About the IAJ

Committed to training Africa's journalists and communicators

The Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ) is a non-profit organisation based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The IAJ was established in 1992 with the goal of promoting excellence in journalism through training and skills development programmes.

The institute promotes and supports a free and independent media, the organisation provides a range of training courses, workshops, and seminars to journalists, media professionals, media organisations, corporate and educational sectors in South Africa and through out the African continent. The organisation also provides mentoring and coaching services to journalists and media organisations, and conducts research on issues related to journalism and media.

The IAJ is a reputable brand with a strong board and well-seasoned facilitators in their field. During its 32 years of operation, the IAJ has built solid partnerships as well as trained over 10,000 media and communication professionals in SA and across the African continent. This work has involved the IAJ servicing the training needs of about 1,500 organisations and individuals.

Known for our exceptional training and our longstanding passion for the media’s role in a democracy, we offer interactive, blended learning facilitated by subject matter experts. The IAJ strives to keep up with ever changing trends in the media to offer exclusive training across all media platforms.

The organisation's programmes are designed to equip journalists and media professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to report accurately, ethically, and effectively on critical issues that affect their communities.

Meet The Team

Amina Frense

IAJ CHAIRPERSON

Cape Town-born journalist and film-make. Amina Frense produced several documentaries on former South African President Nelson Mandela, including the Oscar nominated “Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation”.

Prof. Ylva Rodney Gumede

BOARD MEMBER

Professor Ylva Margareta Rodny-Gumede

Prof. Rodny-Gumede is a professor of Journalism in the School of Communication at the University of Johannesburg. She holds a PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies at London University.

Jovial Rantao

BOARD MEMBER

Rantao is a seasoned newspaperman having worked at Independent Newspapers as Deputy Editor at The Star Newspaper, Editor of the Sunday Tribune and later Editor of the Sunday Tribune. He also served as internal Ombudsman at Independent Newspapers.

Faiza Abrahams-Smith

IAJ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sonto Madida

IAJ FINANCE MANAGER

Yinhla Ngobeni

TRAINING ADMINISTRATOR

TESTIMONIALS

"My previous manager recommended that I do some writing course with the institution to refine my skills. I then did a bit of research on the organisation and the training offered. Notwithstanding the efficient training coordinators and staff members that assisted me, I was given a discount on the basis that I was self-funding, definitely providing much needed relief. Creative Writing and Editing for Corporate Publications is the programme I registered for. The lecturers were extremely knowledgeable, subject matter experts that provided a clear-cut idea on current trends. The session was interactive and allowed us to share insights on what worked at different corporates, and the training material provided was practical and appropriate."

Dimakatso Sekwakwa