GroundUp shines spotlight on champion child.
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) is pleased to award a GLAD[1] of the week to GroundUp for the article titled “QwaQwa 12-year-old wins international dance championship” published on 06/08/2024.
The article, written by Tladi Moloi, reports on 12-year-old Thato Mkwanazi from Phuthaditjhaba, Free State province who excelled at the World Dance Masters line championship in England, winning the top Junior Solo prize.
According to the article, Moloi, who is completing grade 6 at Witsieshoek primary school “won the event a week ago at the Winter Garden Ballroom in Blackpool. He also won third prize in the Country Classic Team competition.”
Moreover, Moloi is quoted in the article as having said “I couldn’t believe it when I heard my name being called in that big hall,” he said. “That was the best moment of my life. It was the first time I competed at the world championships. Sharing the stage with other dances from across the world was the best feeling. I was not afraid because I told myself that I just had to do what I had been doing best,” he continued. It is crucial to interview children to ensure their voices are heard. According to the 2024 MMAs Children’s Report, only 7% of children were consulted for their views in 2023[2].
This ethical way of reporting by the GroundUp is commendable as it not only highlights and centres a positive, affirming moment in a child’s life, it goes on to further include the views of the child in question and included pictures of the child with their accolades. This is outlined and encouraged by the Editorial guidelines and Principles on Reporting on Children[3] in the Media developed by MMA with input from children, journalists and African Editors Forum
It is for this exemplary journalistic practice that MMA awards GroundUp a GLAD of the week. MMA encourages the GroundUp to continue adhering to ethical and high standards of reporting, especially when dealing with children.
Written By Azola Dayile.
Edited by Ntombifuthi Kubeka
[1] GLADs are awarded to media for reporting on children responsibly and for accessing them.
[2] https://www.mediamonitoringafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-Childrens-Report.pdf
[3] Editorial Guidelines and Principles on Reporting on Children.