How to Become A Journalist In South Africa

A journalist is an individual trained to collect/gather information in form of text, audio or pictures, processes them to a news-worthy form and disseminates it to the public.

What Does A Journalist Do?

Journalists (or news correspondents) gather information, prepare stories for print or websites, or make broadcasts that inform us about local, national and international events; present points of view on current issues; and report on the actions of public officials, corporate executives, interest groups and others who exercise power.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

It is not necessary to have an academic background to work in journalism, though employers generally prefer people who have a diploma or bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications. A National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a diploma or degree course is a prerequisite for these courses.

It is also important to have practical experience from an internship or from working with print or broadcasting in an organization. Some employers offer on-the-job training learnerships, which combines theory and practical training.

What Subjects Do I Need?

Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:

Geography
History
Language

Where Can I Study?

University of Pretoria

Bachelor of Arts: Languages (Journalism)
www.up.ac.za

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

National Diploma: Journalism
www.nmmu.ac.za

Journalist Requirements and Career Facts

Education RequiredBachelor’s degree
Education Field of StudyJournalism, communications, English, or a related field
Projected Job Outlook (2018-2028)-10%* (for all reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts)
Median Salary (May 2018)R 623566.43* (for all reporters and correspondents)

Below are steps to Become A Journalist In South Africa

Step 1: Prepare in High School

Whatever medium you choose to work in, you will need a strong background in writing. Courses in English, language arts, humanities and social studies will push you to develop your skills in this area. Writing for the school newspaper, yearbook or literary magazine is helpful as well.

Volunteering to work for your school’s TV or radio station, if it has either or both, could help you prepare for a place in broadcast journalism.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism

A bachelor’s degree is the typical education requirement for journalism positions, and many prospective journalists choose to pursue a degree in journalism. A bachelor’s in journalism teaches you how to write for different distribution media.

It also provides you with an understanding of journalistic ethics and fundamental methods of investigation – how to cultivate sources, conduct personal interviews and search news databases.

Step 3: Pursue an Internship

Many journalism programs include an internship course through which you can gain experience in a professional newsroom.

Schools that offer journalism bachelor’s degrees often maintain relationships with local media outlets to facilitate your access to them. In addition to experience, you can build a portfolio and make contacts that may help you obtain a job after you graduate.

Step 4: Find Employment

You can find work for newspapers, magazines, TV stations, radio stations, colleges and universities, as well as a wide assortment of Internet portals. Data from the S.A.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that as the majority of journalists worked for newspapers and magazines. A smaller but significant share worked for TV and radio stations. The job outlook for journalists isn’t promising.

What do I need to study to become a journalist in South Africa?

It is not necessary to have an academic background to work in journalism, though employers generally prefer people who have a diploma or bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications. A National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a diploma or degree course is a prerequisite for these courses.

How long does it take to study journalism in South Africa?

Bachelor of journalism and media studies degree (BJourn) (four years).

What qualifications do I need to be a journalist in South Africa ?

You’ll need:

knowledge of English language.

knowledge of media production and communication.

to be thorough and pay attention to detail.

the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure.

excellent written communication skills.

excellent verbal communication skills.

ambition and a desire to succeed.

Where can I study journalism in South Africa?

South Africa

Department of Journalism, Stellenbosch University.

School of Journalism and Media Studies, Rhodes University.

Department of Journalism, Tshwane University of Technology.

School of Literature, Language and Media, University of The Witwatersrand.

Center for Film & Media Studies, University of Cape Town.

How much does a sports journalist earn in South Africa?

R143,196 (ZAR)/yr.

Is journalism a good career in South Africa ?

With the growing numbers in the communication channels, the numbers of audiences have also increased at a huge rate. Presently in India, journalism has become a prestigious career choice for many students. Journalism is a challenging field and it is playing a key role in the development of the nation.

How much do radio presenters earn in South Africa?

R284,000 (ZAR)/yr.

Is there a demand for journalists in South Africa ?

Are journalists in demand? Job growth for journalists is projected to be negligible through 2024. Competition for journalism jobs is generally intense and this trend will persist, particularly in traditional media like large newspapers; national and international magazines; and television networks.

Do journalists travel in South Africa ?

The most common position is a travel journalist for a magazine or website. Your duties in this position may include reporting on an assigned destination, pitching story ideas, and interviewing professionals who work in the travel industry.

Is journalism a good major in South Africa ?

By majoring in journalism you get a solid foundation in the fundamental skills of the trade. You also get access to specialized, upper-level journalism courses. Most also offer training in the kind of multimedia skills that are increasingly in demand. Many also have internship programs for their students.

Is journalism a useless degree in South Africa ?

Journalism is not a useless degree at all. Journalism is a liberal arts degree and it helps develop essential analytical and communication skills. Journalism is sometimes referred to as a useless degree because the entire focus of a journalism degree is not getting a job as soon as you graduate from university.

Is journalism a dead career in South Africa ?

The journalism industry is not dying. It’s merely changing to meet the needs of an increasingly tech-dependent society that acquires all its information from the digital world. So if you’re interested in journalism and you want to find a career in the industry, go for it!

Is it worth it to study journalism?

Even though a journalism degree is not exactly necessary to be a journalist or writer, it can be quite beneficial for future journalists. If you want to work in a communications or media-related field that isn’t journalism, then a degree is quite useful.