Writing and storytelling are central to journalism, and South African journalism students undergo rigorous training to develop these skills, often with an emphasis on capturing diverse voices and social contexts. Despite this training, editors remain essential in refining content before publication. This study explores how ChatGPT can support South African journalists in enhancing their writing, particularly under the pressures of digital newsrooms that prioritise speed over linguistic accuracy. South African newsrooms face unique challenges, including resource constraints and shrinking editorial teams, making tools like ChatGPT increasingly relevant. With its ability to produce grammatically sound and coherent text, ChatGPT may assist journalists in meeting tight deadlines without compromising basic language quality. The study argues that integrating ChatGPT into newsroom workflows can free editors to focus on enriching content and narrative depth, rather than correcting mechanical errors. Using the framework of technological determinism and a qualitative methodology, this research analyses existing literature and case studies relevant to South African journalism. Provisional findings suggest that ChatGPT can enhance clarity and coherence in journalistic writing, particularly for early-career reporters and student journalists. However, concerns about over-reliance, potential erosion of journalistic voice, and ethical risks remain significant. Preliminary insights point to the importance of AI literacy in journalism education. Training programmes must equip future journalists to use AI tools like ChatGPT ethically and effectively, ensuring storytelling remains grounded in the country's complex social realities. This research offers a framework for integrating AI into South African journalism while maintaining editorial integrity and storytelling excellence.

Authors:
Cebisa Khwebulana, University of Zululand, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Miss Cebisa Khwebulana is currently a lecturer at the University of Zululand, and a PhD candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. My research is examining the conversations that Twitter-X users have under #Operation Dudula in South Africa in 2024

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