Bridging the divide between study and the real world of African journalism

Abstract

Professor Lizette Rabe, Head of the Department of Journalism at Stellenbosch University, Mr Joe Thloloe, Press Ombudsman, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. I am honoured to address you on the occasion of this conference that coincides with the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Department of Journalism at Stellenbosch University.The department and our organisation, Media24 and Naspers, share a long and proud partnership that spans the full 30 years of the department's existence. The department was, in fact, started by Piet Cillié, a former editor of Die Burger. Many other personalities involved with the department have also had close ties to our organisation including Johannes Grosskopf (former editor of Beeld), George Claassen (former deputy editor Die Burger) and Lizette Rabe (former editor of Sarie).When one reaches such milestones, it is appropriate to pause and reflect, in particular on the challenges facing the Department of Journalism, as it celebrates its 30 years of journalism studies. A key question to ask is to what extent are we producing journalists for this country, for this continent and for today’s world?