Latest news with #Avbob
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘No Guts, No Glory' seminar returns to inspire community journalists
A gathering that has become a staple in community journalism, the Forum of Community Journalists' (FCJ) No Guts, No Glory, No Story Seminar returns to Olifants River Lodge in September. What began in 1994 as a modest workshop at the Botshabelo Mission Station outside Middelburg has grown into a nationally recognised platform for reflection, skill-sharing and discussion among some of the country's top community journalists. The growth of this seminar, along with other recent regional FCJ seminars, has been sponsored and supported by Avbob, whose commitment to community media has helped sustain the FCJ's work over the last few years. The origin of 'No Guts, No Glory, No Story' According to Tobie van den Bergh, former FCJ director for Mpumalanga and Limpopo, the second seminar took place at Witbank Correctional Services, where Frans Aucamp, the first chairman of the FCJ, spoke passionately about investigative journalism. He emphasised that without courage, journalists cannot uncover the story, and without the story, there is no glory. Inspired by this message, the seminar became known as the No Guts seminar and has since been held nationwide under the banner No Guts, No Glory, No Story. A legacy through the lens This year's seminar will open with veteran photojournalist Wessel Oosthuizen, who will share highlights from his six decades behind the camera. His talk will set the tone for a seminar focused not just on technical skills, but on legacy and the evolving role of media in society. The evening closes with a braai on the banks of the Olifants River. Facing the future of the press Friday morning welcomes Phathiswa Magopeni, recently appointed executive director of the Press Council of South Africa. She will outline her priorities for the press in a rapidly shifting landscape. Her predecessor, Latiefa Mobara, will reflect on the challenges of ethical leadership and institutional continuity in the media sector. Capturing the moment: A masterclass on light and emotion A masterclass by acclaimed photographer Johan Orton will follow, titled Chasing the Light, a creative session set to focus on lighting and facial expression in sports journalism. Holding power to account In one of the most anticipated sessions, Advocate Gerrie Nel, head of AfriForum's private prosecution unit, will address the systemic failures of South Africa's criminal justice system and the unique role of the community press in fostering accountability. Looking ahead to 2026 The seminar will conclude with former municipal mayor Mike Masina offering a political overview of the road to the 2026 local government elections, a timely topic for reporters covering governance at the grassroots level. While past seminars have taken attendees to places like Kruisrivier, Graceland, Forever Loskopdam, Forever Warmbad, Carousel and Sondela, the true value of this event has always been in the stories, skills and courage it ignites among those who attend. And this year promises to be no different. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
6 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Press pioneers to inspire at Olifants River Lodge during No Guts No Glory seminar
Press pioneers to inspire at Olifants River Lodge during No Guts No Glory seminar MIDDELBURG – A gathering that has become a staple in community journalism, the Forum of Community Journalists' (FCJ) No Guts, No Glory, No Story Seminar returns to Olifants River Lodge in September. What began in 1994 as a modest workshop at the Botshabelo Mission Station outside Middelburg has grown into a nationally recognised platform for reflection, skill-sharing and discussion among some of the country's top community journalists. The growth of this seminar, along with other recent regional FCJ seminars, has been sponsored and supported by Avbob, whose commitment to community media has helped sustain the FCJ's work over the last few years. The origin of 'No Guts, No Glory, No Story' According to Tobie van den Bergh, former FCJ director for Mpumalanga and Limpopo, the second seminar took place at Witbank Correctional Services, where Frans Aucamp, the first chairman of the FCJ, spoke passionately about investigative journalism. He emphasised that without courage, journalists cannot uncover the story, and without the story, there is no glory. Inspired by this message, the seminar became known as the No Guts seminar and has since been held nationwide under the banner No Guts, No Glory, No Story. A legacy through the lens This year's seminar will open with veteran photojournalist Wessel Oosthuizen, who will share highlights from his six decades behind the camera. His talk will set the tone for a seminar focused not just on technical skills, but on legacy and the evolving role of media in society. The evening closes with a braai on the banks of the Olifants River. Facing the future of the press Friday morning welcomes Phathiswa Magopeni, recently appointed executive director of the Press Council of South Africa. She will outline her priorities for the