• Collecting, reporting and commenting on news and current affairs for publication in newspapers and periodicals, or for broadcasting by radio or television.



• Verifying facts through interviews, observation and research.



• Evaluating and following leads or tips and developing them into a story idea.



• Meeting new people every day and travelling extensively.



• Writing editorials and selecting, revising, arranging and editing articles and other materials for publication in newspapers and periodicals.

Requirements

Secondary Education
A HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required to be admitted to South African universities. A HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is needed for enrolment at a South Africantechnikon. UNAM requires a HIGCSE or IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in five subjects and a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale.

Compulsory subjects
Good marks in languages (South Africa)

Recommended subject
History (South Africa)

Tertiary Education
Various universities in South Africa offer a degree in Communication Science, however, only a small part of it is directed towards journalism as a career. Students may obtain an Honours or Masters degree if holding an approved B. degree from the Universities of Rhodes and Stellenbosch.

UNAM offers a B. A. (Media Studies) degree, with Journalism as one component of the course. The course also includes internship and field attachment from the second year of studies.

Some technikons in South Africa offer a N. Dip.: Journalism, while Peninsula Technikon offers the B. Tech.: Journalism. Such training is currently not offered by the Polytechnic, but from 2001, however, the Polytechnic will offer a diploma in Media Technology. For more information contact the institution directly.

Personality
The prospective candidate should have good communication skills, and possess good general knowledge. He/she should also be outgoing, sociable, inquisitive, accurate and objective. A journalist must be able to work under pressure and as a team member. A love for writing and a strong desire to pursue facts are essential qualities.

Work Opportunities
Journalists can be employed by newspaper publishers, broadcasting stations, magazines, news agencies, embassies as well as in public relations departments / organizations. They can become self-employed as freelancer, correspondent, or start their own newspaper, radio or television station. Journalists could also be commentators on specific topics.

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