Legal Training for Journalists in South Africa

Tabelo Tsolo, the CEO of Kamuhle Media, took on the role of lead trainer during a one-day legal training session for journalists. The workshop focused on pre-publication due diligence, defamation, and safeguarding journalistic sources. Assisting Tsolo were Lydia Obiero and Gakii Mbae, both serving as co-trainers from Kenya. Obiero and Mbae, are lawyers affiliated with TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation's global pro bono legal service.

The training took place at Radisson Blu hotel in Sandton Johannesburg, South Africa on the 18th April 2024 from 08:00 in the morning to 17:00 in the afternoon. There were 18 participants, six males and 11 females. Most participants worked in digital publications and print and broadcast media.

The training provided journalists with a practical understanding of the legal framework on news diligence, defamation and journalistic sources in South Africa. This awareness empowered journalists to understand their legal rights and obligations to continue to report on issues of vital public interest. The training assessed the recognition of news sources in law, the protection of news sources as well as search and seizure relating to journalists gadgets and information.

The delegates were provided with a practical understanding of defamation laws and the steps they can take to mitigate defamation liability in South Africa. The training covered the scope of defamation law, the criminal and civil process of cases in courts, the defenses against defamation, sanctions against defamation, and practical steps to mitigate defamation liability.