all made a HUGE impact on my life and I would do anything to see you guys. What I'm saying really is how about we have an FJP reunion, just so we can see where we are now, whether we all have jobs, and share how FJP made our lives better or improved our chances of being accepted in the industry?
So I'm posing a request to everyone who is FJP alumni? Can we meet up soon and reminisce about the good times that we had as FJP's? I know that FJP helped ME secure the job I have now and so interested was my editor about it, I spent a good 15 minutes talking about it, mind you this was on an impromptu interview on my graduation day!
Me and colleague, Charmel Bowman
So how about it Boss Lady? Can Highway Africa and Open Society pull it off???
13 April, 2010
FJP Alumni graduate from Rhodes School of Journalism
Future Journalists Programme (FJP) Alumni, Azwi Mufamadi (left) and Simphiwe Kanityi (right), posed for a photo with the FJP Coordinator, Moagisi Letlhaku (middle), during the journalism department's graduation tea held at the Rhodes School of Journalism and Media Studies, also know as the Africa Media Matrix, on Friday 9 April 2010.
The official graduation ceremony took place the day before at he 1820 Settlers' Natinal Monument in Grahamtown.
Well done to Azwi and Simphiwe! Highway Africa and the FJP family wish you all of the best in your future endeavours.
Pic credit: Anele Ngwenya (FJP 2009)
05 March, 2010
Bafana vs. Namibia
So a couple of friends and I went to watch the SA vs. Namibia match at Moses Mabhida stadium. You all know the results of that dismal match, so I will not say anything about it, except that we have to pull up our socks if we plan on making much of an impresssion.
The atmosphere... WOW!!! I had such a great time- as can be seen by the top picture. It has been a long time since I partied up a storm and I did not regret it. Even though we sucked with the match- I mean these guys are part time teachers- battling to beat a lowly 111 ranked Namibia, the atmosphere and the joining together of all the races in SA and some foreigners socking SA colours, just showed me what a beautiful country we live in!
I like the new Bafana Bafana away jersey. It's way better than that yellow one. My opinion anyway.
Catch me on www.twitter.com/buhlebonga every hour
02 March, 2010
100 Day Celebration: I WAS THERE
Moses Mabhida Stadium during a thunderstom in Durban in February 2010. Pic: Sandile Ndlovu
It's a milestone! A milestone the world thought we would NEVER achive and I am so proud to tell the world I AM GOING TO BE THERE!
As part of the festivities, Independent Newspapers KZN had a huge anthem singing spectacle at 12h00 midday and most of the staff came out to sing the national anthem with so much gusto, I got goosebumps! Even though some people didnt know the national anthem (why were we dissing Ras Dumisani then???) there were many who knew it and it drowned out those who didn't know it. But that's beside the point.
I watched the Moses Mabhida Stadium grow from being just a plot of sand and cement into this magnificent basket shaped structure that has already won 7 awards!!! 7 awards and it's not even 6 months old??? Super!!!
I went to the Durban City Hall where they were launching the 100 days countdown and the mayor, Obed Mlaba, deputy; Logie Naidoo, Premiere Zweli Mkhize and Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe we there to celebrate and mark the occassion with the crowds of Durbanites who had come to celebrate this milestone!
A bit disappointing that Sepp Blatter didn't make an appearance, but that didn't deter the crowds as they had Zakumi there (I actually don't like the mascot *hides*) and so were the super fans! I spoke to SADDAM and KULPY and they were so ecstatic that they we are just 100 days away from the biggest showpiece the world has ever seen! I actually understood WHY they are called super fans. They live soccer! Kulpy- the Ajax Cape Town superfan, told me that his family would be watching the quarter and semi-final games; courtesy of CASTLE LAGER!!! I was so jealous, but I wouldn't want to give up my life for soccer. No thanx.
All in all it was a great day. I had fun and I saw why South Africa is a beautiful place and as I said on my Twitter, I am tired of South Africans, especially those who are well off, complain about South Africa! I am sick of all this negativity that they exude on us and it is rather sickening! So from now on, I'm all about positivity. Oh and to just stick it in even more, I'm going to watch Bafana Bafana play Namibia tomorrow at the STUNNING Moses Mabhida Stadium! Eat your heart out!
Picture: Sandile Ndlovu, Independent Newspapers
100 Days Before World Cup
The world thought we couldn't do it, but Africa believed. Today marks a 100 day marathon to the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil, and Africa... is definitely ready!
