University of the Witwatersrand Students to Attend HBCU-ACC Summer Courses of Center for African Studies at Howard University

(Johannesburg, South Africa, June 25, 2024) - A small group of students from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) have been invited to attend the summer courses of the HBCU-Africa Correspondents Corps (HBCU-ACC). The selected students are currently participating in two HBCU-ACC courses: Expert Commentary and Global Public Relations.

HBCU-Africa Correspondents Corps

The HBCU-ACC is an ongoing initiative of the Center for African Studies at Howard University. It aims to provide student journalists and political scientists attending HBCUs with professional development exposure and experience beneficial to pursue a career as an international correspondent or political commentator. In parallel, it works to broaden and deepen networks between HBCU students and their counterparts in Africa and the global African Diaspora.

Wits Summer Cohort

The Wits students will attend weekly courses alongside the student journalists enrolled in the HBCU-ACC. These courses will deliver more than just academic lectures that are related to the fields of journalism and public relations. They will also offer the students the opportunity to attend guest lecturers with leading voices in the field. These include journalists who are affiliated with some of the most prominent news organizations in the world. Scheduled speakers include journalists from the Agence France-Presse, Bloomberg, Mail & Guardian, Nation Media Group, New York Times, Reuters, Vox, and The Wall Street Journal.

Selected Participants

The following students have been selected for the program:

- Salient Aminu - Global Public Relations;
- Thuto Kgosiemang - Expert Commentary;
- Thato Makwela - Global Public Relations;
- Ezra Mendel- Expert Commentary;
- Nokwanda Ndlovu- Expert Commentary;
- Thandolwethu Shisa - Global Public Relations;
- Tasneem Vania- Global Public Relations.

Student Reaction

Reflecting on their experiences in the program so far, Salient Aminu provided the following comment:

"The Global Public Relations course will significantly enhance my understanding of the intricate dynamics of international relations. It offers a unique perspective on how communication strategies influence global politics and diplomacy. Engaging with real-world case studies and developing practical skills in managing cross-cultural communication are essential for a career in international relations"

The HBCU-ACC President, Akofa Bruce, added:

"It is a pleasure to have the students from Wits University join the HBCU-ACC program! Building connections across the globe often comes with many surprises. I'm sure that the students I get to collaborate with will teach me new things and push me to be a better leader. I wish each of them the best of luck as we continue honing our journalism skill sets and hope that the connections we form as fellow correspondents will remain strong long after our program ends. "

Instructor Remarks

Commenting on the summer cohort, the HBCU-ACC Program Director, Michael Walsh, remarked:

"We are fortunate to be able to have the Wits students participate in the HBCU-ACC courses this summer. This sort of transatlantic partnership advances the goals of the HBCU program. First, it expands the knowledge, skills, networks, and exposure of our student journalists who are currently enrolled in the HBCU-ACC. Second, it strengthens the relationship between HBCUs and African universities. In the process, it provides the Wits students with a unique opportunity to receive professional development training that should make them far more competitive in the global workforce. For example, all of the students will be required to complete the Muck Rack Essentials certification course. This is a professional certification that will help to differentiate the selected students from their peers when applying for internships and jobs with media outlets and public relations agencies."

Corporate Sponsors

The HBCU-ACC Program is made possible through the financial support of Hyundai and Mitsubishi Heavy.

Point of Contact

Thandolwethu Shisa
University of the Witwatersrand
2440235@students.wits.ac.za

HBCU-Africa Correspondents Corps
Center for African Studies
Howard University
2218 6th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20059
Phone: (202) 238-2327

About the Center for African Studies at Howard University

The Center for African Studies (CfAS) at Howard University is a comprehensive Title VI National Resource Center and a campus-wide hub that supports and enhances Africa-related teaching and research across Howard University's schools, academic departments and centers. In accordance with the mission and vision of Howard University, the Center works to consolidate and expand the legacy of HU as a leader for America and the global community in relation to the study of Africa. The Center promotes and supports teaching of African languages (Amharic, Arabic, Somali, Swahili, Wolof, Yoruba and Zulu) in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, as well as research, instruction and training in other academic and professional fields to provide a fuller understanding of Africa.

This release was published on openPR.