The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service visited the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng on 25 February 2020 as part of the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award roadshow trip across South Africa.
The aim of the roadshow is to introduce budding journalists to the work of Komla Dumor, and to inspire them to strive towards applying for this significant award one day.
The BBC World Service delegation included former BBC news editor and South Asia Burra chief, Milton Nkosi, BBC head of partnerships and Komlar Dumor director, Emily Kasrielo, and investigative journalist and 2019 Komlar Dumor award winner Solomon Serwanjja – all the way from Kampala, Uganda.
During the roadshow the delegation spoke to communication students and shared tips on investigative, solution and data journalism.
Mr Nkosi also explained that the BBC is looking for a rising star of African journalism to apply for the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award, now in its sixth year.
“Journalists from across Africa are invited to apply for the award, which aims to uncover and promote fresh talent from the continent,” he said. “The winner will spend three months at the BBC headquarters in London, developing skills and gaining experience.”
Dr Aaron Tshidzumba, deputy dean for community engagement and stakeholder relations in the Faculty of Humanities, says the NWU is honoured to have been considered to be part of the BBC Komlar Dumor roadshow.
The BBC delegation will also visit other South African universities, including the University of Cape Town, the University of Pretoria and the University of Johannesburg.
Who was Komla Dumor?
Komla Afeke Dumor was an exceptional Ghanaian journalist that worked for BBC World News, and was the main presenter of its programme Focus on Africa.
Komla, who passed away suddenly in 2014 at the age of 41, was the face and the voice of Africa, and his passion was to tell African stories to the world with honesty and integrity.
More about the award
The BBC is striving to continue Komla Dumor’s legacy, and therefore established this award in his honour.
This award will be made to an outstanding individual living and working in Africa, who combines strong journalism skills, on-air flair, and an exceptional talent in telling African stories with the ambition and potential to become a star of the future.
The winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime training and development opportunity with the BBC in London. Working with teams from across BBC News, the winner will also produce an African story for the BBC and have their story and their voice shared across the continent and the world.
Applications for the award close on 16 March 2020 at 23:59 GMT.
Addressing NWU communication students are Emily Kasrielo, BBC head of partnerships and Komlar Dumor director, Milton Nkosi, former BBC news editor and South Asia Burra chief, and Solomon Serwanjja, investigative journalist and 2019 Komla Dumor award winner.
