By Ntandoyakhe Nxumalo
The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Journalism Department hosted its annual Journalism Students’ Achievement Awards at the DUT Hotel School on the Ritson Campus on 26 August 2026.
The ceremony recognised outstanding academic and overall performance among students across the different levels of the Bachelor of Journalism programme.
The event began with the screening of a documentary produced by DUT journalism students, followed by videos highlighting the career journeys of journalism graduates since completing their studies.
A panel discussion on 50 years of television and the future of news followed, reflecting on the evolution of television over the past five decades and the future of news and journalism in a changing media landscape.
The discussion also highlighted how the core principles of journalism remain unchanged, despite advancements in technology and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in news gathering and production.
The panel included Pinky Radebe from the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Deputy Chairperson of the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) Slindile Khanyile, eThekwini Municipality Communications Manager Mdu Ncalane and financial journalist Enzokuhle Sabela.
In his welcoming address, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design, Prof Pholoho Morojele, spoke about the impact of AI on journalism and emphasised the importance of human ethics.
“AI is not going to change human ethics. AI is not going to make us less human and more human than we were,” he said.
Morojele’s remarks highlighted the continued importance of ethical journalism as new technologies become increasingly involved in the production and distribution of news.
Level three top achiever for the 2025 academic year, Janelle Govender, said receiving the award was a meaningful recognition of her hard work.
“This means a lot to me, because it’s a reflection of my hard work. It’s a reflection of my parents’ hard work for allowing me these opportunities,” she said.
Journalism student Linda Ngubane said he enjoyed seeing her fellow students receive recognition for their achievements.
Ngubane added that seeing his peers being recognised had motivated him to work harder and improve his academic performance.
