Wits launches loud paper

BY
Bate Felix and Jade Archer

Vuvuzela, a student newspaper project of the Wits Journalism and Media Studies programme, was officially launched by Wits University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Loyiso Nongxa.

The vice chancellor described Vuvuzela as “a good training ground for aspiring journalism students”.

At the launch on March 11, Nongxa said he looks forward to Fridays in anticipation of the latest Vuvuzela edition as it “taps into the core of the vibrant community of Wits”.

Already in its fourth edition this year, Vuvuzela began in September 2004 and is run entirely by career entry honours students of the journalism programme as an integral part of their training, with the guidance of staff.

Nongxa commended Professor Anton Harber, head of the Wits journalism programme, for his “Midas touch”. He also praised the staff and dedicated partners such as Media 24, Johnnic and Caxton for their contributions in making Vuvuzela a reality.

Nongxa said Vuvuzela showed the potent combination of skills development and rigorous intellectual training that Wits offers, and challenged students and staff at Vuvuzela to be fair, balanced and unbiased in their reporting.

Harber thanked all those involved for contributing to the success of Vuvuzela. He said he hoped the newspaper would help expand student experiences at Wits.

Saleeha Bamjee, a Wits journalism honours graduate who is now one of the four interns with Vuvuzela, said, “Working on the student publication has been an amazing experience, putting into practice the theories learnt in class”. She said Vuvuzela would hopefully become an integral part of Wits culture, and that it would continue to push boundaries.

The launch was attended by staff and students of the university, and also by representatives of the partners, Media24, Johnnic and Caxton.

Etienne Naude, representing Media24, praised the paper. “I am surprised at the quality of reporting. It is good, it's nice to see a publication like this," he said.

Wits registrar Dr Derek Swemmer said: “It has demonstrated the wish to provide genuine ethical journalism while reporting vibrant campus life. In that respect it’s a breath of fresh air on campus.”

Speaking after the launch, Harber said the ceremony was intended to say “thank you” to the partners of the programme, and partly also because the vice chancellor had shown his support for an independent Vuvuzela.

Zingisani Nkamana, Wits Student Representative Council vice president, said the project was a good idea. “I look forward to see how it progresses throughout the year,” he commented.