Journalist, Johannesburg

Starting date: 2 March 2026

Deadline for applications: 1 February 2026

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Africa region

 

THE JOB

 

AFP, one of the world’s leading news agencies, is looking for a dynamic and motivated English-language reporter to join its Johannesburg bureau.

 

You will be part of a team of text, photo and video journalists covering South Africa, Angola, Botswana, the Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

 

We work on a variety of topics and formats. While breaking news remains AFP’s core priority, our clients are also eager for stories about economics, sports, social and environmental issues, as well as high-tech, health, and cultural coverage that enriches their perspective of the African continent.

 

You will need to demonstrate initiative and enterprise, identifying and pitching your own stories, and tracking developments across our 12 countries. 

 

Our journalists must comply with AFP's Editorial Standards and Best Practices, ensuring that content is accurate, unbiased and timely. 

 

You will organise your own monitoring of social networks, where your activity must comply with the rules laid down in AFP guidelines.

 

You should be prepared to travel when necessary, including to hostile environments, and also spend time in the office handling daily news and stringer copy from across the region.

 

You will contribute to the fight against disinformation by helping the network's fact-checking journalists and ensuring that you are trained in the main online verification tools and methods essential to journalistic practice.

 

You must be ready to work long days and flexible hours, including early mornings and late nights, as well as some weekends.

 

In an ever-changing media environment, the nature of the job could evolve in line with coverage demands and the requirements of an increasingly diverse client base, as well as shifting economic, commercial, or technical realities.

 

SKILLS REQUIRED

 

  • Dynamic English-speaking journalist with several years of experience in reporting and editing.
  • Good news judgement and an interest in writing breaking news as well as longer, original feature pieces.
  • Sound knowledge of regional politics, culture and economy.
  • A South African language besides English would be an advantage. Good French is also a plus.
  • An ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising accuracy and quality.
  • We are looking for a self-starter with initiative who can work in a tight-knit team.
  • You will be required to follow hostile environment training and any other training requested by AFP to update your professional skills. 

 

APPLICATIONS

 

Please send a CV and cover letter to recruit.johannesburg@afp.com

 

AFP is committed to equal opportunities and greater diversity within its teams. We therefore encourage all applications in order to preserve the wealth of profiles, cultures and languages that constitute the strength of our network.