IWMF Fellowship offered to 10 South African journalists

Selected reporters will undertake a rigorous investigative journalism fellowship that focuses on developing in-depth reporting on a wide range of issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. Fellows receive one-on-one coaching as well as stipends to conduct their research.

2011 investigations

2011 fellows produced more than 30 investigative pieces on a spectrum of issues including HIV/AIDS in the military, the spread of the disease through rape in prison populations, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, the stigma HIV-positive teens face, HIV/AIDS among sex workers, the impact of the disease on the agricultural sector, the role of male medical circumcision in HIV/AIDS prevention and the plight of illegal immigrants seeking treatment.

"Investigations by the 2011 fellows have had a tangible impact, in some cases even leading to policy changes and we know that the incoming 2012 fellows will build on their predecessors' successes," said Elisa Lees Munoz, the IWMF's acting executive director.

"Sustainable change"

"The training model goes beyond short-term workshops and incorporates a more transformative, long-term approach," adds frayintermedia MD, Paula Fray. "In this way, we are able to produce more sustainable change that focuses on honing innovative coverage and deepening investigative skills."

The 2011 fellows, Laura Lopez Gonzalez (IRIN/Plus News); Thabile Maphanga, (SABC Radio); Zinhle Mapumulo (City Press); Harriet Mclea (The Times); Yolisa Njamela (SABC TV); Ramatamo Sehoai (Alex Pioneer); Thandi Skade (The Star); David Steynberg (People); Nastasya Tay (Eyewitness News); and, Fidelis Zvomuya (Agriconnect) - produced groundbreaking TV, online multimedia, print and radio investigative reports.

During their final gathering in December 2011, fellows praised the program for the professional development opportunities it provided them.

For more, go to www.iwmf.org or submit applications to moc.aidemretniyarf@ofni. View the 2011 fellows' stories.