Media specialists launch journalism academy

In a world where information overload is fuelling the spread of disinformation, journalism’s challenge is to deliver accurate news that is relevant and useful to audiences, helping citizens make informed decisions.

to cost optimisation, cloud computing benefits are unparalleled. But that does not mean we can ignore the risks that organisations are exposed to through this technology.”

Ten teams of developers and strategists aimed to design a solution that could counter unauthorised SIMswaps, digital identity theft and business email compromise.

After attending master classes and accelerator sessions, the teams had to develop and present their solutions.

The SecureIT team of Lethabo Makopo, Angelique Mokwena and Lerato Tlhako topped the list.

Tlhako said the solution relied on the use of graphical passwords, as opposed to traditional ones that can be uncovered using keyloggers. “We made sure to mitigate major cyber security vulnerabilities using a variety of coding techniques,” she said.

The SecureIT team won the hackathon at the annual SATNAC event in George, Western Cape. They also received R80 000 and a chance to present their solution to the entire cohort of SATNAC attendees.

“As an all-female team, we worked hard to break barriers, challenge ourselves and represent women in technology,” Mokwena said.

Johannesburg - Top South African and African industry specialists have launched Nala Academy for Media and Journalism Training, a new training academy to grow and develop the next generation of news editors, journalists and presenters, under the mentorship of expert facilitators.

With some of the continent’s most recognisable names in news and media at its helm, the academy aims to provide world-class and future-fit training that helps journalism flourish in a multi-platform world.

In a world where information overload is fuelling the spread of disinformation, modern journalism’s challenge is to deliver accurate news that is relevant and useful to audiences, helping citizens make informed decisions.

Journalists have a critical role in restoring public trust both in media and democracy.

Newsroom development leader and Nala Academy director Katy Katopodis says: “This launch is a chance for us and our team of ex-

Nala Academy director Katy Katopodis pert facilitators to inject decades of industry knowledge, experience and passion directly into newsrooms in South Africa and across Africa, while also equipping them with skills they need to thrive in the digital world.”

The Nala Academy has also introduced new corporate training offerings, which blend traditional media and communications training with the latest knowledge on emerging platforms and a healthy dose of digital media literacy.

The academy’s head of training Camilla Bath says: “We are launching a brand-new training course called Media LIT to help citizens suss out the online media landscape, help stop the spread of fake news and flex their critical thinking muscles, so they can think like a journalist when evaluating information.”

These latest offerings equip corporates with skills to thrive in a world where media literacy has become a business competency. The academy is already working across South Africa and Africa.

Cop killer Zama-zama gets life jail

Johannesburg - The Gauteng High Court has sentenced an illegal miner to life plus 103 years imprisonment for the murder of an Ekurhuleni metro police (EMPD) officer.

The court found that illegal miner Bhekisisa Dlamini shot dead officer

Johannes van der Linde.

The court heard that Van der Linde and five EMPD colleagues were on a raid at an illegal mine situated near Primrose in June last year when Dlamini and four of his accomplices opened fire at them.

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said Dlamini was arrested at the scene while the others escaped.

“The accused has been convicted of murder, five counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition,” Mjonondwane said.

State advocate Thamsanqa Mpekana detailed the late Van der Linde’s family’s financial and psychological trauma following his murder, and argued for a hefty sentence.

He said EMPD officers were at risk during confrontations with illegal miners armed with illegal guns.

“The country has been calling for law enforcement to be robust in dealing with illegal miners who have placed the country under attack by committing alarming crimes,” Mpekana said.

Knifeman jailed 20 years for killing woman

Cleveland - The Johannesburg magistrate’s court has sentenced a 31-yearold man to 20 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of murder.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan Jordaan said the murder happened on 10 January 2019 in Main Reef Road, Denver.

“The convict, Mduduzi Dubazane stabbed 29-year-old Brenda Zwane multiple times with a knife; and she died on the way to hospital. Police at- tended the crime scene and Dubazane was arrested for murder. The case was handed to Warrant Officer Raletsemo for investigation. After many court appearances Dubazane was convicted for murder and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment,” Jordaan said.

Station commander Colonel Motaung recommended the member for his good work. “We arrest people for violent crimes and ensure they pay for their crimes,” Motaung said.