Telkom increases sponsorship of Highway Africa

7 Sep 2009

Founding sponsor of the Highway Africa conference, Telkom, will be renewing and increasing its sponsorship at the 2009 event, 5 - 8 September 2009, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A new three-year sponsorship agreement will be formalised at the signing ceremony between Rhodes University and Telkom.

The new agreement will, inter alia, cover the travel and accommodations of selected delegates, journalists and journalism educators, from Africa, to attend the conference.

“Corporate South Africa has really taken ownership of this conference and Telkom has led by example over a 13 year period. This support shows that win-win partnerships can be created between the private sector, media and academia,” said Chris Kabwato, Highway Africa director.

Highway Africa is a project of Rhodes University's School of Journalism and Media Studies, and the sponsorship will secure its position as a leading institution that facilitates the training of journalists from Africa.

“Telkom was the first sponsor of Highway Africa, and have stayed the course over the years. They recognise the value of good journalism as a factor in promoting the African information society, where internet - enabled by telecommunications - promotes democracy and development through effective communication around the continent and with the world,” stated Guy Berger, Head of School of Journalism and Media Studies.

The signing ceremony will take place during a Telkom-sponsored lunch today, Monday, 7 September 2009, at the Nelson Mandela Dining Hall at 1.30pm.

To follow the proceedings at Highway Africa 09, go to the Friends of Highway Africa Facebook group, view the Highway Africa blog, follow Highway Africa on Twitter at HighwayAfrica09 and on Twitter Search at DCI09 and HA09, or go to www.highwayafrica.com.