I remember my first year of varsity, my lecturer would tell my classmates and I how important twitter is and how having a big following is good for us since we’re journalism students. To be honest at that point I never understood why it was so important however after doing this assignment and preparing for in-service training and realising that soon enough we will no longer be journalism students instead we’re going to be actually journalist and twitter is the in thing in journalism.
What stood out the most for me the most was the fact that twitter allowed people to engage with each other and also keep people informed with what’s happening around the world e.g. fashion, celebrities, politics and that’s what every journalist needs to have; a tool that can keep you informed I order for you to write stories. At first it was quite hard to grow my twitter followers but what I realised was that it wasn’t because twitter was for certain individuals but because I hardly ever gave twitter a chance. I didn’t check to see what’s trending, write or comment about anything.
I was able to grow my twitter following by being active on twitter on a daily basis checking my notifications as well as what’s trending. I would retweet or give my opinion on what is being said about a specific topic and I saw that people were starting to follow me and more importantly engage with me either by liking my post, retweeting or commenting or even speaking to me on the dm. As Brent Barnhart says ‘’twitter followings don’t just happen by accident, but by planning your content and engaging with fellow followers’’, which is so true because twitter is about engagement and that’s what helps you gain a twitter following.
In January AUX Studio released TapOff, a free mobile app that provides Capetonians with a real-time updates on the city’s water consumption but inspires them to make positive changes that will have a lasting impact
TapOff app was built to make it easier for residence to have access to the latest and most important information but also to promote the idea of per-person-per-day usage by household. They also wanted to test a simple gamification idea to see if it would inspire people to take action and share ideas.
“Information alone doesn’t drive behavioural change,” says Trevor Swart of AUX. “The key is to summarise and frame it in a way that’s meaningful for the individual.” Besides displaying the city’s overall consumption for the week, TapOff enables residents to log their own water usage and compare it with the maximum amount prescribed by city authorities. In this way, individuals see how their efforts can make a real difference to a community-wide issue. Even though there has been a slight improvement with the water crisis and the dams in the Western Cape people are still using a lot of water.
Where can you get the app?
The app has been featured on Memeburn.com and has also been highlighted in both the Google PlayStore and the AppStore as a top app in the Free Education category last week. AUX is currently looking for more partners and sponsors so that they can offer real rewards to water savers and engage hundreds of thousands of residents.
AUX has also produced a public API that delivers Cape Town’s latest statistics This has opened up opportunities to drive awareness beyond the mobile app. “In partnership with Tractor Outdoor, we’ve created digital billboards to make a clear emotional connection with the viewer about Cape Town’s overall water consumption, putting the city’s progress quite literally front and centre. It’s also a friendly reminder to keep up water-saving efforts – whether you’ve downloaded TapOff or not.”
AUX is a product design studio based in Cape Town. They work with established business and start-ups providing naming, identity design, ux design and rapid-prototyping
9 April 2018 – A major international win for the fast-growing AI platform, the leading law firm in South Africa, Webber Wentzel has adopted Luminance’s artificial intelligence technology enhances due diligence for M&A transactions
Webber Wentzel, has adopted Luminance’s artificial intelligence technology to enhance its due diligence processes for M&A transactions. source: https://www.thelawyer.com/issues/online-august-2016-2/slaughters-pilots-ai-software-former-autonomy-founder-2/
The firm, which recently dominated the 17th Annual Dealmakers Awards, winning M&A, Africa as well as BEE Legal Adviser of the Year 2017 by deal value, chose to deploy Luminance due to its ability to effortlessly aid the work of its legal teams.
Webber Wentzel particularly values the platform’s built-in collaboration tools which will allow its lawyers to quickly group and assign documents, track live progress, as well as significantly reduce the amount of time spent organising workflow.
“Webber Wentzel has been using a number of innovative technology solutions to continuously improve efficiencies and add value when we deliver our legal services to our clients. Machine learning technology is the next step in our journey, focusing on enhancing the management and review of increasingly large volumes of documents,” says Celia Pienaar.
Emily Foges says, “Webber Wentzel understands the importance of innovation in the legal sector, and we are thrilled to welcome them as the first South African law firm to adopt our language agnostic technology,” The CEO of Luminance explains that Luminance provides legal teams with an instant, unparalleled insight into the data room, and we’re delighted that our platform will assist Webber Wentzel’s lawyers on many of South Africa’s largest and most complex transactions.
