Summer academy for SADC journalists

10 Nov 2008

The Institute for Advancement of Journalism (IAJ) and the German-based International Institute for Journalism (IIJ), in conjunction with the Durban University of Technology (DUT), are hosting a 'Summer Academy' entitled "Freedom and Responsibility in the Media: Towards Sustainable Quality Journalism in the SADC Region".

The event runs from November 10 to 21, 2008 at the DUT and targets mid-career journalists from print, broadcast and online media including news agencies in the SADC region. Journalists from Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe will be participating.

The aim of the programme is to enhance the quality of reporting on SADC matters in the regional media. Keynote speakers include senior journalists and editors from different news organisations in the SADC region. Participants will also get an opportunity to engage these seasoned journalists and editors on a variety of issues including political reporting, investigative journalism, reporting on war and conflict, developmental journalism, tabloid journalism and gender mainstreaming as part of quality journalism.

The program is designed around practical sessions to address challenges for quality journalism in southern Africa. The initiative is also aimed at helping the IAJ to create a solid foundation for KZN-based journalism training programs.