by Khaya Thonjeni
SABC 09
There is never a dull moment at the African Media Matrix. Just a week ago, we hosted a group from Communication for Education and Development. This week, we heard chuckles and saw unfamiliar faces sharing jokes, smokes and a bit of the rare winter sunshine outside the building during tea break.
Journalists from the SABC have taken quiet occupation in the AMM building for a week-long training course, “Putting theory into practice”. This course focuses on on developmental journalism and is offered by Sol Plaatje Media Leadership Institute (SPI).
Pete Du Toit, one of the course facilitators, says the course first ran four years ago. It is offered as two week-long modules in one year. “This is the first, and a second one will follow later in November. Another group is expected to attend the same training later,” says Du Toit.
Asanda Mbetshe, a parliamentary reporter for SABC and course participant, said: “The course is going well so far. Actually, we have been doing it [developmental journalism] but are not aware sometimes. Now that we know about it, we can strike a balance.”
So, if you have got a minute or a second during one of their lively tea breaks, go ahead, introduce yourself and share a word or two. Some of the participants say such a gesture will make them feel more welcome.