15/09/2025
FCJ hosts 2025 No Guts No Glory seminar for Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga
The Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ) successfully hosted the 2025 No Guts No Glory seminar on 11 and 12 September for its members across Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
The event, held at Olifants River Lodge, was attended by more than 90 members.
FCJ regional seminars are free to members, ensuring accessibility to as many journalists as possible. The seminars are supported by FCJ sponsors Avbob, Caxton and Novus, while Columbus Stainless sponsored prizes for guest speakers.
The two-day programme brought together journalists, editors and media professionals for a series of in-depth discussions and workshops aimed at strengthening ethical journalism, navigating industry challenges and defending media freedom.
Keynote speakers were:
• Wessel Oosthuizen, who opened the seminar with an insightful reflection on his six decades in journalism.
• Phathiswa Magopeni, executive director of the Press Council of South Africa, emphasised the importance of community media and its relationship with the Press Council.
• Latiefa Mobara, former executive director of the Press Council, bade farewell while reminding members of the need to uphold ethics during times of transition.
• Advocate Gerrie Nel addressed the collapse of trust in the criminal justice system and the crucial role of the media in this context.
• Johan Orton, shared expertise on capturing striking images in sports photography and;
• Mike Masina, highlighted the importance of journalism in the lead-up to the 2026 local government elections.
“Community journalists are the frontline defenders of democracy,” said FCJ Gauteng Deputy Executive Director, Marietta Lombard.
“Through initiatives such as No Guts No Glory, we empower our members to keep telling the stories that matter, even in the face of growing challenges.”
The seminar reinforced the FCJ’s commitment to equipping community journalists with the tools, knowledge and support required to uphold press freedom while serving their communities with integrity.
