“Journalists across the country gathered in Pretoria to hone their science journalism reporting skills.”

The National Research Foundation’s (NRF) South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA) recently hosted a two-day workshop focusing on science journalism and data-driven journalism aimed at equipping young journalists with the necessary science reporting skills to effectively communicate scientific information in a manner that is simple and accessible to the broader public.  The workshop is part of the community media journalism initiative funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), which contributes to the strategic goals of the DSTI’s Science Engagement Strategy.  

The workshop took place from March 5 to 7 March 2025, in Pretoria. Aspiring science journalists gathered to hone their science journalism skills.

Facilitated by veteran science journalist, Mrs Adele Baleta, the first part of the workshop  focused on the fundamentals of science journalism, including how to make complex scientific concepts accessible to the public. She emphasised the importance of critical thinking, journalistic integrity, and effective communication.

“I got excited about science journalism when I realized that writing about health issues, which are very close to my heart, fell under the sciences. I became interested in the scientific method and the way scientists think, which shaped me as an individual,” said Mrs Baleta. She highlighted the role of science journalism in promoting science literacy, especially in a world flooded with misinformation and disinformation.

She encouraged young journalists to embrace the basic principles of journalism—asking the right questions and breaking down scientific information for different audiences. She emphasised the importance of building relationships with scientists who are willing to explain their work in simple yet accurate terms.

The workshop participants included emerging young science journalists such as Dorian Van Rooyen, a science journalist volunteer at Impact Unlimited Media from the Western Cape, and Baloyi Muofhe, a science journalist volunteer from Univen FM in Limpopo.

“Scientists use jargon daily that the public does not understand. It is the responsibility of science journalists to simplify that language, making it accessible to the public. We need to answer the questions people have about scientific discoveries,” said Van Rooyen. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between scientists and journalists

Muofhe, on the other hand, expressed a strong desire to develop media literacy skills. “I want to improve my critical thinking skills so that I can evaluate information, recognize misinformation, and identify biases. In the future, I plan to produce more in-depth investigative pieces and create content that represents diverse communities,” she added.

The final day of the workshop, facilitated by Dr Paul Plantinga from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), focused on data journalism. Participants were introduced to data-driven storytelling, data visualization, and investigative techniques that can be applied to science reporting.

With the increasing role of digital media in information dissemination, understanding how to interpret and present data is a crucial skill for modern journalists. The hands-on sessions allowed participants to engage with real datasets, enhancing their ability to uncover and report on scientific and technological developments accurately.

The collaboration with the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) underscored the broader commitment to strengthening reporting of science in various indigenous languages in South Africa and supporting community media. The collaboration between NRF-SAASTA, HSRC, and MDDA demonstrated a shared vision of fostering a new generation of science journalists who can bridge the gap between scientists and the public.

As the workshop concluded, it was clear that initiatives like these are vital for equipping young journalists with the tools they need to report on science and technology effectively. With growing concerns about misinformation, the role of well-trained science journalists has never been more critical.

This NRF-SAASTA workshop was a significant step toward ensuring that science journalism in South Africa continues to grow, making scientific knowledge more accessible and impactful for all.