Veteran Sowetan Limpopo bureau journalist Elijar Mushiana was elected as the fourth chairperson of the Vhembe Journalist Forum last week.

In his acceptance speech, Mushiana made it clear that this year is a year of action and not just sweet talk. He said the forum was faced with a task of uniting all journalists in Limpopo and also hooking up with other stakeholders. “The time for talk has come and gone. We have to stand up and work towards bettering the working environment for journalists, while at the same time forging links with other stakeholders. This can only be achieved if we all stand up and do our best,” he said.

He said journalists had a big role in changing society and should be prepared to pay the ultimate price in bettering the lives of others who were less fortunate. He urged fellow journalists not to fear reporting as they are the eyes and ears of the community.

“Our journalists lack the necessary skills, which leads to some of them resorting to shoddy reporting. Workshops are the only solution and we are going to have many of them this year,” he said.

He said the forum would also organize competitions that would encourage competitiveness in writing, thus improving the quality of writing.

The newly elected committee is as follows: Elijar Mushiana (chairperson), Ms Cynthia Magoro (deputy-chairperson), Zwikhodo Netshituni (treasurer), Kaizer Nengovhela (organizer), Billy Mamantsharaga (deputy-organizer), Matodzi Ralushai (secretary), Frank Mavhungu (deputy-secretary) and Justice Mphaphuli, Oscar Mudau and Mashudu Mabidi, the three additional members.

The function was catered for by three Limpopo business personalities, Mr Amie Chayya of Louis Trichardt, Mr Sheth Babu of Thohoyandou Camera House and Mr Abdullah Patel of Thohoyandou Spare City.