JOURNALISM PLACEMENTS IN NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES: Observe experts in Journalism and learn how they work in South
Africa. These Work Experience placements aim to give you maximum benefit
and experience that will be invaluable to you in the future and totally
different to what you're used to in your home country.
►SUMMARY
FACTFILE
Start Dates
All year round - you choose your
start and finish dates!
Duration
4 weeks and up to 1 year, subject to visa
requirements
Requirements
You should preferably have a Journalism degree. However, if you're
in your last year of study or you have a fair amount of journalism
experience, we will submit your application and you may be
accepted.
For some placements, a drivers licence would be useful.
►Accommodation
►Food
►Meeting you at the Airport
►Transfer to your accommodation
►Full pre-departure support
►Local in-country team support
and backup
►24-hr emergency support.
What's not included
Flights, Insurance,
Cost of Visas (if a visa is required, but we'll provide necessary documents and
assistance),
Return transfer to
airport, Transport to and from your
project.
Who can do this Project?
All our projects are
open to all nationalities.
Unless otherwise stated, you need to be aged between 17 and 70+
PROJECT OVERVIEW We have two
very different types of journalism work experience internships in South
Africa, something to suit everyone's requirements and preferences. All
our journalism placements offer the opportunity to observe, learn and
gain excellent experience.
The Cape Times, a large daily newspaper in the heart of
bustling Cape Town.
The Big Issue, a 3-weekly features magazine sold in Cape Town,
Johannesburg and Durban.
An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into
Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding
of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional
development.
An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head
and shoulders above most others in the job market
And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
"The staff were very friendly
and it was a really pleasant environment to work in. I have kept in touch
with them and am continuing to write for them here in England, and they
are continuing to publish my work in South Africa. The placement has given me experience that
would have been very difficult to arrange with a similar-sized publication
here in the UK, particularly as I lack any background in journalism.
Therefore, it has given me a foot in the door of an industry that would
have been relatively inaccessible to me previously.
I have now got the
confidence that I can succeed in the profession and have already started
freelance work for different publications in the UK, in addition to
articles still being published in South Africa. Cape Town was a fabulous place to do this
placement ..."
Read an excellent
article addressing the issue of ivory poaching in Africa that Adam
Edwards wrote when on his Journalism Work Experience Internship at the
Big Issue in Cape Town, South Africa. (You may find the photos
distressing.)
Handing over a donation from Travellers to the Big
Issue for the Homeless World Cup
Cape Town at night, viewed from across the harbour
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
THE
CAPE TIMES DAILY CITY NEWSPAPER
Cape Town is the third biggest tourist
destination in the world today and has a daily newspaper to match -
The Cape Times. It is the oldest, continuously published, newspaper
in South Africa (founded in 1876) and is a sister newspaper of the
oldest title, the Cape Argus (founded in 1857). The offices are situated
at the heart of the bustling city, only a short walk away from the
magical Gardens, where you can enjoy your lunch hour under the
whispering trees and hand-feed squirrels scampering past… truly idyllic.
Readership is mostly drawn from the middle
to upper income brackets, and the bulk of readers are in the Cape Town
metropolitan area, which has a population of around 4million. The
demographics of readership closely mirror the demographics of the
Western Cape.
The Times does not do ‘infotainment’,
celebrity news (unless they are really naughty), tabloid journalism or
other cheap shots like vox pops surveys on trivial issues. They take
readers, and the news, seriously, and the "Opinion and Letters" pages
are highly contested terrain, where intense public debates on issues
like affirmative action, globalisation, racism, HIV/Aids, the Middle
East conflict, the war in Iraq, Zimbabwe and other topical issues are
fought out, with some of South Africa and the world's heavy hitters
writing for the paper.
The Cape Times has a long and proud
liberal-left tradition of journalism and was a vocal and much-hated
enemy of the apartheid regime. It continues this tradition today and
maintains an editorial stance that is fiercely independent of
government, political parties, big business and other pressure groups.
With a strong tradition of environmental campaigning, it has also become
a leading voice in debates around issues like climate change.
The paper has a small, compact News Room
(10 full time news reporters) with a friendly, comradely atmosphere. The
more seasoned journalists and photographers are always willing to share
contacts and background information with visiting students, interns and
journalists. At various times of the year, they host visiting
journalists from Germany and the Netherlands, journalism masters'
students from the University of Southern California, graduate students
from North Western University (Medill) and undergraduates from Emory
University in Atlanta, Georgia.
The first edition goes off screen at about
9pm, and the second edition off screen at midnight (or later if a big
story is breaking.) The night shift reporter(s) work from 3.30pm through
until the paper goes to bed.
An international driver’s license would
be a big advantage as The Times has pool cars that are used by
interns to go out on assignments and to get stories. They will not have
people to drive you around. If you go on the placement with out a
license it will mean that most of your work will be deskbound, unless
you go out with someone else on a story. Taxis may be used but
this will be at your own expense, as public transport in Cape Town and
South Africa generally does not cover all areas.
