By Siqhamo Jama
At the 2025 JMS Annual Academic Assembly, broadcast journalist Zikhona Tshona shared an inspiring message with aspiring reporters: journalism is a public service, anchored in dignity and respect. “Whether it is a child, a grandmother, or someone who has never had a voice, they matter,” she emphasised. “People need to see themselves represented in the news to believe in it.”
The assembly brought together students, faculty, and fellows from the School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 to explore journalism’s impact across Africa. With the theme Seeds of Change: Cultivating the Future of Journalism in Africa, the event sparked meaningful discussions on ethical storytelling and the academic values guiding the school’s mission.
Dr Jeanne du Toit, Head of School, opened the Assembly by emphasising its purpose. “It is a moment in our academic calendar when we pause to reflect on who we are as a school, and why we do this work.”
Dr Chikezie Uzuegbunam, Deputy Head of JMS Teaching and Research, introduced the keynote speaker. “The reason we are here, the reason why you do what you do, is because journalism matters,” he said. “Zikhona Tshona is a consistent ally of this School, a powerful storyteller, and an award-winning journalist who brings dignity to every story she tells.”
He highlighted her extensive career with broadcasters such as eNCA and Newzroom Afrika, her journalism accolades, and her focus on stories that amplify the voices of marginalised communities. “She centres the human in human-interest reporting. Her work reminds us that journalism can be a form of social justice.”
Tshona, who was recently honoured with a Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Distinguished Alumni Award, delivered a keynote address that reflected on the role of journalism as a public service. Drawing on her own student experience, she described how the experience helped her realise the value of personal narrative. “I was told to share my story when I could not relate to the task,” she recalled. “That moment planted the first seed of my passion. It said to me, my childhood in Fort Beaufort is a story that deserves to be heard.”
She urged students to hold on to the values and skills developed during their time at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网. “That has been the foundation of my journalism; to tell the stories that will not make headlines but still matter. You are a walking newsroom. Do not forget what you have learned here.”
Reflecting on her professional career, Tshona spoke of covering community-based stories – from grandmothers forming a knitting group in Crossroads to escape abuse, and a nine-year-old boy in Diepsloot who had never attended school. “People often do not think their stories matter, but they do,” she said. “This job is a service. It is about telling people’s stories with dignity and respect.”
Following the keynote, staff and students gathered for a tea reception in honour of Tshona. The evening served as a reminder of the School’s ongoing commitment to fostering ethical, people-centred journalism.
As the assembly ended, the message was clear: the future of journalism in Africa lies in stories told with empathy, purpose, and integrity – and those stories often begin right here at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网.