MINDBLAST 2009  Day One Report

The expectations were high for this year’s MINDBLAST event that 300 media and social activist delegates ascended in Upington. The popular MINDBLAST conference kicked of f with a glittering dinner and contact exchange. The conference started to live up to expectations as up to 300 rejuvenated national community media delegates and partisan civil society activists, some coming from Zimbabwe began to debate some of the issues which are set to dominate the conference.

This National Community Radio Forum ( NCRF) and Alternative Information Development Center (AIDC) in partnership with the Media Diversity Development Agency (MDDA) gathering endeavors to explore some of the issues that are faced by the community media activists. Amongst many critical issues to be discussed at this conference includes; the role of community media in the light of the proposed Public Service Broadcasting Bill, what is the goal of the development state, the role of community media in democracy and social impact of community media.

One of the key speakers on the event includes Dr Mashilo Boloka from the Department of Communications, who will be addressing delegates about the proposed broadcasting bill. This five day intensive conference proceedings officially starts on 7 December to 11 December 2009 and also will include daily practical training which will range from; Crime Reporting, Climate Change, Investigative Journalism, Xenophobia, Gender and Economics amongst others.

The outcome of the event is set to see community media in South Africa moving to a constructive direction.

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