December 14, 2015 By SMorris Jr.
Famous BBC Africa Football editor, Farayi Mungazi, has last Friday engaged Sierra Leonean sports journalists on a-day mentorship programme organized by the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL).
The event attracted over 40 members and non-members of SWASAL as they were taken through several issues relating to their work as sports journalists, including ethical considerations.
Delivering his interactive lectures, Mungazi talked about the need for sports journalists to develop the love and passion for their job, adding that they will only succeed as better sports journalists if they love what they are doing.
Another area he treated was the issue of credibility which the ace sports editor said was the key in journalism. “Trust in journalism is like a love relationship with someone; so as journalists you must protect the thing call credibility and take yourself seriously,” Mungazi said.
“Journalism is all about fact and please note there are certain things you cannot just say. Let me advice you must also always learn from people who know more than you,” said the Zimbabwean.
President of SWASAL, Frank Cole, said the event was the biggest the association has hosted since his executive was elected because it was not only about meeting one of Africa’s finest sports journalist but also a learning and inspirational drive for sports journalists in the country.
Cole advised both SWASAL members and non-members to make use of the opportunity and knowledge gain and to stand up and remedy doubts in sports journalism and credibility by members of the sports family.