Profile & Philosophy

In today's world, the functions of a free, independent and pluralistic media are vital for a democratic society based on human rights principles.
These functions include the role of a:

1. Communicator of information: information is not only a basic human right, it is a prerequisite for citizens to fully participate in democratic culture and actively exercise their other human rights;
2. Civic forum: the media can potentially give voice to different parts of society and enable a diverse and pluralistic debate;
3. Mobilising agent: the media can facilitate civic engagement among all sectors of society, including marginalised groups, and strengthening channels of public participation;
4. Watchdog: the media can check abuse of power, increase government transparency, hold public officials accountable for their actions in the court of public opinion and document and publicise human rights abuses.

The media also plays an important role in the reduction of poverty, since information, which the media communicate, enhances knowledge. This, in turn, is fundamental for the empowerment of the poor and disadvantaged groups. The media can also potentially offer a channel for poor people to participate in social, economic and political life as well as in the development process. At the same time, the media can promote economic growth by facilitating an effective flow of information, which is a central aspect of well-functioning market economy.

However, the media can only fulfil these functions effectively if, and only if, media practitioners are competent, critical, accountable and aware of their responsibility to society.

NSJ VISION:

A SADC citizenry informed and empowered by competent and professional media to foster sustainable democratic development.

NSJ MISSION:

To be the leading regional media training institution for the development of high quality cutting-edge courses that address defined media training needs.