MIDDELBURG – A gathering that has become a staple in community journalism, the Forum of Community Journalists’ (FCJ) No Guts, No Glory, No Story Seminar returns to the Olifants River Lodge in September.
What began in 1994 as a modest workshop at the Botshabelo Mission Station outside Middelburg has grown into a nationally recognised platform for reflection, skill-sharing and discussion among some of the country’s top community journalists.
Marietta Lombard, Lebogang Selibi, Tobie van den Bergh, Yolanda van der Stoep, Irma Green, Rianette Cluley and Fanie Groenewald. Photo: Wayne van der Walt/FCJ Archives
The growth of this seminar, along with other recent regional FCJ seminars, has been sponsored and supported by Avbob, whose commitment to community media has helped sustain the FCJ’s work over the last few years.
The origin of “No Guts, No Glory, No Story”
According to Tobie van den Bergh, former FCJ director for Mpumalanga and Limpopo, the second seminar took place at Witbank Correctional Services, where Frans Aucamp, the first chairman of the FCJ, spoke passionately about investigative journalism.
He emphasised that without courage, journalists cannot uncover the story, and without the story, there is no glory. Inspired by this message, the seminar became known as the No Guts seminar and has since been held nationwide under the banner No Guts, No Glory, No Story.
A legacy through the lens
This year’s seminar will open with veteran photojournalist Wessel Oosthuizen, who will share highlights from his six decades behind the camera. His talk will set the tone for a seminar focused not just on technical skills, but on legacy and the evolving role of media in society.
Veteran newspaper photographer, and former photographer and Picture Editor at The Citizen, Wessel Oosthuizen poses for a photograph with his latest book “Newspaperman: My life in printer’s ink and newsprint”, 11 May 2023, at The Citizen in Johannesburg. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
The evening closes with a braai on the banks of the Olifants River.
Facing the future of the press
Friday morning welcomes Phathiswa Magopeni, recently appointed executive director of the Press Council of South Africa. She will outline her priorities for the press in a rapidly shifting landscape.
Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa, Phathiswa Magopeni. Photo: supplied.
Her predecessor, Latiefa Mobara, will reflect on the challenges of ethical leadership and institutional continuity in the media sector.
Former Executive Director of the Press Council, Latiefa Mobara. Photo: Supplied
Capturing the moment: A masterclass on light and emotion
A masterclass by acclaimed photographer Johan Orton will follow, titled Chasing the Light, a creative session set to focus on lighting and facial expression in sports journalism.
Acclaimed sports photographer, Johan Orton. Photo: Supplied.
Holding power to account
In one of the most anticipated sessions, Advocate Gerrie Nel, head of AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, will address the systemic failures of South Africa’s criminal justice system and the unique role of the community press in fostering accountability.
The renowned advocate, Gerrie Nel. Photo: Mirelle Jacobs_Caxton Local Media
Looking ahead to 2026
The seminar will conclude with former municipal mayor Mike Masina offering a political overview of the road to the 2026 local government elections, a timely topic for reporters covering governance at the grassroots level.
Mike Masina will be one of the guest speakers at the No Guts No Glory seminar. Photo: supplied.
While past seminars have taken attendees to places like Kruisrivier, Graceland, Forever Loskopdam, Forever Warmbad, Carousel and Sondela, the true value of this event has always been in the stories, skills and courage it ignites among those who attend. And this year promises to be no different.