Old Mutual Group is putting its weight behind the next generation of South African business journalists with the launch of the Business Journalism Exchange, a new cohort-based programme designed to sharpen the skills, confidence and networks of emerging financial journalists.
The pilot programme will run over three sessions starting 01 July 2026, bringing together emerging journalists with seasoned editors and industry leaders for practical, hands-on engagement on business and financial reporting. For Old Mutual, the Business Journalism Exchange is aimed squarely at strengthening the pipeline of skilled journalists covering business, markets and the economy.
Celiwe Ross, Group Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer at Old Mutual says quality business journalism is essential to a healthy economy and an informed public.
“Many young journalists are expected to cover complex financial topics without ever having had structured exposure to how the industry actually works. The Business Journalism Exchange is our way of closing that gap – not by inserting ourselves into the story, but by creating the space for experienced editors to pass on what they know to the journalists who will shape the next chapter of financial reporting in South Africa,” Ross says.
Each cohort will take part in three structured sessions, covering the fundamentals of business journalism, financial reporting, and how stories translate across print, radio and television. Sessions will be facilitated by some of South Africa’s most seasoned senior editors and journalists, with Old Mutual playing the role of convenor and enabler rather than headline voice.
“This programme is about investing in the broader media ecosystem not just our own coverage. We want journalists to leave more confident, more informed and better equipped, because that ultimately benefits everyone who relies on credible, insightful reporting to understand the economy,” adds Ross.