The 2024 Faith in Focus Media Fellowship, hosted by New Heaven and New Earth Church in collaboration with media outlets such as Zibonele FM, OnePulse Africa, The Maravi Post, Established Africa, and organisations like the CRL Rights Commission, was a transformative two-day event held on 2-3 November 2024 across Southern Africa.
Journalists, writers, and media professionals from Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal (Durban and Pietermaritzburg), Gqeberha, Cape Town, Namibia, and Zimbabwe gathered for regionally hosted fellowships. While each location welcomed its own distinguished speakers and guests, the core theme of promoting ethical reporting in religious journalism remained consistent across the board.
In Harare, Zimbabwe, the fellowship kicked off with keynote speaker Everson Mushava, Chief Reporter for The Standard and Group News Editor at Alpha Media Holdings. Drawing on his wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Mushava stressed the delicate balance between storytelling and factual integrity. “Negative news attracts attention,” he said, “but as journalists, we must be ethically responsible to ensure we are not causing harm to the individuals behind the stories.” His address set the tone for the entire event, emphasising how religious journalism can shape public perception and counter societal prejudice.
In Cape Town, the fellowship featured Gerda Potgieter, founder of Devoted magazine, alongside radio hosts from Zibonele FM. They underscored the significant influence of journalism as a “superpower,” which must be wielded responsibly. Participants, much like those in other regions, reflected on the power of the media to shape cultural narratives, reinforcing the vital principle that “with great power comes great responsibility.”
The fellowship also welcomed media professionals, academics, and legal experts who engaged in thought-provoking discussions on how religious journalism can foster inclusivity and promote unity in a diverse society. These conversations echoed throughout the event, reinforcing the shared commitment to ethical reporting.
A highlight of the fellowship was the immersive experience of attending New Heaven and New Earth Church’s annual graduation ceremony, where over 111,000 graduates celebrated their achievements. The grand event served as a powerful demonstration of how the fellowship’s themes of community, dedication, and impact translate into real-world action.
As the fellowship came to a close, participants were awarded certificates of participation, symbolising their commitment to ethical journalism. The warm, welcoming atmosphere across all regions created an environment for meaningful connections, leaving everyone eager for next year’s event.
