Simphiwe Rens

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Simphiwe has just completed a Master's thesis in Media Studies at Wits (with Distinction). The dissertation investigates the consumption of self-help media texts by a small group of black South African participants. He holds a Wits BA degree in Media studies and Psychology and has also completed an honours qualification in Media Studies at the same University (with Distinction). Inspired by his experience as a choral music choir member, his honours research project embarked on an ethnographic research approach investigating Choral music and Nation-building in post-apartheid South Africa (a case study of the Wits University Choir). His love for music and his singing ability have allowed him to tour the East Coast of the United States as well as Canada with the Wits Choir in July 2011. An experience he says has nurtured his now deeper love for choral music. Rens's other interests lie in broadcasting - both radio and television, advertising, brand strategy/research and academia. He was allowed a 'foot in the door' at Trans Africa Radio (an online and satellite station on Dstv audio channel 872) where he co-hosted a weekly 3 hour talk show show called Young Motivation and eventually ended up hosting an arts-inspired show called Trans Edge on Sundays. He also writes weekly African literature reviews for the station's blog (The TransAfrican.net). During the week, Rens works as a consumer insights analyst at Dentsu Aegis Network, SSA. Simphiwe aims to grow within the broadcast and advertising environment as rapidly as possible. He hones his writing and research skills by working as a freelance journalist when the opportunity presents itself. He is curently a Youth News Agency reporter for Media Monitoring Africa. Rens' postgraduate studies have developed his media knowledge while at the same time feeding his hunger for academia. His academic interests lie in popular culture, media consumption, audience studies and music