Wits Journalism School and China Empower South African Media Through AI and Podcasting Workshop
The Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ), in collaboration with the Africa-China Reporting Project, successfully concluded the two-day Digital Media & Technology in Africa Workshop today. Held at Wits University in Johannesburg, the workshop focused on equipping independent media practitioners with skills in artificial intelligence (AI) integration and podcasting – two rapidly growing sectors in the digital media landscape.
The event brought together esteemed speakers and industry professionals to discuss AI’s role in media, the future of podcasting, and the tools available to enhance digital storytelling. While the first day featured a full workshop that included off-site attendees through online participation via Microsoft Teams, today’s sessions focused on hands-on practical tasks, allowing attendees to apply their newfound skills in a studio setting.
The workshop addressed critical questions about AI’s relevance in African media and its implications for independent and community-based media houses. CEO and co-founder of Vambo AI, Chido Dzinotyiwei, led an insightful session on how AI can be applied to enhance media production, from automated content generation to audience engagement.
Another key session, led by Christopher Mcinga from the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), delved into AI’s role in journalism, discussing both its opportunities and ethical challenges. The discussion highlighted initiatives such as the SANEF Digitisation Drive, which supports community media in adopting AI-driven tools.
Podcasting was another central theme, with experienced podcasters Vuyo Lutseke and Naomi Grewan from Radio Workshop offering seven key strategies to elevate podcast production. Charles Leonard, podcast editor at the Casual Workers Advice Office, discussed research and scripting techniques, while Paul McNally, AI Advisor at International Media Support (IMS), explored AI-powered podcasting tools such as Descript, Otter.ai, and Adobe Podcast.
Today’s sessions shifted from theory to practical application. Under the guidance of Kristen Bernstein from Wits’ VOW FM, participants received hands-on training in podcast studio equipment, recording techniques, and security tools essential for professional podcast production. Attendees then split into groups to create and record their own podcast segments, which were later played back for critique and discussion.
The workshop underscored China’s ongoing support for African media development, reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the sector. The event not only empowered journalists with technical skills but also highlighted how AI and podcasting can be leveraged to enhance storytelling and engagement within local media landscapes.
With the rise of AI and podcasting in digital media, the workshop provided participants with essential skills to navigate and thrive in this evolving space. As AI continues to shape content creation and distribution, initiatives like this ensure that African media professionals remain at the forefront of digital transformation.