You'll usually work the hours to suit you
within the placement, but your typical working day could look like this:
09:00 – 10:00 - Morning coffee, read morning newspapers and
wires and set up interviews
10:00 – 11:00 - Attend the news room planning conference
where you have to sell your own story ideas to the news editor
and all other ideas will be discussed.
11.00 – 18:00 - Early page deadlines from 3:30pm. Then
you’ll spend the rest of the day working on your stories for the
next day.
You may have to work till about 18:30 or later if an
exceptional case/story occurs.
There could be variations of this schedule
as the Times may want you to start earlier to finish later. As an
approximate outline you will generally be working Sunday to Thursday so
your weekend will be Friday and Saturday.
Neither we, nor the organisation you will
be working for, can guarantee the amount of work that will be available
for you during your placement. You should understand that, as with any
business organisation, the quantity of work available will vary
according to external factors (e.g. number of stories, breaking news, or
other factors relevant to the type of organisation, etc.)
Requirements: You should preferably have a Journalism degree. However, if you're
in your last year of study or you have a fair amount of journalism
experience, we will submit your application and you may be
accepted.
Good for your CV? Yes!
Andrew McGlashen did a journalism Work Experience placement in the
Sports Department of the Cape Argus. The result was ... "Thought I
would you know at Travellers that I have got the job in London that you
heard about on the grapevine. It's working for a major cricket website
called Cricinfo [
http://www.cricinfo.com/]
based in Shepherd's Bush. They were very impressed with what I had done
in Cape Town so I owe many thanks to you all for organising my
placement."
“I enjoyed it very much as I was allowed
to write as I wanted.” Andrew
Maxwell
"[I gained] Experience of the
workings of a newspaper and journalism, which was a completely new field
for me. Equally important was that I gained evidence – through published
articles – of the standard of my work and the position I had held – i.e.
sports writer. Also, I gained experience of working in a different
culture, country and work environment."Tim
Newnes
ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING IN CAPE TOWN FOR THE CAPE TIMES
A ten minute walk from the centre of the
bustling Cape Town CBD is the quieter, more chilled out area of Green
Point. Here we use St Johns Waterfront Lodge, one of the better known
backpackers’ lodges for your accommodation. It is not only close to the
city, but also to the famous V&A Waterfront (5 min walk) and literally a
hop, skip and jump away from the ocean. Among a host of other
activities, from here you can visit the world-famous Robben Island by
boat, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 27 years!
Apart from other Travellers volunteers,
this hostel mainly attracts international travellers to Cape Town. It is
uniquely built on two plots so literally has two of everything,
including two pools! They are very friendly and will always help you
where needed. They can answer any questions or can even help when you
need some TLC because you feel a bit homesick!
The Main Lodge is the centre of all the
lodges and is a meeting point for everyone. You can discuss your day in
the living room, have a nice chat out on the terrace, go for a swim,
watch a movie, etc. Included in the placement cost is a bed in one of
the large 8-bed dormitories, so you will be sharing. However, there is
an option of choosing a single or double room if you are happy to pay
the difference, but we do find that volunteers staying in the larger
dormitories tend to make friends easier and be a bit more social.
Remember, safety by numbers is always the most responsible way to do
things!
This lodge has a living room, lots of
bathrooms and a two well-equipped kitchens. It also has a lovely big
(recently renovated) living area with satellite TV, a cosy bar and very
comfy couches. In the main outdoor area, there are two pools, the braai
(South African for BBQ) area and lots of tables and benches in the
beautiful garden. There is a payphone inside the main lounge and a FREE
internet service. St John’s has also recently fitted a CCTV security
system, so you can live with peace of mind, knowing that you are safe
and sound.
Food: You will be given a food
allowance to buy your own food from the big supermarket up the road.
The lodge is equipped with a kitchen with a fridge, stove, oven and
microwave, and all the necessities to cook a good meal.
PLEASE NOTE: The World Cup kicks
off in June 2010 in Cape Town and accommodation surcharges WILL apply
during this period. We can advise you on the extra cost closer to the
time.
To also assist you during your time with us
in South Africa, we have included the web-link for Pick and Pay a major
Supermarket in South Africa, by logging on to:
The Big Issue is described as a general
interest monthly magazine. It has also been described as a sugar coated
bitter pill – it confronts, it challenges, it attempts to uncover, it
tries to break down fixed paradigms, and bring readers along with it on
a journey of discovery. It aims to show the real issues facing South
Africa. The magazine also aims to entertain and, with its alternative
and younger focused arts section, it attracts readers from a broad
spectrum of society.
With the Big Issue, you will be
working with the editorial team, helping research and produce the
articles for the magazine. They also accept people who would like
some experience in layout and design. Again this is a placement
where you need to show motivation, skill and action. At risk of
using the old cliché "What you put in is what you get out!"
