Menar Academy holds its 4th MJT

The Menar Academy held its 4th Mining Journalism Training (MJT), for professional and student journalists, over a 2-day period at The Protea Hotel Fire and Ice in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last MJT was held in 2019.

Latiefa Mobara, the Executive Director of the Press Council, explained to the attendees what the Press Council is all about, their history and how the public can access the Press Council. “A Press Code is a set of guidelines of how journalists should report, one should always strive for the truth, avoid unnecessary harm, reflect a multiplicity of voices and act independently”, said Mobara.

The Press Ombudsman, Herman Scholtz said, “The media shall seek, if practicable, the views of the subject of critical reportage in advance of publication, except when they might be prevented from reporting or sources are intimidated.”

Lucas Ledwaba, the Executive Director of Mukurukuru Media, said the significance of the Press is to uphold democracy. He said this as he was reflecting on his coverage of the Marikana massacre which claimed the lives of 44 people.

Mamokgethi Molopyane, a Mining Labour Analyst spoke about the impact of Mechanization on Mining Labor, stating that technology has an impact on labor, job losses and it reduces social economy; but technology has the ability to reduce the workload.

Site Visit: "Mine worker showing the MJT attendees one of the  machinery they use at the Kangra Coal Mine."

On the second day of training, the attendees were taken to Kangra Coal mine in Piet Ritief, Mpumalanga, where they witness how coal is extracted until it is ready for transportation. They witnessed the various machinery that is used to assist the miners and how it has made it possible to be more productive.

Pierre Louw, the General Manager at Kangra Coal Mine, said that mining is an important contributor to the South African economy as it pays billions in taxes every year. Louw said; “We employ local community members, we have built a clinic and other resources to assist the community in this area.”

 By Thobela Wiseman Sibiya