By Humairaa Mayet
You can start out as a reporter but it takes a lot to become a journalist. – Mohammed Ismail
Thursday’s #TributeToMuslimBroadcastersSA segment featured Mohammed ‘Batman’ Ismail who reflected on the career and life of Marhoom Ameen Akhalwaya.
Winner of lifetime human rights awards and anti-apartheid journalist, Akhalwaya was a veteran of the media world.
His career began during a time when South Africa’s media industry was dominated by the white minority which tended to stifle other voices. Although he had studied medicine overseas, “journalism was his forte” and he began writing about sports at the Rand Daily Mail.
Zaytoon, Akhalwaya’s daughter, submitted a heartfelt voice note which was played out during the tribute. Therein she expressed the love and admiration she has for her father; recalled him as witty, kind, and patriotic; and remembered him interviewing Muhammad Ali; as well as Nelson Mandela visiting Akhalwaya while he was “deathly ill.”
Ismail recollected the lessons he learned from his mentor, Akhalwaya – most importantly to look for an alternative angle because “there’s always a story.”
Advising young journalists, Ismail emphasised the need for alternative perspectives and the importance of being a trendsetter. The field is incredibly different from what is taught in university and journalism is “more than just theory.” Remembering his early days in the industry, he reflected on how far the journalistic profession has come – previously there was no social media or autocorrect and all research and production had to be done manually.
He explained the necessity of writing from the heart and always maintaining a political stance. He also advised budding journalists to learn from their mentors and read newspapers.
The #TributeToMuslimBroadcastersSA segment on Salaamedia is an exclusive Ramadan broadcast on our platform, inspired by the life and times of the late Ebrahim Gangat who was well known for his broadcasting talent.
Listen to the full interview here:
