A 12-day hybrid course for journalists, content creators and citizen reporters who want to tell the truth accurately, ethically — and safely. Learn how to investigate, verify, and publish without being silenced or sued.
Learn the verification, sourcing and documentation habits that make a story stand up — to editors, to readers, and to the people it holds to account.
Right of reply, fairness, protecting sources, and the principles that separate accountability journalism from rumour and reputational attack.
Understand the legal lines — defamation, privacy, POPIA — and how to publish hard truths while staying on the right side of the law.
What public-interest reporting is, why it matters, and the standards that hold it up.
Sources, documents, data and the discipline of verification before you publish.
Following the paper trail, reading official records, and building a story that stands up.
Defamation, privacy, POPIA and access to information — the legal terrain, in plain language.
Protecting sources, giving subjects a fair hearing, and handling pressure with integrity.
Writing the piece, standing behind it, and what to do when the pushback comes.
Full detailed syllabus shared with enrolled participants. Content may be adjusted to suit each cohort.
Group and newsroom rates available on request. Payment confirms your place once your enquiry is accepted.
Tell us a little about yourself and which format you'd prefer. We'll be in touch with the next available dates and how to confirm your seat.
Prefer email? Write to editorial@publicdispatch.co.za with “Report Without Fear” in the subject line.
Cohorts open periodically. Send an enquiry and we'll tell you the next available dates and reserve a place for you while you decide.
No. The course is built for a mix of people — from complete beginners to working journalists. The early days cover the foundations so everyone starts on solid ground.
You enquire first, free of charge. Once your enquiry is accepted and you've chosen your format and dates, we'll send you a secure way to pay and confirm your seat.
The virtual course runs live online so you can join from anywhere. The in-person course, held in Pretoria, adds hands-on small-group work and direct mentorship. The curriculum is the same.
Yes — participants who complete the course receive a certificate from The Public Dispatch, published under Seven Doors NPC.