Op-ed writing course for postgrad students at MLiA
In January 2025, Brendon Bosworth ran a three-week op-ed writing course for postgraduate students at the South African Research Chair: Mineral Law in Africa (MLiA). MLiA is based at the University of Cape Town and chaired by Professor Hanri Mostert.
The training focused on writing and pitching op-eds to news publications. Participants learned the fundamentals of writing for the media (e.g., considering the news angle of their articles) and were coached through the process of writing an op-ed, from the idea phase all the way to pitching to the media.
For the practical component, students wrote an op-ed on a topic of their choice.
Brendon facilitated a group writing session, guiding the students through the early stages of writing their op-ed drafts in a calm and supportive space. (Read more about how these facilitated writing sessions work here.)
Brendon provided editorial feedback on the op-eds, helping participants to strengthen their drafts.
The students will publish their op-eds on the MLiA blog, increasing visibility and public engagement.
This was the fourth training for MLiA. Previous participants have published their op-eds in publications such as the Daily Maverick.
What we did in the training
Ran a three-week training using online lessons and facilitated in-person sessions focused on writing for the media and blogging, tailored with examples from mining and mineral law.
Facilitated an op-ed writing session, creating a supportive and focused space for writing.
Guided participants through the op-ed writing process, from pitching their op-ed ideas to writing their first drafts.
Provided thorough and supportive editorial feedback on draft op-eds to strengthen the quality of writing.
Taught participants how to write a pitch letter to an editor.
Trained participants on communication strategy.