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About the IAJ

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Committed to training Africa's journalists and communicators


The Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ) is an established communications and journalism training institute based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The institute promotes and supports a free and independent media in South Africa and the rest of Africa through the training of communicators and journalists.


​The IAJ is a strong brand with a reputable board and tried and tested facilitators and strong partnerships. During its 31 years of operation, the IAJ has trained over 10,000 media and communication professionals in SA and across the African continent.  This work has involved the IAJ servicing the training needs of about 1,500 organisations and individuals.

Known for our reputable training and our longstanding passion for the media’s role in a democracy, we offer interactive, blended learning facilitated by subject matter experts.  The IAJ has transcended traditional print and broadcast journalism and trains journalists and communicators across all media platforms.

The IAJ would like to see journalism advanced through credible skills, debates, insights, perspectives and critical thinking that are appropriate to where SA and the continent are at the moment.

Meet Our Board

Meet The Team

Meet The Team

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Yinhla Ngobeni

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TRAINING ADMINISTRATOR

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Amina Frense

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IAJ CHAIRPERSON

Cape Town-born journalist and film-make. Amina Frense produced several documentaries on former South African President Nelson Mandela, including the Oscar nominated “Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation”. ​

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Prof. Ylva Rodney Gumede

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BOARD MEMBER

Professor Ylva Margareta Rodny-Gumede

Prof. Rodny-Gumede is a professor of Journalism in the School of Communication at the University of Johannesburg. She holds a PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies at London University. 

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Jovial Rantao

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BOARD MEMBER

Rantao is a seasoned newspaperman having worked at Independent Newspapers as Deputy Editor at The Star Newspaper, Editor of the Sunday Tribune and later Editor of the Sunday Tribune. He also served as internal Ombudsman at Independent Newspapers. 

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Faiza Abrahams-Smith

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IAJ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Sonto Dlamini

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IAJ FINANCE MANAGER

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Precious Tshaka

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FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

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