Authentic, credible and independent
Roving Reporters is a journalism training agency that focuses on critical environmental, social and justice issues. We are driven by a passion for true life story telling that shapes the way we think about the world around us.
We offer unique and exciting opportunities for emerging writers to take part in fieldwork, commissioned assignments and investigations under expert supervision and guidance.
Like the Redford Centre, we believe that stories have the power to open minds and to protect the planet. They bring social and environmental issues to life, foster awareness and action, dwell in possibility, and offer solutions and hope.
In providing training, we subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media, and consistently strive to ensure that all our stories truthful, accurate, fair and balanced.
Environmental journalism
Our Ocean Watch series focuses on critical issues affecting the health of our oceans and promotes worthy initiatives in the marine conservation sector.
Our Thin Green Line series focuses on the loss of green infrastructure, the pollution of critical river catchments and water sources, and associated biodiversity loss – a critical concern to leading scientists, conservation managers, government agencies and environmental NGOs. We give voice to a wide range of stakeholders in seeking solutions to these problems.
Our Game Changers series, recently launched in association with the Sunday Tribune, gives voice to people who are making this world a better place for nature and for people.
Investigative Journalism
Our investigative journalism training programme was established with the support of the Taco Kuiper Trust Fund for Investigative Journalism in 2011 and provides a platform for established and emerging writers to talk part in assignments which they would otherwise not have an opportunity to work on given the dwindling resources committed to investigative journalism in the mainstream media.
Social and Justice issues
Our stories give insight into real-stuff-of-life that is often lacking in the media coverage of critical social and justice issues. In covering these issues, we promote commitment to democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights, including the fact that every citizen is entitled to equal protection by the law.
Training
Our training programme instils commitment to best journalism practice and has helped launch the careers of a growing number of young journalists, many of whom have developed impressive portfolios of published stories in working on Roving Reporters assignments.
Our training programme was initiated with the support of the Open Society Foundation of South Africa and the Durban University of Technology which part-funded the creation of this website as a platform to showcase the work of students who take part in Roving Reporters assignments.
In developing our training programme we aim to forge partnerships with leading tertiary institutions and media partners locally and internationally.
The Izze Siemann Scholarship
Inspired by Izze Siemann’s sojourn to South Africa to join Roving Reporters, and the vital contributions she has made in flying the Roving Reporters flag, we are seeking support for the establishment of a scholarship that will enable other international interns to serve internships with Roving Reporters alongside journalism graduates and emerging researchers from local tertiary institutions. For further information on this initiative, contact izze@rovingreporters.co.za
For further information about how you can support Roving Reporters contact Fred Kockott on +27 (0)83 277 8907 or email fredk@rovingreporters.co.za.
