End of the week

29th March
It is finally the end of the week. The weekend is certainly a welcome break. This week we had to shadow more established journalists working the Avusa stable. Although being someone's tail is not fun, being exposed to the everyday aspects of being a journalist was. Some of us got to meet celebrities, others got to be behind the camera while others just got to stare.

This wonderful exposure to the news room meant that many guys in the group got published. Congratulations to everyone. We are well on our way of taking over. Here is some of the published work from Luphert, Luzuko, Majola, Lerato and Lebogang (take a bow guys).

We are doing it!

Hello there....Yes, you! You see I find it is so hard to blog, its something that i really am working on and today I'm doing this alone. I must say, i'm pretty impressed with my fellow newspuppies. I'm sure they would agree with me, this week has been one of the most productive weeks for all of us. We've had our stories published, which is not only inspiring, but definitely worth the blood, sweat and tears we've had to endure. I'm personally having the time of my life, the passion is begining to emerge. I must admit, for one moment I was cursing my ancestors: "what the hell were you thinking Candy?", yep, it got that far. But these last couple of days have been wonderful. With speakers like the guy from Sweden we had, I couldn't ask for a better experience. I'm looking forward to what the rest of the year has to offer. Until then, take care.

Rekindling The Love

Hey there fellow blogumists, there's no we today, it's just Vumani flying solo for today. I've rekindled my love for journalism today (not that the love was fully extinguished; the flint was temporarily drenched in fatigue). Anyway today I met popular radio personality Glen Lewis, by the way he prefers to be called a radio personality instead of a DJ,quite silly isn't it. What an awesome and laid back guy he proved to be. He'll be featuring in the Sunday Times' My Jozi segment, luckily for me I was able to accompany the journo who interviewed him. I even got a chance to throw in a few questions here and there, some very intelligent questions at that might I add. With a story of mine being published in the Sowetan today, things are looking on the up. Anyway got to go. Check out Glenzito's piece in the Metro section on Sunday,and keep tapping away my fellow scribes. Lata.

Stereotypical Discussions

The stifling conditions in the Dungeon, (yes, the dungeon, it really is a dungeon) i.e the lack of a functioning air conditioner, malfunctioning computers, sharing one phone with 12 eager journos; thesonditions are designed to separate the wheat from the chaffe. Typically these conditions are not supposed to be condusive to a good working environment, but if we survive this then we can make it anywhere.

Moving on; considering that there are so many different ethnicities and cultures within the group, there have been some understandable cultural misunderstandings. We tend to brand each other according to stereotypical perceptions. Sometimes this can be quite comical. Here are some of the gems: 1. Zulus are militant (go Shaka!!!) 2. Xhosas are considered to be conniving (Xhosanostra: think mafia) 3. Sotho women are cheeky (rebelling against everything) 4. Coloureds are all believed to be alcoholics and are considered animals in bed (the list goes on and on and on, but this does not apply for our coloureds).

All jokes aside stereotypes are generalisations, they are not necessarily true. Everyone is unique and has their own idiosyncrasies, it was fun though poking fun at each other. Lata.

How could you Mr. Khoza?

In a media briefing this week 2010 LOC Chairman and owner of Orlando Pirates, Irvin Khoza told a journalist to “Stop thinking like a K$%@#r”. According to him, he was referring to a “K$%@#r as a dubious character and unreliable.”

We think that it was very unprofessional of Mr Khoza to address the journalist in such a manner. This is a man who has dealt with journalists and the media for a number of years in his line of work and he should know better.
People who are not journalists or in the media, are quick to sue, claiming that their characters have been defamed by statements made by journalists. In the context in which the word was previously used under the apartheid regime (and the word is still very heavy in itself) the journalist should consider seeking legal advice.
Mr Khoza should also offer a public apology to the journalist and more so to South Africans.

The reality of the courts

Forget about Denny Crane and Alan Shore...in South Africa we have a whole different legal system.
The group had an introduction to court reporting and spent the past two days at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court. We were shocked at the level of order or lack thereof. For example, we got to the information service to look at the times in which the court cases begin but we were shocked to learn how long they took to begin.
A couple of the court cases would actually commence an hour later than scheduled. postponed. Even more shocking to learn was that the very same cases we would be waiting for would be moved to a later date. Most of them would be moved to March (Lerato had one that was moved to June).
There is alot of sloppy police work, negligent prosecutors and lazy attorneys who have not filled in affidavits.
At the end of the day, our legal system is nothing like what we see on TV. The different groups that we set ourselves up into had to move from one court to another. This is because the hearing we went to would take hours to begin and we would constantly be checking when they start.!We are calling for the restructuring of our legal system.

The week started off on a sad note....

Friday afternoon, Isidingo actress, Ashley Callie died in hospital after a car accident. The daily newspapers had been reporting that her condition was stable. Her shocked fans have started support groups dedicated to Callie on social network sites.
Former Abashante member, Tebogo "Zombo" Ndlovu, died Sunday evening after a long illness. He recently revealed his HIV status and admitted that he was not taking ARV's.
A news website is reporting the death of a crime reporter in Johannesburg. Francois du Plessis died in a car accident on Sunday evening. He was 24.
Our condolences to the grieving families.

Freedom of the media

Today at the seminar that was conducted by Dario Milo of Webber Wentzel Bowens, an interesting discussion emerged about media reporting and hate speech. The group felt that this topic was rather interesting and not an easy one to resolve. We discussed the UKhozi FM dilemma about the song AmaNdiya by Mbongeni Ngema, and there appeared to be very different views: Some thought that the song was a should be allowed under freedom of expression, while others felt it was hate speech and discrimination against the Indian nation. What are your views on the matter?

