MJT, A Transformative Two-Day Journey

The Menar Journalism Training (MJT), held on 18 and 19 October at the Menar Head-office in Sandton, was a treasure trove of knowledge from different experts in the fields of Journalism and Mining.

One of the most memorable moments of the training was a firsthand account of the coverage of the Marikana Massacre, delivered by Lucas Ledwaba, Executive Director of Mukurukuru Media. Ledwaba noted that covering the Marikana events was emotionally taxing and dangerous. This emotional presentation drove home the point that journalists are not immune to pain and emotions. Nevertheless, even in such emotional states, their responsibility remains to report the facts on the stories they cover.

The information I received on the first day of training posed a significant challenge for me as a journalist. It prompted me to identify critical gaps in the coverage of the mining industry. This newfound understanding has inspired me to embark on a mission to provide comprehensive coverage of the mining sector, ensuring that no essential story goes untold.

On the second day, we had the unique opportunity to observe mining activities around a new mine being developed by Canyon Coal in Mpumalanga. The experience was amazing. The most inspiring moment of the day was realising the gender balance in the mining industry. It illustrated a shift towards a generation in which women are granted equal opportunities and entrusted with roles that were traditionally considered the domain of men.

The MJT program has proven to be an invaluable experience that I wholeheartedly recommend to my fellow journalists. As someone who initially had no prior knowledge of the mining industry, I can confidently say that this program has transformed my perspective and equipped me with a deep understanding of this complex field. In just two days, I was exposed to a wealth of education and information that played an instrumental role in shaping my journalism and broadcasting career

 By Malebeko Sadiki