TUT Alumni collaboration drives funded Journalism training placements

A collaboration agreement between Amantle Matlotlo, a community media initiative founded by TUT alumnus, Moses Mushi and the Tshwane University of Technology Department of Journalism and Integrated Communication is turning opportunity into action, with five journalism students stepping into funded Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements across township-based newspapers.

TUT Alumnus and founder of Amantle Matlotlo. The students are placed across Tshwane region, including Moretele Times, Pheli Times, Mamelodi Times, Soshanguve Pulse, Mabopane Times, Ga-Rankuwa Times, Student Times and surrounding areas, where they actively contribute to local storytelling and community reporting.

Moses Mushi completed a National Diploma at the former Technikon Pretoria and later obtained a B-Tech degree at TUT. A seasoned journalist and integrated marketing and communications specialist, Mushi began his career at The Lowvelder/Mpumalanga News before joining Farmers Weekly as a political and economic journalist.

“We empower people is more than just a motto. The broader mission of TUT to produce graduates who contribute meaningfully to the economy and embrace entrepreneurship deeply influenced my thinking. I learned that empowerment should not end with obtaining a qualification. It should translate into creating opportunities and building sustainable institutions,” said Mmushi.

Backed by the Alumni Relations Office that sought industry funding from *Nelekat, the initiative reflects TUT’s commitment to developing future-ready graduates who are prepared for the world of work while strengthening community media. It aligns with TUT’s strategic focus on employability, entrepreneurship and experiential learning. As higher education institutions continue to respond to the challenges of youth unemployment, initiatives like this demonstrate the importance of integrating learning with real-world experience.

As a community-based media organisation, Amantle Matlotlo provides an immersive training environment where students are fully integrated into newsroom activities. Students participate in editorial meetings, pitch story ideas, conduct interviews and produce content that addresses key community issues such as service delivery, governance and local development.

Beyond skills development, this initiative plays a significant role in strengthening community media, amplifying local voices and highlights grassroots issues, but also fosters a culture of accountability, participatory democracy and meaningful community engagement.

* Nelekat, a 100% Black, woman owned company, was established in 2019. The versatile company is primarily dedicated to bridging the gap between the education and labor sectors. Founded by an experienced educator, Nelekat emerged from modest beginnings and has evolved into a 100% black woman-owned enterprise.