The Source of Industries is the Media

I had the chance to attend the 5th Mining Journalism Training, which was hosted by Menar Academy from October 18–19, 2023, as a student who hopes to work in the media and communications field.

First day of training, we learned about the many types of mining and how journalists work in the mining sector. The invited speakers provided us with a thorough understanding of the two businesses and how they interact.

One of the speakers who really stuck out to me was Lucas Ledwaba, a journalist who covered the Marikana Massacre back in 2012. Mainly because there are families who lost their loved ones during those trying times and he was there throughout to share with the world, I really identified with his talk on a deeper level.

The lecture by Kgothatso Nhlengetwa, who focused on illegal mining and the flaws in the laws that affect illegal miners, was very enjoyable. She touched on the various kinds of illicit mines that exist in South Africa.

Mzila Mthenjane, the CEO of the Minerals Council, Dr Sandile Nogxina, Professor Nikki Wagner, Solidarity Union General Secretary Gideon Du Plessis, and George Kahn, the director of Richard Spoor Attorneys, were some of the speakers that were present on Day 1.

We attended a networking session after training on Day 1, where we interacted with some of the lecturers and other trainees. The first day of training was successful and instructive.

My favorite training day was Day 2, when we visited the Gugulethu Colliery, a recently opened mine by Canyon Coal in Mpumalanga. Jarmi Steyn, the mine general manager, welcomed us and gave us a thorough orientation on site safety measures and provided us with protective gear.

We had the chance to tour the construction site and get a general overview of the first pit they are currently constructing. Everyone was eager to check out what they had learnt on the first day of training in person. I now understand the value of journalism in the mining industry.

 By Siphiwe Jele