The uniqueness of The Big Issue: This
magazine is sold through vendors who are poverty-stricken, usually
street kids or homeless people. Vendors buy the magazine for R3.50 and
sell it for R6.50, keeping the difference. But there is more to this
Magazine - it has a substantial social support programme for its vendors
including alcohol/drug support meetings, computer, art and literacy
classes, job club and assistance with finding accommodation. There are
currently 2,524 vendors - 1,928 men and 596 women. Most are homeless,
living in vulnerable accommodation or long-term unemployed. There are
approximately 250 vendors selling the magazine on a regular basis
When The Big Issue hit the streets of South
Africa on December 1996, the first copy was sold to the Minister of
Social Welfare and Population Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi. It is a monthly
publication selling 15,000 copies every edition.
Requirements: You should preferably have a Journalism degree. However, if you're
in your last year of study or you have a fair amount of journalism
experience, we will submit your application and you may be
accepted.
"The Big Issue is a really fun and
interesting place to work. The editor and designer are really helpful
and teach you a lot about the industry. Working for the Big Issue
requires much imitative in order to identify potential stories and make
contacts, but it is also very varied and interesting. Working for them
opens many doors and everyone from high level politicians and officials
to people on the street will speak to you because you work for the
company, which makes it easy to do research for your articles, and makes
the job really interesting. The Big Issue is very relaxed atmosphere to
work in. The editor is happy for you to do your own thing and be
creative and because the magazine is so varied he is usually interested
in any story ideas you pitch, and if the idea doesn't tie in with the
magazine's focus he will tell you how you can change it slightly so that
it is more relevant to the readers."
Adam Edwards
Read an
article
written by Travellers volunteer Jennie Hopkinson (pictured at the top of
this page) and published in the Big Issue
Travellers volunteer Adam Edwards at work
at the Big Issue
ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING IN CAPE TOWN
FOR THE BIG ISSUE
Nestled under the mountain near the
city, is the trendy and arty suburb of Observatory, the student Mecca of Cape
Town. We have chosen this location as an accommodation base and make use of 33
South Backpackers Lodge, where you will be staying. It’s distance from the
projects, safety conscious attitude and very friendly staff make this the ideal
home away from home.
33South is not just a backpacker’s lodge, it’s an experience! With secure
access, 24hr managers on duty, they uphold a very high safety and security
standard. The night manager is also a lovely welcome ‘home’ after a night out...
and bakes fresh muffins for your breakfast!
The staff are very friendly and will always help you where needed. They can
answer any questions and can even help when you need some TLC because you feel a
bit homesick!
33South has differently themed rooms from the township vibe to old Victorian and
even a ‘harbour’ room complete with seagulls and fishing motifs. Hotel-quality
bedding is provided and towels are available on request. The rooms are serviced
once a week and lined/bedding is changed.
The back of the house has a beautiful palm-tree covered terrace, where you can
soak up the sunshine and enjoy a real South African “BRAAI” (BBQ). There is even
a private bar, chill-out room where live musicians play on Friday nights!
The lodge is also situated in the heart of Observatory and a short stroll away
from a large supermarket, internet café, pharmacy and Laundromat. The perfect
home away from home.
Food: A healthy self-serve breakfast of cereals, toast and tea/coffee is
included every morning, and you will be given a food allowance to buy your own
food for lunch/dinner. The lodge is also equipped with a self-catering kitchen,
with all the necessities to cook a good meal.
PLEASE
NOTE: The World Cup kicks off in June 2010 in
Cape Town and accommodation surcharges WILL apply during this period. We can
advise you on the extra cost closer to the time.
ADDITIONAL
ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from
Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale
Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a
brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world),
and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS
Project: This is
an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded
by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third
favourite city - Cape Town.
What more could anyone want?
PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg
Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you
to do solo paragliding around the world.
TRAVEL:
You'll fly into Cape Town where you'll be met at the airport by one of
our staff. From the
airport you'll be taken to your work and your accommodation and introduced to your
hosts. You'd be well advised to prepare yourself
for an almost overwhelmingly friendly welcome!
You have the option to arrange your
own flights or we can assist you with your flight arrangements. If you would
like us to do this for you, we will liaise with you regarding available flights
and dates to suit you. All arrangements for your flight bookings/payments will
be fulfilled by Murray Rogers Travel Limited, ATOL No. 6856.
Where possible, we arrange for two or more people to travel on the
same flight and we will let you have the names and telephone numbers of other
volunteers on your flight, so that you can chat to each other or even meet up
before leaving for your placement.
VISAS: For many nationalities, visas are not required for a stay of 90
days or less. If you’re not sure whether you need a visa or not, please visit
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp
to see whether your country is exempt. If you do need a visa, we will assist you
and help make the visa process as easy as possible.
Where possible, all flights we arrange for you have changeable return tickets because many of our
volunteers choose to extend their stay once they are in their destination
country.
Changeable return tickets enable you to do so, within the limits of your visa
and the level of your air ticket,
of course. If you choose to book your own flights, you should endeavour to get
a changeable ticket.
To read about the excellentSupport
& Backup we provide before you leave and during
your programme,
please click here.
We can also arrange your flight
dates
to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and sightseeing - this is a
fascinating and wondrous country!
Suite 2A, Caravelle House, 17/19 Goring
Road, Worthing,
West Sussex, BN12 4AP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1903 502595 Fax: +44 (0)1903 708179
Email:
info@travellersworldwide.com
.