As a young African, I have this overwhelming joy. An event of such magnitude will happen in my lifetime and I will be there to witness history unfold. Let's face it, soccer is a gigantic sport and I can already imagine the echoing cheer of the crowds during the first match. I have visions of a magical parade full of dance, with the stirring sound of thumping drums and ululation filling the stadium. Such a glorious moment!
This reminds me of the time Mandela campaigned for his first election in 1994. Every billboard and street corner was marked “Now is the Time: The time is Now.” And without hesitation; this is Africa’s time to shine. We have potential and need to prove to the world that we are not the seeming ‘dark’ continent riddled with grief, disease and calamity. We are a great continent rich with culture, spirit and intellect. It’s only sad it takes such rare ventures to get to prove ourselves to the world.
But the question in my mind is how I will contribute to make this a world cup to remember. Everybody has to play their part, no matter how insignificant it might look in relation to the main event. If you have friends abroad, invite them over and increase the joyous spirits. If you have a large plasma TV & a huge backyard, turn it into a fan park. Forget that you hate your neighbour or that he owes you money! Call the whole street and cheer together. It will be fun. Schools can use their halls and projectors too and raise money selling hot dogs and spicy bunny chows in the midst of the madness. I guess the point is, let us make the most of it. Some opportunities come once in a lifetime and have to be best utilised.
If you care to know, I’ve got my sport gear and vuvuzela ready and am a fanatical supporter of all the African teams that qualified. I guess I have a couple of other jerseys to buy besides Bafana Bafana’s.
As a young African, I have this overwhelming joy. An event of such magnitude will happen in my lifetime and I will be there to witness history unfold. Let's face it, soccer is a gigantic sport and I can already imagine the echoing cheer of the crowds during the first match. I have visions of a magical parade full of dance, with the stirring sound of thumping drums and ululation filling the stadium. Such a glorious moment!
This reminds me of the time Mandela campaigned for his first election in 1994. Every billboard and street corner was marked “Now is the Time: The time is Now.” And without hesitation; this is Africa’s time to shine. We have potential and need to prove to the world that we are not the seeming ‘dark’ continent riddled with grief, disease and calamity. We are a great continent rich with culture, spirit and intellect. It’s only sad it takes such rare ventures to get to prove ourselves to the world.
But the question in my mind is how I will contribute to make this a world cup to remember. Everybody has to play their part, no matter how insignificant it might look in relation to the main event. If you have friends abroad, invite them over and increase the joyous spirits. If you have a large plasma TV & a huge backyard, turn it into a fan park. Forget that you hate your neighbour or that he owes you money! Call the whole street and cheer together. It will be fun. Schools can use their halls and projectors too and raise money selling hot dogs and spicy bunny chows in the midst of the madness. I guess the point is, let us make the most of it. Some opportunities come once in a lifetime and have to be best utilised.
If you care to know, I’ve got my sport gear and vuvuzela ready and am a fanatical supporter of all the African teams that qualified. I guess I have a couple of other jerseys to buy besides Bafana Bafana’s.
26 February, 2010
Prevailing Xenophobia in SA
Yesterday evening, Journalist, Luvuyo Mjekula, was interviewed on radio 2000 about a series of Xenophobia articles he has published. These articles relate stories about how foreigners, especially Zimbabweans, are subjected to intolerance by South Africans because of their nationality.
On this subject, it seems random taxi-drives have become my main revelation arena as far as xenophobia is concerned. In the past two months; not once or twice, but four times, I have witnessed the same detestable verbal abuse of non-South African commuters in taxis. I remain deeply saddened by these incidences because they delve deep into the realities of not only the hardships of the victimised foreign inhabitants in our societies, but also the mental rationale of the average South African.
Foreigners, more precisely, black African foreigners are still not being welcomed in our societies.
THE ANECTDOTE
On two occasions, the xenophobic incidences occurred whilst i was on a taxi drive to Ashburton, 18 kilometres from Pietermaritzburg central. A serene countryside suburb, with farms and large estates, Ashburton is home to the comfortable and the esteemed in the city. However, a growing Diaspora of non-South Africans resides in squatters in the vast vicinity of the suburb. Some of them work in the neighbouring farms. Many work in the city however, the only resort amounting to catching taxis in the mornings and afternoons to and from work, as Ashburton is quite a stretch.
