By Kgaugelo Selane
A group of ten students from the Tshwane University of Technology's (TUT) Departments of Journalism and Integrated Communication impressed during the recent Presidential Inauguration, working as part of the media team for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
The students were selected to represent TUT as part of the media team. Their responsibilities included interviewing people about their feelings and expectations for the inauguration, taking photographs and videos as well as assisting other media professionals with various duties.
Samkelo Soko, an Integrated Communication student, described the experience as a game-changer. "Working with GCIS exceeded my expectations and has had a huge impact on the way I view the journalism career. I now understand how media and communication professionals work together behind the scenes during major events," Soko said.
His fellow student, Tefo Mbovu, echoed Soko's sentiments. "We had an opportunity to experience the Presidential inauguration from the media's perspective, helping with various tasks like guiding media professionals to transport shuttles, gathering people for interviews and writing notes on event logistics. This opportunity allowed us to gain a better understanding of the practicalities of media work and offered valuable insights into potential future employment opportunities," Mbovu said.
The students' experience was not limited to just covering the event, since they gained valuable insights into the inner workings of the media industry as well as the opportunity to work closely with media professionals. "This experience gave us an invaluable real-life experience,” Mbovu added.
TUT Spokesperson, Phaphama Tshisikhawe, praised the students for their hard work and dedication. "We are incredibly proud of our students for representing TUT at this historic event. Their experience is evident of the University's commitment to provide practical learning opportunities to prepare for students for the workforce," she said.
The group of ten students from TUT's) Departments of Journalism and Integrated Communication who worked as part of the media team for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) during the recent Presidential Inauguration.