Wits hosts largest gathering of journalists
- Wits University
Over 350 journalists from across the continent will spend three days at Wits University for the 18th African Investigative Journalism Conference.
The 18th African Investigative Journalism Conference returned for its first in-person event since the Covid-19 pandemic touched down in South Africa in 2019.
The conference was opened by seasoned journalist, and adjunct Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Witwatersrand, Professor Anton Harber.
"It's our coming of age, and what a time to be doing it. It's the first time in three years we've been able to get together in person again,” said Harber as he addressed a lecture room full of journalists from across the continent.
The first plenary session was opened by BBC Africa Eye film maker’s Peter Murimi and Njeri Mwangi who discussed their investigation into child trafficking in Kenya.
Their piece, titled Baby Stealers, investigates a syndicate of child traffickers who sell babies into a thriving black market in the country.
Mwangi recounted a time when she interviewed a mother who lost her baby 10 years ago through child trafficking. She discussed the emotional toll it took on her and these mothers' bravery in telling their stories.
“The silent heroes are the people who make the stories come alive and have evidence that can bring about justice,” said Mwangi.
Her colleague Murimi stressed the importance of allowing journalistic reports to be used as evidence when prosecuting the villains in their stories.
“Accountability in court is very important to us. We cooperate with the prosecution, we put our evidence on the table. We let our evidence be scrutinised,” said Murimi.
The AIJC conference will see over 140 speakers address about 350 guests, making this the most representative gathering in the last 18 years.
Guests will have an opportunity to explore topics such as the latest digital tools; investigating health, the environment, insurgency; online safety; media sustainability, and business and finance reporting.