By OBAKENG MAJE
16 December 2024- As they always say, if you want to become the best journalist, you need a combination of strong writing and communication skills, a deep curiosity for information, excellent research abilities, a commitment to accuracy and ethical reporting. Now, all these were found in no one other than a retired journalist, Dulile Sowaga.
The former City Press (journalist), Daily Sun (political editor and chief bureau), City Vision (editor) and Rustenburg Herald’s Bonus Supplement journalist, who is now an entrepreneur and finding his niche in the tourism industry said, he was pleased to be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 North West Media Awards (NWMA) held in Rustenburg on 6 December 2024.
“Writing has been my passion from childhood. After reading a piece by the late editor of Mail & Guardian, Ameen Akhalwaya in the New Nation newspaper on the importance of being a journalist, I was titillated.
“The media in the 80s was the mouthpiece of the oppressed masses. Playing an important role in exposing the atrocities of apartheid system, keeping the masses informed and educated about their rights, lives and issues affecting them to counter government propaganda.
“I wanted to be part of that protest journalism against the injustices of apartheid. From 1992 to 1993, I worked as a freelancer for Rustenburg Herald’s Bonus Supplement,” he said.
A former teacher (56), who dedicated his 21 years of service to the media fraternity further said, there were challenges in the newsrooms such as gatekeepers, who saw him as a threat to their positions and they became a hostile gang.
He added that other challenges were being controlled by the capitalists with large purses to spend on advertising.
“They can influence what sees the light of the day in the publications. Influential people who happen to be friends with editors can also wield their power to get stories either dropped or watered down.
“This discourages hardworking subordinate reporters and it flies against the media freedom and objectivity. Juniorisation of the newsroom is also an obstacle,” said Sowaga.
He said senior personnel get paid less and ended up being recruited by the government or corporate world. Sowaga said this will leave young and inexperienced journalists to carry the baton.
“I would like to encourage other journalists to move with the time and fast. The media industry is evolving, as print is being replaced with digital. Find creative ways to break stories, to remain relevant and ahead of the pack.
“Never sell your soul for money at the expense of truth and justice. Be prepared to make as many enemies as friends. Journalism is a thankless job with very little pay,” he said.
Sowaga said journalists should let passion and service to people drive them because no country can survive without the fearless media personnel in this corrupt world. He said he is grateful to be honoured during the 2024 North West Media Awards as many people come to the scene and leave unnoticed.
“They disappear as if they never existed. It is a sad thing to be forgotten, while alive and only be remembered when you are gone. So, as I said on acceptance of my award, it is an honour.
“It feels good to be recognised at home by your peers, while you’re alive. So, the recognition means a lot because it is not only the people whose lives you’ve changed over the years, but your peers who appreciate your little contribution,” said Sowaga.
He also highlighted the importance of education and urged the young generation to study. Sowaga, who is studying LLB Degree, has a Teachers Diploma from Phatsimang College of Education in Kimberly, Northern Cape, BA Degree in Communication and Politics (UNISA).
“I also have BA Honours in Media Studies from Wits University, Masters of Philosophy in SA Politics and Political Economy obtained from Nelson Mandela University. Education provides much-needed skills in the workplace and opens doors.
“My advice to young people is to follow careers that they are passionate about, but choose something that doesn’t make their success reliant on getting employed by someone else,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sowaga currently owned a Guesthouse called Ntate Ea Lerato in Lekgalong village along the R556 Sun City Road in Rustenburg. Ottosdal-born entrepreneur said he has registered the Dulile Sowaga Foundation in quest of helping learners coming from deprived backgrounds.
The Guardian 