MTN Group is collaborating with Rhodes University to hold a conference as part of activities marking the 20th Anniversary of the Highway Africa this weekend in Grahamstown in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Highway Africa is the continent’s yearly journalism conference, which drives conversation and debate on key issues in the media and Information Communication Technology (ICT) on the continent.
With the theme The internet and media – Celebrations, reflections and the future, Highway Africa 2016, the two-day event is to explore the impact of the internet on journalism and media, including film, music and books.
“This year’s theme is one that resonates with MTN. As an organisation that is extending connectivity and providing digital services across Africa, we know that ICT is changing how we consume media. In addition, it is enabling greater access to information and to services in our communities, which is part of the positive narrative around this continent. We believe that Africa has many good news stories to tell and that platforms like Highway Africa go a long way to boost the media sector so that these stories can be shared. We have been part of this conference for the past fifteen years and our continued support is based on our commitment to the development and advancement of journalism on the continent,” General Manager for Corporate Communication and Stakeholder Management, MTN Group, Xolisa Vapi, said.
As part of its support of Highway Africa 2016, MTN pledged to sponsor journalists from media houses in seven of its markets to attend the conference.
“We are humbled and grateful that MTN is once again partnering with us on this journey of development for African journalism. We have seen many changes and immense growth of the conference over the years. However, it is thanks to the support of our partners, that Highway Africa has been so successful and remains relevant to our media stakeholders across the continent,” says Chris Kabwato, Director, Highway Africa.
Using keynote addresses, plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshops, book launches and networking dinners, Highway Africa 2016 will be at one level a celebration of 20 years of the existence of Africa’s premier journalistic assembly, and at another level an occasion for reflection on internet and society.