press in a rapidly shifting landscape. Her predecessor, Latiefa Mobara, will reflect on the challenges of ethical leadership and institutional continuity in the media sector. Capturing the moment: A masterclass on light and emotion A masterclass by acclaimed photographer Johan Orton will follow, titled Chasing the Light, a creative session set to focus on lighting and facial expression in sports journalism. Holding power to account In one of the most anticipated sessions, Advocate Gerrie Nel, head of AfriForum's private prosecution unit, will address the systemic failures of South Africa's criminal justice system and the unique role of the community press in fostering accountability. Looking ahead to 2026 The seminar will conclude with former municipal mayor Mike Masina offering a political overview of the road to the 2026 local government elections, a timely topic for reporters covering governance at the grassroots level. While past seminars have taken attendees to places like Kruisrivier, Graceland, Forever Loskopdam, Forever Warmbad, Carousel and Sondela, the true value of this event has always been in the stories, skills and courage it ignites among those who attend. And this year promises to be no different.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
STEP 12: Great news for matriculants, and it's free
As matriculants across South Africa gear up for their pivotal preliminary examinations, Avbob has just released the latest edition of its acclaimed STEP 12 Examination Preparation Guides online. What is AVBOB STEP 12? Launched in 2022, this ground-breaking educational programme aims to enhance Grade 12 learners' exam readiness across all 11 official written languages, covering each of the three language exam papers, for both Home Language and First Additional Language. Unlike conventional study guides, Avbob STEP 12 zeroes in on exam preparation, ensuring learners understand exactly how to approach exam questions effectively. The guides demystify mark allocation; teach essential time-management strategies; and empower learners to select questions as well as plan and structure answers with confidence. Through example questions and model answers, they help learners develop the skills they need to tackle exams successfully. What's more, they are completely free. What is new in the 2025 edition? The guides have undergone refinements and additions based on valuable input from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and frontline educators, who continue to highlight the impact of the initiative. 'We consistently hear from both teachers and learners about how beneficial these guides are. It inspires us to keep innovating and enhancing our content,' says Dr Adriaan Coetser, Subject Advisor-in-Chief for Avbob STEP 12, adding that updates are driven by ongoing Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) alignment and constructive feedback. 'Each year's additions and updates mean better, more comprehensive examination preparation guides to help our matrics achieve their dreams.' Key updates for 2025 include additional examples in critical sections across the suite of guides as well as more detailed answer and essay planning guidance, enriched content on language aspects, additional examples in the glossary of literary terms, and deeper insights into creative writing (with a newly added section containing example topics). How can you support AVBOB STEP 12? It's crucial to ensure that every Grade 12 learner, teacher and parent nationwide benefits from this vital resource. The transformative potential of public-private partnerships like this in education should not be underestimated. It is up to all of us to share the message that these guides are out there and cost nothing. We encourage everyone to download, use and distribute them freely. Looking ahead, Avbob hopes to see similar collaborations emerging to support matrics across subjects beyond languages. How can you get your AVBOB STEP 12 guides? The free, updated Avbob STEP 12 Examination Preparation Guides are available for download at Spread the news! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
05-06-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Avbob's R57m trolley library donation puts SA youth on the Road to Literacy
Avbob, in partnership with Oxford University Press Southern Africa (OUPSA), has announced the 1,000 beneficiaries of the 2025 edition of its annual Road to Literacy campaign. This is the fourth year the two companies have joined forces to help empower young minds by donating fully stocked trolley libraries to deserving primary schools and educational nonprofit organisations (NPOs) nominated by the public. The project addresses the ongoing challenges of low literacy and numeracy levels at foundation phase by providing young learners with culturally and linguistically relevant materials in all 11 official written languages. The 2025 beneficiaries, which include schools and NPOs across SA, were announced at an event at Sandton Hotel in Johannesburg on May 29 — click here to see the full list. The Avbob Road to Literacy campaign addresses a pressing national priority, the development of foundational