Next weekend, 7-8 September, Rhodes University will again host the Highway Africa Conference – the largest annual gathering of African journalists in the world – in order to critically reflect on journalism, media and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Next weekend, 7-8 September, Rhodes University will again host the Highway Africa Conference – the largest annual gathering of African journalists in the world – in order to critically reflect on journalism, media and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The 18th annual Highway Africa Conference will attract over 400 delegates from 36 countries around the world. It is hosted by the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies, in partnership with The African Editors Forum (TAEF) and the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF), and This edition of the annual Highway Africa Conference is themed “Social Media – From the Margins to the Mainstream”.
“This year we have decided to look at the phenomenon of social media,” said Highway Africa Director Chris Kabwato.
“Since Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and more have become part of our everyday life, we thought it is important to step back and ask ourselves how these tools and platforms are changing how we relate to the world around us.”
This year promises two fascinating keynote speakers.
Dan Gillmor – a digital media literacy lecturer from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication – will discuss how the internet has positively transformed society.
Yemi Adamolekun – Executive Director of 'Enough is Enough Nigeria' – will discuss her observations of how social media campaigns have contributed (or failed) to instil a culture of public accountability in Nigeria, with reference to the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
The #BringBackOurGirls campaign sought to express disgust over the abduction in April of almost 300 school girls by the militant Islamic group Boko Haram in north-eastern Nigeria.
The abductions resulted in widespread shock and condemnation around the world, but so far, the Nigerian state (with help from Western intelligence services), has failed to secure the girls' release.
For the first time, Highway Africa will hold a ceremony to honour eight people who have contributed to making the conference one of the continent’s premier journalism gatherings.
This will take place at the Telkom-Highway Africa Gala Dinner on 8 September.
The conference promises to be an occasion for reflection on the role that technology is playing in shaping journalism and the media in society.
The format includes a mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions, training workshops, book launches as well as networking dinners.
