Journalism in a time of great instability
- Wits University
African investigative journalists gather to empower change through knowledge exchange and tech innovation.
Hundreds of journalists, media professionals, academics, and publishers attended the annual African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) held at Wits University from 20 – 22 November 2023.
In its 19th year, the three-day conference held at the Wits Science Stadium is a gateway for journalists to engage with the most prominent experts in investigative journalism to gain insight into the industry so that it can equip them with the latest tools and techniques to refine their skills.
Packed with over 140 speakers and 80 sessions, the major themes for this year were Artificial Intelligence, Health, Data Journalism, Keeping Journalists Safe; and the Future and Sustainability of Investigative Reporting. Lectures covered, among others, how to use AI; how to unlock WhatsApp’s potential for journalists; how to find African climate data for reporting; how to cover LGBTQIA+ justice; and how to work with whistle-blowers.
This is also the last conference to be headed by its founder, Anton Harber, Caxton Professor of Journalism (Adjunct) at Wits University. Beauregard Tromp is taking over as convener for the AIJC in 2024. Tromp is a veteran investigative journalist and editor who is excited to take the AIJC into the next few decades.
“We have already started talking about what else we can bring to the conference, because it should be a necessity, and not a nice have to attend the conference. There is an urgency for journalism,” says Tromp.