The most vivid recollection of these subtle xenophobic attacks was when a Zimbabwean guy sat next to me in the taxi. I knew he was Zimbabwean because when he jumped in, he was on the phone speaking Shona. I learnt a bit of the language whilst I was still at UKZN, so I easily recognised it. I uttered a casual ‘Ndeipi shamwari’ [what's up friend]to him and we chatted a bit. His name was Kudzai. After listening in our conversation, the taxi driver’s assistant bluntly uttered in Zulu, ‘laba bazothatha imisebenzi nezintombi zethu’ [these oaks are here to take our jobs and our girls]. I didn’t take much notice of this remark as I know how some South African men feel towards cross-national dating, as it seemed readily assumed that Kudzai was asking me out. But, the real problem started when Kudzai couldn’t utter ‘emaklabishini’ [the place of the cabbages]; the name of the stop where he would disembark. The driver was rude to him, saying he shouldn’t go places he doesn’t know, that he was a fool, stupid and a Kwerekwere [foreigner]. Distressed, Kudzai tried to explain the exact location, but the driver and his assistant were so adamant as to give him the time of day. In his defence, I stepped in and pinpointed the stop to the driver. Only then was it accepted. I was sad, angry and felt sorry for this guy. Kudzai did not need to say it, he was hurt and helpless. However, more depressing, was how he seemed to just let it go. It seemed as if he was used to this ill-treatment, like a phenomenon that was the blueprint of his everyday life in South Africa.
In another incident, a Nigerian mother was harrased because her baby was crying in the taxi. The driver went as far as to say that the baby probably was crying in Nigerian tongues!
CONCERN
Judging from his interaction with the various sources of his stories, Luvuyo concludes that service delivery to South African citizens is the fundamental problem and should be made a priority by government. Of course this is an indisputable fact. Isn’t this expectation legalised by the good deal of tax South Africans pay government every year. Some South Africans despise foreigners because they feel that they are only here to take their jobs, their lovers and are slowly taking charge of the country and economy [a lengthy subject to discuss yet in another article].
My concern however, is the mere existence of the antagonistic treatment which South Africans give foreigners. I mean, can we not learn to coexist and be tolerant of each other? Besides, our very government was given refuge in other African countries during the gruelling apartheid regime. I am not saying though, that this gives foreigners emancipated reasoning to misuse the consequences of this obligation. Definitely not! South Africans need to understand that we need to show the same kind of sympathy we were shown to our continental peers –not foes. We need to know that not all foreigners are here on illegal grounds, are drug smugglers, job snatchers or voodoo practitioners. Aren’t we all as Africans striving for a better life? The same reason most South African’s are pursuing life overseas is definitely the same reasons why our fellow Africans are descending down south. South Africa is also a safe refuge for them, away from the turmoils in their countries. So before we utter hateful words, lets remember- we are all African.
On this subject, it seems random taxi-drives have become my main revelation arena as far as xenophobia is concerned. In the past two months; not once or twice, but four times, I have witnessed the same detestable verbal abuse of non-South African commuters in taxis. I remain deeply saddened by these incidences because they delve deep into the realities of not only the hardships of the victimised foreign inhabitants in our societies, but also the mental rationale of the average South African.
Foreigners, more precisely, black African foreigners are still not being welcomed in our societies.
THE ANECTDOTE
On two occasions, the xenophobic incidences occurred whilst i was on a taxi drive to Ashburton, 18 kilometres from Pietermaritzburg central. A serene countryside suburb, with farms and large estates, Ashburton is home to the comfortable and the esteemed in the city. However, a growing Diaspora of non-South Africans resides in squatters in the vast vicinity of the suburb. Some of them work in the neighbouring farms. Many work in the city however, the only resort amounting to catching taxis in the mornings and afternoons to and from work, as Ashburton is quite a stretch.
The most vivid recollection of these subtle xenophobic attacks was when a Zimbabwean guy sat next to me in the taxi. I knew he was Zimbabwean because when he jumped in, he was on the phone speaking Shona. I learnt a bit of the language whilst I was still at UKZN, so I easily recognised it. I uttered a casual ‘Ndeipi shamwari’ [what's up friend]to him and we chatted a bit. His name was Kudzai. After listening in our conversation, the taxi driver’s assistant bluntly uttered in Zulu, ‘laba bazothatha imisebenzi nezintombi zethu’ [these oaks are here to take our jobs and our girls]. I didn’t take much notice of this remark as I know how some South African men feel towards cross-national dating, as it seemed readily assumed that Kudzai was asking me out. But, the real problem started when Kudzai couldn’t utter ‘emaklabishini’ [the place of the cabbages]; the name of the stop where he would disembark. The driver was rude to him, saying he shouldn’t go places he doesn’t know, that he was a fool, stupid and a Kwerekwere [foreigner]. Distressed, Kudzai tried to explain the exact location, but the driver and his assistant were so adamant as to give him the time of day. In his defence, I stepped in and pinpointed the stop to the driver. Only then was it accepted. I was sad, angry and felt sorry for this guy. Kudzai did not need to say it, he was hurt and helpless. However, more depressing, was how he seemed to just let it go. It seemed as if he was used to this ill-treatment, like a phenomenon that was the blueprint of his everyday life in South Africa.
