“Take the initiative, be forward, contribute to daily diary discussions and nominate yourself for assignments.” That’s the advice of CPUT graduate and current Deputy Political Editor of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Mahlatse Gallens. She was speaking to hundreds of Journalism students who came to hear the renowned broadcaster at a talk organised by the Vice-Chancellor’s office and the Alumni office.

In her talk, Gallens placed particular emphasis on how interns should put their best foot forward when arriving at a new workplace.

“Don’t sit back and expect to be spoon-fed,” she says. “Instead, join in the discussions about finding new angles and ideas when researching a story. As the lifeblood of journalism is staying current and up-to-the-minute, always meet your deadlines and always arrive on time.”

Gallens also spoke of how one of the mandates of the SABC is to preserve all the mother tongues of South Africa, a fact that younger reporters should bear in mind. The SABC in particular will seek out those who can speak two or more languages fluently in order to report across the spectrum of radio and television channels of the national broadcaster.

Alumni Officer Valerie Deelman says, “By connecting a high-flying alumnus like Ms Gallens with current students, they learn more about achieving their long term dreams and what it takes to make it in the working world. These talks also motivate current students to “stay the course”, excel academically and graduate within the required time.”

Any alumni who can engender a sense of hope, energy and empowerment to a student audience are welcome to contact the Alumni Office on 021 460 3786 to set up future talks.

Written by Janyce Weintrob

Tel: +27 21 460 3514
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Today marks 41 years since Black Wednesday, the day on which the apartheid government banned a number of newspapers and organisations.

CPUT’s Media Department and the SABC held a seminar and panel discussion on Wednesday (October 17) to commemorate the day and reflect on the theme: 25 years of “free media” 2019 and beyond.

Retired Constitutional Judge Albie Sachs was the keynote speaker at the seminar, which was held at the SABC’s Broadcast Centre in Sea Point.

“One of the reasons I feel so hopeful about South Africa is that not only (do) we have a Constitution, but the Constitution is working, elections are meaningful and are free and fair. We have a strong judiciary to make sure the Independent Electoral Commission functions and we have some of the greatest investigative journalists in the world and they have shown their mettle,” said Sachs.

He told the journalism students in the audience that they were the generation that had to continue the struggle to “enlarge that space of journalism integrity”.

Jude Mathurine, Head of the Journalism Programme, said media seldom takes times to engage in thoughtful reflection about where it has come from, what it was getting right and wrong and how it could do better.

“The story of the South African press is a complex story and it evolves side by side with the story of our growing nation. We don’t simply reflect that story, we are part of it. We are implicated in it.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Journalism students celebrated World Radio Day at the Western Cape offices of SA’s public broadcaster, where they gained valuable insight into the world of radio.

The event was a collaboration between the Journalism Programme, the SABC and the SA National Editors’ Forum and included a thought-provoking panel discussion led by senior lecturer and organiser, Dr Sisanda Nkoala.

The panellists were political commentator and former lecturer in the journalism programme Asanda Ngoasheng, Bush Radio managing director Brenda Leonard, Good Hope FM presenters Tamara Snow and Lorenzo Darries, journalism lecturer John Bulani and journalism alumnus Lulama Klassen, who shared their experiences with the group of second and third-year students.

Students were given an opportunity to interact with the panellists before taking a tour of the studios. Two students were also interviewed on Umhlobo Wenene FM.

World Radio Day is celebrated on 13 February each year, following a proclamation in 2011 by the member states of UNESCO, which the United Nations General Assembly later endorsed on 14 January 2013 as an international day.

This year’s theme was Radio and Peace.

Nkoala said 2023 also marks 100 years since the first experimental radio broadcasts aired in Johannesburg in December 1923.

She said the event aimed to celebrate this momentous occasion and presented an opportunity for aspiring journalists to gain valuable exposure. At the same time, students were also required to complete an assignment.

Student Namhla Monakali described the event as a wonderful experience for students, adding that she learned a lot about the radio and peace.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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