Wits Journalism’s Jamlab will be hosting the inaugural Jamfest, an African media and information festival directed at a diverse set of African media makers and media publics.
This inaugural festival will be hosted virtually from 13 – 17 September 2021, showcasing new content styles and approaches, new audiences and great innovations in the delivery on media content, said Tshepo Tshabalala, the convener.
University of the Witwatersrand vice-chancellor, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, will deliver the opening address.
Held under the “DIY Africa” theme, the festival is directed at a diverse set of African media makers and media publics, said Tshabalala, adding that its sessions would be in English, with French interpretations. “The festival presents an opportunity for media makers and media practitioners to gain an overview of some of the innovations and changes taking place within newsrooms across Africa,” added Tshabalala.
The five-day event will hear from more than 50 speakers from across the continent and abroad, spread over 39 sessions that will include panel discussions, workshops, masterclasses and fireside chats.
“Our #DIYAfrica opening plenary is a recognition of Africa, and what we are capable of. It is an invitation to gather, join heads, share and learn together as Africa’s leading civic tech and media innovators. It’s an exciting session to reflect on “fixing” all the difficulties that surround us and our communities,” the festival organisers said.
“During this session, we want to engage with media practitioners and innovators in journalism, discuss media viability experiences from an East African perspective and provide pathways that would lead to practical and innovative solutions to the increasing challenge of providing highquality journalism in a financially sustainable way,” they added.
Jamfest is hosted in partnership with the Civic Tech Innovation Forum (CTIF), an annual conference that brings together Africa’s civic tech community, both governmental and non-governmental.
To register and view a full list of all confirmed speakers and other exciting sessions, visit jamlab.africa/jamfest .