Limkokwing Eswatini campus hosted its first World Press Freedom Day commemoration event in conjunction with the United States Embassy in Eswatini, the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), Swaziland National Association of Journalists (SNAJ), Ministry of Information, Communication & Technology (ICT) and local media houses.
The event was to highlight the critical role that broadcast media plays in all developmental aspects of Eswatini. Students learned about the legal framework governing journalism in Eswatini, how to plan and execute a successful journalism career in the digital age and which opportunities are available to them for furthering their studies, training and experience after they have become qualified journalists.
Leading the discussion was Mr. Noel Maziya from the Eswatini Communications Commission’s Legal & Compliance department. Maziya outlined constitutional provisions governing the local journalism industry, legal processes, broadcasting licences and legal implications regarding local journalism. Students who are looking to establish online radio stations and news sources were foremost in asking questions during this part of the discussion.
Ms. Senani Khumalo from the Ministry of Information, Communications & Technology led a discussion on the sustainability and development of jobs in the local journalism industry. Khumalo urged journalism students to start using their skills on digital platforms as early as possible, saying this was the best way to practice their skills but also to set themselves up in the digital journalism space. She further urged the students to learn as much as possible about other facets of journalism in order to develop into well-rounded journalists. Khumalo attended the event as a representative of the ministry’s Information & Media Development department.
The United States Embassy was represented by Ms. Thandiswa Ginindza, who attended on behalf of the embassy’s Head of Public Affairs. Ginindza highlighted how the US Embassy has positioned itself to help develop the skills and experience of qualified local journalists through workshops, grants and scholarships, which helped current Journalism students to plan their career journeys. The event was also used to mark remembrance for journalists who have lost their lives or suffered persecution due to the work they do.