The Legal Project Manager who oversees alternative resourcing at Webber Wentzel’s Legal Services Centre. “Luminance’s advanced machine learning streamlines due diligence and similar high volume processes. Its unique Visualise dashboard provides an immediate, holistic understanding of the data room content. We’re very excited to deploy Luminance across the firm and work with our clients to further enhance the top-tier service they have come to expect of our brand.”
“Our investment in Luminance comes at a time when Webber Wentzel is celebrating 150 years in business. This investment is just another example of the constant innovation that has been at the heart of the firm’s success,” says Sally Hutton, Managing Partner at Webber Wentzel.
In the field of journalism there comes a time where you need to use an anonymous source, times when you have to cover a big story maybe in politics, crime or whatever investigative piece you’re working on. An anonymous source is an individual who gives you information regarding a certain issue or topic; however a question that remains is whether or not journalist should use anonymous sources.
In an article John Daniszwski wrote he says no one would want to read an article that had unnamed and unaccountable sources as it would look bad for the publications as they would be seen as unreliable which he had a good point. However there comes a time and place where a journalist has no choice but to use an unnamed source.’’ In a perfect world all information would be attributed to named, on-the-record sources that would be held accountable for the accuracy of their information”. However at times there may be a need for a journalist to use information from anonymous sources in order for them to cover an important story that could most probably be in the public’s interest.
The main reason as to why unidentified sources are mainly used is to bring light to information that might have stayed in the dark because someone didn’t want to give up the information because they are afraid of what could happen to them or their loved ones if the story came out. So when we look at the purpose of unidentified sources we need to look at the bigger picture as to why there is a need for unidentified sources.
However as a journalist you need to ensure that you are sure about the information you about to use especially when it is an anonymous source, because we need to be aware that anonymous sources can give journalist the wrong information just because they have their own hidden agenda and it could be that they have fabricated the whole thing or that they have changed the story or changed the information in order to benefit them. Therefore you need to be sure of your facts as a journalist as well as having as much background information on the story you’re covering and of the anonymous source.
There are rules and regulations that journalist need to follow, according to the Codes and ethics for South Africa print and online media, news should be obtained legally, honestly and fairly and should be in the best interest of the public. It does not say that it is wrong to use anonymous sources nor does it say that sources names should be revealed when the informant does not seem comfortable with that.
There are different media-ethical frameworks that journalist use as a form of principle, a journalist with the deontological framework would use an anonymous source if he/she believes it is in the best interest of the public and believed that it is the right thing to do. With this being said journalist also need to be wary of the fact that you cant always trust an anonymous source and that even though you may think its in the best interest of society you also need to evaluate the outcomes and do a thorough investigation as to whether or not you can trust an unidentified source
In 2007 a media house was found in violation of the press code after publishing a story which he was given by an anonymous source. According to the source he heard a conversation between former presidency general Frank Chikane and former public enterprises minister Alec Erwin during the ANC’s elective conference that the former president of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki was reportedly asked to take himself out of the running for the ANC presidency in the face of open hostility by supporters of Jacob Zuma who was eventually elected.
After this story came out Chikane complained that he had not discussed such a meeting with Erwin while the two were reported to be sitting together at the lunch during the conference. It was then found out that the journalist did not try to get in contact with Erwin in order for him to get a comment about this. The ombudsman then said that no one who went to the meeting that Sunday was contacted and the journalist didn’t get a quote to back his sources information therefore there is no proof that it is true.
This is a clear example that as a journalist you should always check your facts and get a comment from the person who is being mentioned before publishing a story, especially if the information that you have recieved is from an anonymous source because its hard to tell whether or not the person is telling the truth. In order for you to be on the safe side you need to ensure that you have done your research thoroughly before publishing.
Cape Town has always been known for its beautiful blue beaches, glorious mountain, beautiful summers but what people don’t know is that behind all this glitz and glamour are people who don’t have anything. People who don’t have the luxury of going to expensive restaurants like The Vue Sky Bar lounge and being able to eat whatever their hearts desire be it healthy food or just having a gourmet burger. In Cape Town there is a huge stretch between the rich and the poor and even though we have come to accept this difference it is hard to except it when it affects peoples basic needs such a having a decent meal three times a day.
Children having to eat from feeding schemes at school because of food challenges at home
For years families have been going to bed on an empty stomach not knowing whether or not they will have anything to bring to the table the following day. Children are going to school on an empty stomach and fainting during lessons. The outcry of poverty and food challenges is a problem and needs to be dealt with and needs people to work together
According to Glen Ashton’s article around food security, 10 to 40% of South Africans nationally and rising to 9-10 in some areas are unwelcomed daily with the misfortune of hunger and the government is aware of the rise of poverty and food challenges nationally but yet nothing has been done about it. However as a society and journalist it’s our duty to help those in need and to work hard into ensuring that the private sector as well as other business and government work together in this crisis.
Restaurants and hotels should also help in this initiative of feeding the poor; many hotels and restaurant throw away food that hasn’t been eaten instead of packing it up and feeding those who need a decent meal. That one plate can go a long way and what we should come to realize is that if you’re able to go home and have a home cooked meal everyday then you are blessed and now it is time for us to help those in need.
Philippi residence produce organic veggies to sell to upmarket restaurants in Cape Town
There has been a new initiative in Oranjezicht Cape Town which is a food system initiative ‘’ which is designed to create opportunities for healthy eating and a healthy source of income in Cape Town’’. Although this a wonderful initiative I fully believe that this initiate should also stretch to the townships e.g. Philippi as that’s where poverty lies. This initiative won’t work to its full potential because more people wouldn’t know where to start in Oranjezicht. I’m not saying it a bad initiative however I’m saying it needs to expand to places where it is needed the most.
The iconic writer of the book called Bad Blood, Mr. Will Sorr .Is known for his impeccable writing skills as he is an award-winning journalist and novelist. His writing has appeared on numerous newspapers and publications such as The Guardian or The Sunday Times Magazine, just to name a few. Mr. Sorr has accomplished a lot, he has written quite a few books such as Bad Blood, which is the reason for this piece. Besides his writing Will Sorr has a couple of awards up his sleeve that he has received over the years such as; New journalist of the year ,Feature writer of the year and a National press club award which is just naming a few. Will Sorr has made his mark as a journalist and as a writer.
Bad Blood was written a few years ago based on a lethal poison. This story took place in London, where three Russians went to a bar and had some drinks; little did one of the men know that he was being poisoned. After going to the hospital no one believed him at first that he was poisoned and when the doctors finally picked it up, it was too late for him.
Bad Blood was a good read however there were a few aspects that could have been improved around this story. The story had an element of uniqueness however it lacked an appeal that could take a reader and see it through their eyes while reading this story. The story was very straight forward and plain as it didn’t have grip on a reader. While I was reader this story there were times when I was gripped but slowly lost focus again which can be irritating for a reader because as a reader you wish to get lost in a story and stay intrigued till the very end.
This story had an impacted but not the impact that it could’ve, in order for it to have touched a variety of different people regardless of where they are and who they are but other than that it was a great read.
I started studying journalism a year ago and I must say it is nothing compared to what I had imagined, I mainly thought I would be taught how to write stories for print and online media but never did I imagine or think about blogging.
For me blogging seems like what old housewives do in their spare time, where they would have blog post what the ‘’latest dessert is for Christmas’’ would be, I hardly thought a journalism student would need to start blogging and I must says at first I wasn’t so keen on doing this.
However after writing my 1st blog post I realized why blogging was and is so important, its important because it give you experience that you would need once you’re working in the field. It makes it easier for you to break out of your shell and let other people read what you have to say and I have always been the girl who was to shy to let anyone read my work but after a few tries it slowly became easier as I have a space where I can practice my writing so that once I start working I know what not to do and what to do.
As a journalism student blogging is essential as it gives you the opportunity to write about things that you want to write about and it encourages young writers to break out of their shells and to make a name for yourself so that when you finally go look for employment, you know that your work is already out there for them to see.
This is a video clip that is introducing who i am and what my aim is for my blog.
Cape Town is known as one of the beautiful cities in South Africa, with the gorgeous Table Mountain in the background and the fact that Cape Town’s Table Mountain has been one of the 7 Wonders of Nature so it’s a known factor that Cape Town is the best place to go on a vacation on, or maybe I am just biased because it is my home town.
Even though Cape Town is mainly known because of Table Mountain, Robben Island and the beautiful beaches there are a few places that have been forgotten like Roeland Street, i’m sure for most people visiting Cape Town one barely ever sees Roeland street. Roeland Street is a lovely place to go and see, with its relaxed restaurants. However if you want a place to relax and breath in the beautiful air Roeland is where its at. Roeland Street is situated in the eastern side where you will also find Parliament near St Johns and Plein street connect.
‘’ I have been working in Roeland for quite some time now and you always see something new, sometimes its busy and the roads are filled with cars going to parliament and other times its nice and quite. For me Roeland has become my second home and I have seen a lot here and I must say I enjoy being a part of this place. The people are always smiling and are very helpful. Roeland for me is the heart of Cape Town even though isn’t the only place in Cape Town but for me it gives me the pleasure of being myself’’
Roeland streets has been around for quite some time now and there is a lot of history behind this street. As I mentioned before Roeland is a very relax where you can have your fresh coffee in the morning and be a part of the bliss that comes with Cape Town. In Roeland when passing the Cape Peninsula University of Technology there is a coffee shop called Vida Café, it has a seating arrangement that allows you to take in the view of Cape Town from different angles while sipping on your coffee and cake, I must say when you go there please try out their red velvet cake it is absolutely amazing and who doesn’t love cake!
‘’Roeland Street is a nice place to come and relax at. I love coming to Vida Café in the morning after buying a few things at fruit and veg mainly because they have the best coffees and well as cold drinks. Not to mention there cakes, im a cake lover so I love coming here and spoiling myself once in a while and that’s what I feel Roeland Street is, it’s a treat to be here, away from the noise of Cape Town and just sitting s relaxing with a cup of tea and I think everybody needs that’’ says a customer
Vida e Cafe – image by Google
As I have mentioned before Roeland street is filled with different things to see and observe and it is great for travelers, to see the bits of Cape Town that aren’t shown on a day to day bases and that’s what travelling is about to go on adventures and just breath in the different cultures and who whole different place.
Vida Cafe is open weekly so after your tour please go check it out, i’m sure you won’t forget your experience as well as your experience in Roeland Street. While you’re in Roeland I would suggest going to the Western Cape Archives and Record Services and have a read as they collect and manage records that form part of our heritage in South Africa, so that you can go away with a bit more of South Africa if youre not from South Africa and just gain some insight.
As mentioned Roeland Streets is a great place to be in once in a while, to let go and breath so take moment and visit Roeland and see and experience for yourself the feeling you get in Roeland. Take a walk and observe and see what Roeland has to offer you, whether its nice coffee and cake or the knowledge of this beautiful country and its cultures. Take it in and take a bit of Roeland with you.
When I first read up on data journalism I was quite surprised and a tad bit annoyed. I mean I was always the person who hated mathematics in high school and I was most certain I had chosen a profession which didn’t deal with maths and solving equations . Then I heard the words ‘data journalism’, the word ‘data’ began ringing in my head triggering a siren of panic. At that very moment I felt the tingling sensation of fear running down my back… I hate NUMBERS!!
I thought i was done with maths.
I’ve never been good with math’s and hearing about data journalism makes me want to run for the hills. However data journalism isn’t like finding or solving the X in math’s class, data journalism is a collection of numbers mostly gathered in a spreadsheet that helps you write a story. At first it sounded quite weird to have numbers (data) and journalism in one sentence but everything has evolved and with digital tools and evolving technology everything is possible. I mean who would have thought citizen journalism would be a thing or even robo-journalism but in this fast paced world we live in everything is possible. Even though I dislike the thought of ‘’math’s/numbers’’ being a part of journalism and the fact that journalism as a whole is changing too, I use to always think that journalism was having journalist going off and find stories and then write a compelling story with the 5w’s and an H, boy was I wrong. I don’t think data journalism is what scares me or makes me uncomfortable, what makes me uncomfortable is the fact that technology is changing everything we have come to love but I guess change can also be a good thing.
After reading up on data journalism and realizing that data journalism isn’t as bad as I would have imagined it being and finally also realizing that as a aspiring journalist I want to do my best and give my readers the best and most compelling stories and with that in mind i have to get my head that change is good and that change being data journalism and it is possible to be a good journalist instead of just a reporter because if you put together your human instincts and your knack of getting a story and combine it with digital information it is possible to get write a good complex story and be a good journalist.
”Data can be the source of data journalism, or it can be the tool with which the story is told — or it can be both. Like any source, it should be treated with skepticism; and like any tool, we should be conscious of how it can shape and restrict the stories that are created with it.”
As a journalist or aspiring journalist you’re not just in competition with your classmates your in competition with technology as well and it would be in your best interest to understand and use technology to your advantage.
Data journalism is the way and you better jump and use it to your advantage.
Lianda D Blog 