By Remy Raitt

“In my work as a priest I got the idea that if I could craft sermons I could craft stories and write for the media,” Mdhela says. So in 1986 he assumed his first reporter position as a sports writer for the Sowetan. Since then he has written within the news, politics and service delivery beats in both journalistic and editorial roles and currently he shapes the future of the profession at The New Age (TNA) Cadet School, all the while continuing his work in the church.

Mdhlela is the product of a mentorship programme himself. He joined the Argus School of Journalism in the 80s, and this is where he said he learnt to write and research. These are the skills he strives to impart on the TNA cadets. “Journalism is a craft that requires accuracy, knowledge and ability to write,” he says. “In six months we try and hone these skills. Straight out of university, many of these young people are not ready to explore the field. So we prepare them for their career and expose them to the important role-players.”

Mdhela could certainly be considered one of these veteran role models. He worked at the Sowetan for 18 years, and after that edited Challenge Magazine for six years. He fulfilled the role of a reporter during a turbulent time in South Africa, which he says allowed him to voice the aspirations of the black people of the country. “That was a different time when writing was circumscribed by the times. We had to be careful not to get the newspaper we were writing for in trouble. It was an illegitimate system, and we wanted the people in the country to know the truth… which got you in trouble.”

And although apartheid is over, Mdhela says the struggle continues today. “We’ve had a democracy since 1994 but there are still big issues which are reflected in our newspapers,” he says. “If we had a perfect country, issues of corruption would not exist. But these issues are related to individuals within the system who abuse the power their positions offer.”

This is why there has to be a steady stream of vigilance, he says. “As a teacher at the journalism school, I tell the cadets they need to be mindful and aware of what is happening socially, politically and economically.” He believes the calibre of journalist South Africa needs is one that values ethics and accuracy. “The ethical values are very essential, we insist our journalists be accurate. There needs to be less sensationalism about everything,” he says. “And, if you’re unsure, ask.”

“The media is free now, and has that scope to operate better than it did previously,” he says. “On the flipside we now have social media and citizen journalism. It’s possible to use this copy but you need to be absolutely certain that this information is correct, accurate and represents reality.” And while he definitely sees the value of social media, Mdhlela says they managed just fine without it back in his day. “Just because we didn’t have social media it doesn’t mean weren’t on top of our game,” he laughs. “We had contacts all over the place. We had our tentacles spread and it was insisted that correspondents were accurate. If they weren’t, they were let go.” His advice to tech-savvy journalists is to approach social media with caution.

“Social media is a bone within journalism but it can be abused,” he says. “It can be used in a way that’s not conducive to journalism, so you have to be cautious.” And this is why journalism cadet schools are so important. Over the years many of the country’s biggest mentorship programmes have shut down, and Mdhlela says this is a massive shame. Education is obviously important to him.

He holds several theological and journalism degrees and qualifications, including a Master’s degree from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, an Honours degree from the University of Pretoria, a post-graduate diploma in applied ethics from Wits University as well a diploma in theology from the Theological College of the Resurrection in Mirfield in the United Kingdom.

And while he views education as vital, he says when it comes to journalism, it’s often a matter of whether you have it or you don’t. “Some people are born with it, some graduates that come into this programme just don’t have it. To some extent, but not to all extents, it’s a calling,” he says. “You might have the qualification but that does not necessarily mean you’ll be a good journalist.”

And as he continues to shape and mould the future of the profession, Mdhlela says his biggest hope for the South African media is a wide knowledge base. “Life has become more technological and people are more erudite and educated, by implication this means we need a savvy media and knowledgeable newsrooms.”

Mdhlela is committed to making sure there are quality candidates to fill these kinds of newsrooms. And if his dedication to the church and the media are anything to go by, the future of journalism is in good hands.

For more information, visit www.thenewage.co.za.