South African’s future under JZ

Yesterday we had an interesting exchange of views with political analyst, columnist, writer and publisher,Justice Malala, about the future of South Africa under the ANC President Jacob Zuma. Malala highlighted the crucial point, the issue that is much debated and talked about currently; and that is the future economic prospects of the country. The big question is: “Will JZ change the economic policies to appease Cosatu and SACP or continue with the existing policies which are favouring the business community. Malala feels that the ANC made a bad move by choosing JZ – saying he is not fit to lead the country; and that people generally are uneasy about the change of leadership.

The newspuppies group was split in two on the potential threat JZ poses to the economy. One of the group members said she feels that no one wants to be led by someone who has a lot of baggage in his life. “He’s got so much on him,” said one group member. Another member said: “ As a president you have to know the basics. He has got to understand the economy. Mbeki knew his stuff, but JZ once said he doesn’t know and that he will find out.” Emotions ran high as some supported JZ and the other half didn't support him.

Is digital technology good for kids?

Every day people are discovering new ways of improving their lives by using technology. Digital technololgyhas been positively utilised by the Health care industry and other sectors. Digital technology is available in different shapes and forms and can be used by the young and old. Because of competitions between the creators of these gadgets some of them have become more affordable

The number of children who have access to these gadgets has increased. Does technology improve the lives of these children or is it making them lazy and endangering their lives? There is an increase in the number of adults suffering from technology fatigue.

With all the toys they can play with some of the gadgets are not necessary. Children can easily do without them. With children accessing more technology there is less moving around or exercise. What do you all think about this issue?

A slap in the face from Ghana

There has recently been a poster published by the media portraying the old apartheid flag and associating it with the South African soccer squad in the Africa Cup of Nations games in Ghana. To add to the confusion, Bennie McCarthy is portrayed as being included in the Bafana Bafana team in the recent Afcon games.
The flag has caused quite a row amongst us, as we feel this shows disrespect for South Africa as a country and contender in the Afcon games. By placing the apartheid flag in an advertisement, they clearly show no regard for all the progress South Africa has made thus far. They also demonstrates their insensitivity for the pain and suffering attached to the old flag for South Africans.
Many of us feel that Ghana, and Afcon as an organisation, owe the nation an apology. Let us know what you think.

Traditional Debate

Hey there people, guess what, Today we are talking about traditional leaders. That topic took you by suprise didn't it? Well our highly opinionated young group was talking the other day, and one of the topics that came up was, in contemporary South Africa, do we still have room for traditional leaders? What role do they play? Pheew... That's a tough one.


After much robust debate amongst members of our group, the differing views were as such:
1. Traditional leaders play a largely ceremonious role, whereby they don't really wield much power.
2. Tradional leaders are the custodians of culture and are part of an interpendent structure within their respective cultures.
3. There is little room for traditional leaders because they are not elected members of any governing institution. Therefore there is very little accountability on their part, which can lead to an abuse of whatever power they may wield.

Well there was really no end to the debate, but the general feeling amongst us bright young things was that they don't really affect our lives personally, professionally or socially, so we do not feel they add much to our lives.
This debate raged on like a fierce and unstoppable inferno. Okay Okay, We're being a bit melodramatic hey alright we'll stop. Chat later.

Yalo takes it!

In our votes for the best cartoon of the day, we were quite limited in our choices but we gave it to Yalo of the Sowetan. Reason being it touched on relevant issues of the day and it ended being quite funny. Basic premise of the cartoon is : Load Shedding, Rain Shedding, Booze Shedding.....eish, haven't we had enough??

We met with Mondli Makhanya today, he's not as intimidating as we had imagined him to be, pretty nice actually, and we are not trying to suck up! Then there was Tyrone......what a hunk (coming from the ladies in the group). A brilliant guy, awesome sense of humour and he seems to have an open mind about life. Oh, did we mention he's a photographer and an HIV/AIDS Counsellor. Overall the last 2 days have been tough, tougher days are ahead of us but we are ready to face them head-on.

Chat later...bye!

Take over complete-now we write

Debate of the Day-Is Ubuntu dead?
Yesterday's heated debate was about the relevance of Ubuntu (Umnuntu ngumuntu ngabantu). On one side the group felt that the spirit of ubuntu takes away a person's individuality whilst the other side of the group felt that was a western individualistic way of thinking which does not apply to African reality/culture. The majority felt that the Spirit of Ubuntu has to be upheld- Izandla ziyagezana (One hand washes the other).

Front Page of the day- Today's front pages sucked but Sowetan takes the cake due to the audacity of Somizi's outfit....the guy must be crazy for wearing that cap to court.

Catch us when we critique the various cartoons.

The Blog Take Over is complete

Hey there people this is the new Avusa Graduate Training Group.We've taken over the blog! Apparently last year there were more females than males but this time around, the tables have definitetly changed with the ratio at 7:5. The past 2 weeks have been interesting to say the least. For the most part, from the beginning we pretty much gelled with each other. We have a very diverse group, with people coming from different parts of the country, different institutions, different social backgrounds and certainly with different ambitions. We expect to work hard but have fun too. At the end of the year we hope to have a clear idea of how the media industry works, be employable as well as know the different cultures of Avusa's publications.

Just to let you know, this is how we are going to be writing the blog. We have separated ourselves into groups of 4. Issues that will be discussed range from current affairs, worst and best front page and anything that might grab our attentlion during the course of the year.