THOHOYANDOU – The Far North Media Association (FNMA) was officially launched during a glittering function held at the Vevisa Lodge last Friday. Several local media practitioners were present during the event.

The chairperson is Mr Ndivhuwo Musetha, correspondent of Mirror and City Press and Maanda Ntsandeni-Maumela, a freelance reporter at Jacaranda FM 94.2 radio station is Musetha's deputy.

The secretary is Mrs Mercy Makhwanthana, the editor of Fountain newspaper. Vhengani Livhuwani of Phalaphala FM was nominated as the vice-secretary while Mirror and Capricorn Voice correspondent, Godfrey Mandiwana was chosen as the treasurer.

Thilivhali 'The Big T' Muavha of Univen radio is the PRO of the organisation. His assistant is Russell Nkwinika also of Univen radio. Mathode 'Tshizhozhi tsha vho Josephine na vho- Jackson' Mathode of Univen radio was elected the marketing officer of FNMA and his deputy is Freddy 'Wonder Juniper' Mudau of Phalaphala FM.

FNMA is a non-governmental organisation and its main aim is to make sure that media practitioners are performing their job in the right way.

According to Musetha, "we are going to arrange training and workshops for all media practitioners according to their needs. We will raise funds so that our journalists will be trained so that they can play a watch-dog role in the right way." He added that there are many freelancers in the area, "which means many of them cannot access training opportunities".

"For this democracy to succeed, we need a balanced and fair reporting which in turn needs good skills from journalists who must act as ears, eyes and voices of the people. Government also need good support from the media to make delivery in this area," said Musetha while adding that there will also be meetings between the association, community and other structures to establish a good working relationship.

Mr Thiofhi Ratshitanga, the communication practitioner at Eskom rendered a word of encouragement. He stated that he is thankful that local reporters undertook the initiative.

The other special guests at the function were a representative of the Independent Electoral Commission and a delegate of the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Project. Barry Ramunenyiwa of Vevisa Lodge sponsored the venue and meals.