Students from Stellenbosch University (SU) and Butler University (BU) in Indianapolis met this week, to discuss media diversity and culture in both countries.
Students found that the countries shared similar histories of colonialism, racism and cultural exchange.
The day’s event began with a short presentation by SU’s Dr. Gawie Botma on the history of the African continent, including its pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial history.
Dr. Botma briefly discussed the historical background of North America, including the various native groups that existed before colonisation.
SU and BU students were then divided into groups and encouraged to discuss issues of media diversity and culture.
Questions included “how is race represented in the media?” and “what are some of the challenges for media in both countries?”
Journalism students from Stellenbosch University met with American students from Butler University to discuss issues regarding race and the media. PHOTO: Welile Makena
Students discussed similarities in the countries, such as the current Native American reserves and the apartheid-era Homelands.
The BU students are from the College of Communications, and were taking part in a 2-week tour of South Africa. They receive three credits for this trip as part of the global media module.
During the first week of their trip they visited Johannesburg, before touring Cape Town for a week. This annual trip was added to the module in 2013.
It was facilitated by Dr. Margaretha Geertsema-Sligh and Dr. Rose Campbell. Dr. Geertsema-Sligh is a South African citizen and has been living in America for 18 years. She is also currently the department chair of Journalism at the university.
Butler University is a private institute situated three-hours outside of the city of Chicago.
A small institute, it currently has just 4600 students enrolled. – Welile Makena & Franco Havenga