Power Reporting 2011. The African Investigative Journalism Conference. In his opening words, Prof. Tawana Kupe, the dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand said “the true defenders of democracy are journalists, in this case investigative journalists”. Kupe describe the past Power Reporting Conferences as a platform where young journalists equip themselves with new skills. “This is the place where you journalists can network among yourselves, so feel free to make new friends” added Kupe in a slow and sugary voice. This year Wits ship-in speakers as far as China, US and UK, making it more than an African conference. Closer to home they had speakers from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Nairobi. Amongst the heavy weights it was The New York Times’ investigative reporter, Ron Nixon. Ron, as they call him, has taught investigative techniques and computer-assisted reporting to journalist across the world. The award winning journalist and special correspondent, Felicity Lawrence, had delivered a presentation on food in Africa. On the African side, it was Nigerian journalist, Eric Mwamba, whom is famous for investigating the trafficking of young footballers in his home country. For all the South African delegates, it was not difficult to miss The Sunday Times’ Mzilikazi wa Afrika. He has uncovered and exposed a number of dodgy deals and corrupt politicians including the government’s controversial arms deal story that landed former ANC chief whip Tony Yengeni in jail. What was on every speaker’s lips was “follow the money-follow the money”. They had advised journalist to investigate who is getting the money, where the money comes from, amongst other things. Topics that were tackled arranged from climate change, mapping news, business and finance, lobbying for oil, China in Africa, the state vs investigative journalism, to mention a hand full. Young and upcoming future journalists from various universities in South Africa gain more inside from the masters themselves. Representing the University of the Free State was Teboho Ntsepe, Irawa’s cartoonist, top student More Tshidiso and Kovsie FM senior journalist Zonela Mkhumbeni. The three were awarded a fully paid bursary from Wits. At the end every signal delegate was awarded with a certificate of attendance. Ending this years’ Power Reporting Conference, was Sunday Times editor, Ray Hartley, who spoke about the ongoing battle between the state and investigative journalism. When asked who is winning, Hartley proudly said “we are!”