Main Purpose of the Role:

The Multimedia Journalist: Consumer serves as Daily Sun's specialised champion for consumer rights and protection, creating compelling multimedia content that exposes consumer scams, investigates corporate misconduct, and empowers readers with knowledge to protect themselves from exploitation. This role combines investigative journalism expertise with digital storytelling to position Daily Sun's SunDefender initiative as the trusted voice for consumer advocacy, helping communities navigate complex consumer challenges while holding businesses accountable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth investigations into consumer scams, fraudulent business practices, and corporate misconduct affecting Daily Sun's readership
• Research and expose deceptive advertising, pricing manipulation, and unfair business practices across various industries
• Investigate complaints from readers about poor service delivery, faulty products, and unresolved consumer disputes
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies, consumer protection agencies, and legal experts to verify facts and understand consumer rights
• Develop source networks within consumer advocacy groups, regulatory organizations, and industry whistleblowers
• Create compelling articles, video content, podcast, infographics, and social media posts that explain complex consumer issues in accessible language
• Develop educational content that helps readers identify and avoid common scams and exploitative practices
• Produce investigative documentary-style video content exposing corporate wrongdoing and consumer violations
• Create step-by-step guides and interactive content showing consumers how to file complaints, seek redress, and protect their rights
• Design visual content including comparison charts, pricing analysis, and warning alerts for consumer protection
• Act as Daily Sun's consumer ombudsman, helping readers resolve disputes with businesses and service providers
• Coordinate SunDefender consumer clinics and community events where readers can receive advice on consumer rights
• Build relationships with consumer protection organizations, legal aid clinics, and regulatory bodies to support reader advocacy
• Follow up on published investigations to ensure businesses address identified problems and implement corrective measures
• Maintain databases of consumer complaints, resolution outcomes, and business response patterns
• Analyze consumer complaint trends, pricing data, and market practices to identify emerging threats to consumer welfare
• Conduct comparative analysis of products, services, and pricing to inform consumer decision-making
• Research regulatory changes, new legislation, and industry developments that impact consumer rights
• Utilize data journalism techniques to uncover patterns in consumer exploitation and business misconduct
• Monitor international consumer protection trends and best practices applicable to the South African context
• Work closely with Daily Sun's legal team to ensure all consumer investigations meet journalistic standards and legal requirements
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies such as the Competition Commission, Financial Services Conduct Authority, and Consumer Commission
• Verify legal claims and consumer rights before publication to ensure accuracy and avoid potential litigation
• Build relationships with consumer law attorneys and legal aid organizations to support reader advocacy efforts
• Stay current on consumer protection legislation, regulations, and legal precedents affecting consumer rights

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Comprehensive understanding of South African consumer protection legislation including Consumer Protection Act, Competition Act, and Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act
• Strong research and fact-checking skills with ability to verify complex financial and legal information
• Advanced interviewing skills for dealing with both consumer victims and business representatives
• Knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques for investigating pricing trends and market practices
• Understanding of business operations, financial statements, and corporate governance principles
• Familiarity with digital investigation techniques including online research, social media analysis, and document verification
• Strong sense of social justice and commitment to consumer protection and advocacy
• Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex topics to diverse audiences
• Persistence and resilience when investigating resistant businesses or complex regulatory issues
• High ethical standards and understanding of journalistic integrity in investigative work
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of consumer challenges facing Daily Sun's diverse readership

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Law, Economics, or related field with focus on consumer affairs or investigative journalism
• Understanding of multimedia content creation including writing, video production, and digital storytelling
• Knowledge of South African consumer protection laws and regulatory framework
• Minimum 3-5 years experience in journalism with demonstrated focus on investigative reporting or consumer affairs
• Proven track record of conducting investigations that resulted in business accountability or regulatory action
• Experience in multimedia content creation across digital platforms including social media, video, and interactive content
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders including regulators, legal experts, and consumer advocates
• Experience working with consumer protection organisations or regulatory bodies
• Training in mediation or conflict resolution
• Knowledge of additional South African languages relevant to consumer advocacy
• Knowledge of data analysis software for investigating pricing trends and market patterns
• Understanding of legal research databases and regulatory information systems
• Basic understanding of financial analysis and business accounting principles
• Investigative research skills including source development, document analysis, and fact
• Knowledge of common consumer scams, fraudulent business practices, and exploitation tactics
• Ability to translate legal and regulatory language into accessible consumer education content
• Skills in building trust with vulnerable consumers while maintaining journalistic objectivity
• Understanding of business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and stakeholder engagement principles

Given the employment equity policy of Media24, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups