The newsroom of tomorrow demands more than just a way with words, and the Forum of Community Journalists is bringing the blueprint for survival and success straight to KwaZulu-Natal.
Community journalists across the province are being called to Ballito on Thursday, 19 March 2026, for the NO GUTS NO GLORY 2026 KZN Seminar, a day of skills development, networking, and industry insight designed to future-proof newsrooms in an increasingly visual digital landscape.
The event arrives at a crucial moment for community journalism, as newsrooms navigate the seismic shift towards multimedia storytelling whilst maintaining the local focus that sets them apart from national outlets.
Held under the theme Community Journalism in a Digital Landscape, this year’s seminar zeroes in on the skills reshaping modern journalism, visual communication, multimedia production, and the art of telling compelling stories beyond the written word.
The Forum of Community Journalists has assembled an impressive speaker lineup to tackle these challenges head-on.
Dr André Gouws, FCJ Convenor of Judges and senior lecturer at Akademia, returns to the seminar with a session titled The multimedia journalist: Telling stories in a visual world. Gouws will unpack the evolving skill set demanded of today’s community journalists, who must now shoot video, capture stills, record audio, and write copy, often simultaneously.
Joining him is multiple award-winning photojournalist Wayne Thomas, whose accolades include ‘Photographer of the Year’ honours. Thomas will present Through the lens: The power of visual journalism, drawing on his extensive experience as both editor and shooter to demonstrate how compelling imagery can elevate community journalism from good to unforgettable.
The Forum of Community Journalists isn’t holding back in its invitation, this session is designed for entire newsrooms to attend together, ensuring teams return home with shared knowledge and unified strategies.
And here’s the clincher: registration is completely free.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen and empower your newsroom through informative sessions presented by expert guest speakers, whilst also networking with industry professionals,” Ronelle Ramsamy urged in the invitation to the province’s community media outlets.
Book Your Spot Now
Community journalists keen to attend should contact:
- Roelien D’Amico at roelienv@caxton.co.za
- Ronelle Ramsamy at ronelle@zob.co.za