Grahamstown will soon come alive again as the Highway Africa conference, the biggest annual gathering of African journalists in the world, kicks off from 5-8 September 2009.

Theme: Reporting Africa: 2010, Development & Democracy

This year’s theme, Reporting Africa: 2010, Development & Democracy, will lead the delegates’ discussion on how Africa will tell the story of 2010, how African media has reported on development and democracy and how ICTs can be used to enhance democracy and development in the African continent.

Digital Citizen Indaba 2009: Digital Civil Society and Journalism in Africa

The conference kicks off with the Digital Citizen Indaba that starts on Saturday 5 September and continues on Sunday 6 September.

Grand Opening

Highway Africa conference delegates will this year be treated to a visit to one of the 2010 stadia. MTN will host the official Opening Reception on the 6th September, at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Book Launches

The following books will be launched during the conference, 7-8 September 2009:

1. Reinventing local news:Connecting with communities using communication technologies by Adam Clayton Powell.

2. The Digital Public Space by Fackson Banda et al.

3. Beyond Broadcasting: The future of state owned broadcasters in Southern Africa by Guy Berger et al.

4. Eyes of Democracy: The Media and Elections by Manoah Esipisu et al.

Demonstrations and Exhibitions

As in previous years, there will be exciting demonstrations and exhibitions by of some Highway Africa's sponsors such as the Department of Communication, MTN, Telkom and MultiChoice.

9th Highway Africa New Media Awards in Association with OSIWA

The Highway Africa New Media Awards, pioneered nine years ago, have become one of the highlights of recognition, reward and celebration for creativity in using new technologies in African media. The awards are given annually in 3 categories to individuals and organisations who have displayed innovative use of ICT.

This year an exciting partnership with Open Society Institute of West Africa (OSIWA – www.osiwa.org) will see 5 new categories awarded to West African entrants. The categories are Best story on ICT use in communities, Best Woman ICT reporter, Best story on ICT policies in West Africa, Best story on ICT and public governance and Best story on ICT use by media.

Social Events

The social component of the conference has also become one of its attractions, with a series of sponsored breakfasts, lunches, dinners and musical entertainment.

Background

Highway Africa is a partnership between Rhodes University (School of Journalism and Media Studies) and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), with the support of several partners, development agencies and sponsors.

The 12th edition, in 2008, saw a record 735 delegates attend the conference. As Highway Africa Director, Chris Kabwato says, “Big things must also happen in small towns.”

For information and updates visit the Highway Africa website, www.highwayafrica.com.