Telkom Continues Supporting Highway Africa

Press Release

7 September 2009

The 13th Highway Africa Conference, 5-8 September 2009, Grahamstown, will be heralded by founding sponsor Telkom renewing and increasing its support for the conference.

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 around the continent, 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 this sponsorship will secure its position as a leading institution that facilitates the training of journalists from around the African continent.

“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 new sponsorship agreement is set to strengthen relations between the partners.  For thirteen years since the conference’s inception, Telkom has remained consistent in its support to ensure that the Highway Africa conference remains a success.

The signing ceremony will take place during a Telkom-sponsored lunch on Monday 7 September, at the Nelson Mandela Dining Hall at 13:30.

ENDS

For media related queries and to request interviews please contact:

Moagisi Letlhaku
Cell: +2782 295 1581 / Work:  +2746 603 7189  / e-mail:  m.letlhaku@ru.ac.za