literacy and numeracy ... in a way that honours SA's linguistic and cultural richness, ensuring that no child is left behind Siviwe Gwarube, minister of basic education This year's Avbob Road to Literacy campaign reflects substantial growth from the 180 library trolleys distributed in its inaugural year, 2022. Each of the 1,000 mobile libraries includes 500 OUPSA books selected to support literacy and numeracy skills in alignment with the CAPS curriculum. The total number of books distributed this year will exceed 500,000, up from 250,000 in 2024. Speaking on a panel alongside Carl van der Riet, CEO of Avbob Group, Karen Simpson, MD of OUPSA, and Gugu Ndebele, executive director of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube said: 'This initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved through partnerships. The campaign addresses a pressing national priority, the development of foundational literacy and numeracy, while supporting policy frameworks aimed at integrating diversity into school curricula. It does so in a way that honours SA's linguistic and cultural richness, ensuring that no child is left behind.' Simpson added that OUPSA's partnership with Avbob reflected its core belief that literacy was a foundation for lifelong learning and opportunity. 'Access to books in a learner's mother tongue has a profound impact on their ability to grasp foundational concepts, stay engaged in the classroom, and remain in the education system. We are steadfast on publishing our books in all of SA's official written languages, and the Avbob Road to Literacy campaign enables us to place these resources directly in the hands of the learners who need them most.' 2025 Avbob Road to Literacy campaign in numbers • 8,661 — the number of beneficiary nominations received from the public. • 1,000 — mobile trolley libraries donated to schools and NGOs across SA. • 500 — OUPSA books each trolley library is stocked with. • 500,000 — total number of OUPSA books donated. • R57,000 — the value of each mobile trolley library. R57m — the total value of the mobile trolley libraries donated. Each trolley library is valued at R57,000, bringing the total investment for the 2025 campaign to R57m. The trolleys are designed to be mobile, durable, and easy to access in shared or under-resourced learning environments. Along with books that promote reading for enjoyment, they include materials designed to develop numeracy, making the campaign one of the few national projects focused on both reading and mathematics at the foundational phase. The campaign also continues to grow in reach and engagement. This year's campaign received 8,661 nominations from across all nine provinces, submitted by educators, caregivers, community leaders and members of the public. Van der Riet said that though the campaign had grown substantially, its original purpose was to provide access to quality education materials, dignity and hope for a better future. 'Literacy and numeracy are academic skills and critical tools for participation, for opportunity, and dignity. They are the building blocks of future learning and the means by which children are empowered to shape their own lives. The Avbob Road to Literacy campaign embodies our belief that meaningful social investment must be both practical and purpose-driven.' He said Avbob, as a mutual society, existed for the benefit of its members and the wider community. 'At Avbob, giving back to communities is more than a commitment — it's a core part of who we are. We remain deeply guided by our founders' promise of always putting people first, a principle that continues to be the golden thread in everything we do. Through the Avbob Road to Literacy campaign, we aim to support underserved communities in a way that uplifts and empowers them, while respecting their dignity and fostering lasting impact.' Through the Avbob Road to Literacy campaign, we aim to support underserved communities in a way that uplifts and empowers them, while respecting their dignity and fostering lasting impact Carl van der Riet, CEO of Avbob Group Adding to this sentiment, Ndebele said, 'We believe that education is the most powerful tool for changing a learner's future. Literacy unlocks confidence, agency and opportunity. We are inspired by this initiative's focus, and we hope it will ignite a lifelong love of reading in every child who encounters one of these trolley libraries.' Since 2022, the campaign has evolved from a pilot initiative into one of the most extensive mobile library programmes in the country. Educational experts have long advocated for mother tongue instruction at the early stages of schooling. Research has consistently shown that when children learn to read in their home language, they are more likely to stay in school, perform better academically, and transition successfully to additional languages later in life. Despite this, access to books in African languages remains limited, especially in underfunded schools. The Avbob Road to Literacy campaign helps address this gap, ensuring that the joy of reading, and the practical foundation of numeracy, are not restricted by geography or circumstance.
