By Fanele Mfeka
Gagasi FM current affairs producer and former Durban University of Technology (DUT) Journalism student, Siphelele Nzuza encouraged journalism students to be extraordinary in their reporting by becoming the voices of their communities and helping to shape narratives.
Nzuza shared this message during his visit to his alma mater, where he was invited as a guest lecturer for second-year Bachelor Journalism students.
“I am honoured to be their guide for today because not so long ago, I was one of the students, knowing nothing about journalism and reporting. But today I can share from the experience that I have gained over the years,” said Nzuza.
The lecture was facilitated by Radio Journalism lecturer Sphelele Ngubane, who believes it is important to combine academic learning with practical skills.
“I hope students realise the need for solid skill sets after their junior studies. They may be taught and assessed, but what matters when they go out into the world is the skill set they possess and the skills needed in the labour or business sectors,” said Ngubane.
“Additionally, I wish all students in my class understood that every lecture is an attempt to cultivate their thinking and enhance their skill set.”
“It is not immediately visible, but in the long run, it is easy to tell the difference between a student or graduate who has engaged with the learning intentionally and one who has not,” he added.
Students who attended the lecture said it was informative and gave them an opportunity to learn from someone with experience in the industry.
“The most interesting thing I learnt is the methods one must use to confront their ethical dilemma. The ethical dilemma of having the urge to be personal and overly emotional when pursuing a story,” said Asanda Nsimbini.
Another student, Avuyile Dube, said she was surprised by how conversational the encounter was and how everyone was free to share their opinions and perspectives on the topics being discussed.
“What I have learnt and what sums everything up is that as a journalist, it is important to be best friends with your vision board for you to not lose the plot as you pursue stories,” she added.
According to Ngubane, the lecture was part of an ongoing series of guest lectures aimed at supplementing what students have already learnt in their Radio Journalism classes.
