The Communication Students Association (Comsa) has set their bar high yet again. With celebrating 20 years of existence Comsa hosted its first annual three day workshop from 24-26 April 2013 at building 9, Sunnyside Campus. The workshop is held annually where students get the opportunity to engage and get exposure to the working industry.
The first day of the workshop had Radio and TV broadcasting gurus engaging in dialogue with first-third year students studying Public Relations and Communication Science students. “We had people addressing us from the SABC and as students we got a platform to ask questions that we generally don’t know who to ask. The workshop was very informative because as a student some of us are working and we don’t get a chance to attend workshops such as these, I think it was very educational,” said one of the students.
Alwyn Kloppers from SABC Tshwane Provincial General Manager gave a talk on the Role and position of SABC in society. He spoke about how the role and the position of SABC is seen today and what makes it what it is today as a public broadcaster. “There are a number of things that determine the broadcaster, there are guiding principles we need to adhere to, editorial policies as well the SABC audience that we need to cater for,” he said.
COMSA 2013 Executive Members
The students were informed of the SABC objectives and the services it renders to the public. “SABC makes services available in South Africa, acquires broadcasting licenses subject to regulations, it is responsive to audience needs. The output of SABC is to mingle with the society and reach out to the society,” said Kloppers.
Tumelo Mathobela, Comsa’s Head of Print, was interviewed on Unisa Radio, “The whole aim of the workshop is to try to put the message out there, students should come and learn,” he said.
Dimpho Mabula a newsreader and presenter from Tshwane fm presented during the second day of the workshop which focused on Journalism and Public Relations. “I presented how I edit my news; source my news and news reading in general. The students were interactive, interested and actually shocked to find out what goes behind sourcing news,” she expressed.
Alpheus Vina Maphosa the Corporate Communications Manager for Kaizer Chiefs was also present and shared inspirational words to aspiring Public relations and Communication Science student attendees. “Whatever you do, whatever you speak, your conduct will determine your future and where you will end up one day,” he advised.
Students can join Comsa Facebook by liking their page. Comsa has also introduced their new blog where they publish articles that are relevant to Communication Science and Public Relations students.
By Busi Mabaso