In another incident, a Nigerian mother was harrased because her baby was crying in the taxi. The driver went as far as to say that the baby probably was crying in Nigerian tongues!
CONCERN
Judging from his interaction with the various sources of his stories, Luvuyo concludes that service delivery to South African citizens is the fundamental problem and should be made a priority by government. Of course this is an indisputable fact. Isn’t this expectation legalised by the good deal of tax South Africans pay government every year. Some South Africans despise foreigners because they feel that they are only here to take their jobs, their lovers and are slowly taking charge of the country and economy [a lengthy subject to discuss yet in another article].
My concern however, is the mere existence of the antagonistic treatment which South Africans give foreigners. I mean, can we not learn to coexist and be tolerant of each other? Besides, our very government was given refuge in other African countries during the gruelling apartheid regime. I am not saying though, that this gives foreigners emancipated reasoning to misuse the consequences of this obligation. Definitely not! South Africans need to understand that we need to show the same kind of sympathy we were shown to our continental peers –not foes. We need to know that not all foreigners are here on illegal grounds, are drug smugglers, job snatchers or voodoo practitioners. Aren’t we all as Africans striving for a better life? The same reason most South African’s are pursuing life overseas is definitely the same reasons why our fellow Africans are descending down south. South Africa is also a safe refuge for them, away from the turmoils in their countries. So before we utter hateful words, lets remember- we are all African.
26 January, 2010
Broadcast vs New Media
Journalism has always been an interesting field, catering and deepening into other spheres of communication. As I approached 2010 I had to choose between two fields of journalism, one of which has lasted for years and the other overtaking the market in recent years.
Choosing between two very prodominent industries is difficult choice. Both of these fields are interesting yet challenging. One requires the intellect of knowing the internet market and following while the other requires you to find a niche in a market already jam packed with reality programmes, soapies and oscar winning movies.
I find online challenging in two aspects, first is finding the right place to advertisement and promote your work as journalist, secondally what you write has appeal far more since you are writing for the imagination and a intellectual group of readers. Words and the way you place words can often cause a reaction of all sorts and what's fun about that is the opportunity to comment on that site or blog.
Television on the other hand requires all the time in the world. Starting with preparation to production and to post production. Pitching an idea is a great experience, but can often be meet with resistance to change or no interest at all. The other challenges is creating something that is not already there in the market.
What I have noticed here in South Africa is that our Online Media is in the growing stages of becoming an empire, hopefully that will not be controlled by an outside entity like newspapers. In terms of the Broadcast Media, unfortunately there is a shortage of producers, scriptwrites and directors that in past two year two of the greatest impacting films have gone outside of South African boarders to recieve funding one of them is District Six.
As a student in my final year I only wonder what impact I can bring to the journalism industry. Going abroad my bring a world of adventurer, but then again one had make their foot print in there homeland. So what would be the next step, what can one change about this industry and what can one do to improve and better it for the coming generations?
Choosing between two very prodominent industries is difficult choice. Both of these fields are interesting yet challenging. One requires the intellect of knowing the internet market and following while the other requires you to find a niche in a market already jam packed with reality programmes, soapies and oscar winning movies.
I find online challenging in two aspects, first is finding the right place to advertisement and promote your work as journalist, secondally what you write has appeal far more since you are writing for the imagination and a intellectual group of readers. Words and the way you place words can often cause a reaction of all sorts and what's fun about that is the opportunity to comment on that site or blog.
Television on the other hand requires all the time in the world. Starting with preparation to production and to post production. Pitching an idea is a great experience, but can often be meet with resistance to change or no interest at all. The other challenges is creating something that is not already there in the market.
What I have noticed here in South Africa is that our Online Media is in the growing stages of becoming an empire, hopefully that will not be controlled by an outside entity like newspapers. In terms of the Broadcast Media, unfortunately there is a shortage of producers, scriptwrites and directors that in past two year two of the greatest impacting films have gone outside of South African boarders to recieve funding one of them is District Six.
As a student in my final year I only wonder what impact I can bring to the journalism industry. Going abroad my bring a world of adventurer, but then again one had make their foot print in there homeland. So what would be the next step, what can one change about this industry and what can one do to improve and better it for the coming generations?
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