Internship news: Sip Media Solutions and the University of Cape Town

In November 2023, we connected with Ron Irwin from the University of Cape Town, and arranged an internship partnership with them.

Shameeka Voyiya completed a successful internship, writing bespoke content for SABCSport.com, which keeps South African sports fans informed and entertained with breaking news, live sport and magazine shows.

She then became a paid freelance writer for the Partner Media division of Planet Sport, writing content on a weekly basis for clients - so it’s fair to say that worked out well.

Our second internship was completed by Noah Ngcobo, who worked from 11am-4pm every Wednesday through March, April and May.

Noah created original content for PlanetSport.com, our good friends BegasVaby.com and then finally our new brand SportsNewsBlitz.com, so he had a varied experience in grew in confidence as each week went by.

At the end of Noah’s internship, he had to write a detailed overview of what he had learnt from his time with Simon Wilkes and Sip Media Solutions, and here’s what he had to say:

“In the ever-evolving environment of digital media, internships provide vital insights into industry practices and emerging developments (Side and Mrvica, 2017).

“My three-month internship as a sports journalist and writer, which included writing for companies such as Planet Sport, the UK's leading independent sports media company, was a valuable learning experience.

“My internship lasted from March 6, 2024, to May 29, 2024, and I had the opportunity to write for three different websites, which allowed me to diversify my knowledge and understanding of the sports media landscape.

“The internship was divided into three parts: six weeks at Planet Sport, two weeks at BegasVaby.com, and three weeks at Sports News Blitz under Sip Media Solutions.

“Each area offered unique insights and difficulties, resulting in a well-rounded perspective on the industry.

“During my three-month internship, I worked with Simon Wilkes, the Head of Content and Digital Project Manager at Planet Sport Group, as well as the Managing Director of Sip Media Solutions.

“Overall, this internship provided a comprehensive overview of the sports media industry, ranging from general sports coverage to specialist analysis and breaking news reporting.”

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Noah added: “My internship required a weekly commitment of five hours, specifically from 11 am to 4 pm every Wednesday.

“This schedule provided a structured yet flexible framework that allowed me to balance my academic responsibilities with the practical experience of working in the sports media industry.

“The primary objectives outlined for my internship were designed to ensure comprehensive exposure to various facets of sports journalism and digital media.

“One of the primary responsibilities was to create original content across several sporting disciplines, such as football, UFC, boxing, and rugby union.

“This task would require extensive research to gather accurate and relevant information. I learned how to source information from reliable databases, sports journals, and live updates, which was essential for writing detailed features and analyses.

“To create lists and rankings, I would need to develop evaluation criteria and methodologies to ensure objectivity and credibility in my articles.

“The process of researching and writing original sports features consisted of several stages, beginning with topic selection.

“Identifying trending topics and understanding the audience's interests were critical in selecting subjects that would engage readers.

“Once the topic was determined, extensive research was carried out using a variety of sources, including sports databases, official team websites, player interviews, and statistical analysis.

“To make the content both informative and engaging, the features were written using a combination of factual reporting and creative storytelling.

“Lists and rankings were especially challenging because they required a well-defined methodology to ensure fairness and accuracy.”

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“Adhering to strict deadlines was a fundamental aspect of my internship. Each Wednesday, I was required to submit finished articles to Simon, the head of content, by 4pm.

“This practice was instrumental in developing time management skills and understanding the value of punctuality in journalism.

“Working within these time constraints taught me how to prioritise tasks, work efficiently, and maintain high standards of quality under pressure.

“The discipline of meeting deadlines is crucial in the fast-paced media industry, where timely delivery of content can significantly impact readership and engagement.

“Working to strict deadlines was an invaluable experience that mirrored the realities of the journalism profession.

“Each week, I had to plan my research, writing, and editing processes meticulously to ensure timely submission.

“This experience emphasised the importance of efficiency and the ability to produce high-quality work under time constraints.

“I developed strategies to streamline my workflow, such as creating outlines before writing, setting mini deadlines for different stages of the article, and allowing time for revisions based on feedback.

“Throughout the internship, I received continuous guidance and constructive feedback from Simon.

“This mentorship was vital for my professional growth, as it provided insights into improving my writing style, structure, and content accuracy.

“The feedback sessions were collaborative, allowing me to ask questions and seek clarifications, which enhanced my understanding of journalistic practices.

“This iterative process of writing, reviewing, and revising helped refine my skills and produced polished, publication-ready articles.

“The mentorship provided by Simon was a cornerstone of my learning experience. Regular feedback sessions helped identify areas for improvement and reinforced best practices in sports journalism.

“Constructive criticism on my writing style, structure, and content accuracy helped me grow as a writer. I also learned to incorporate feedback effectively, making iterative improvements to my articles.

“This process not only enhanced the quality of my work but also built my confidence in producing professional-level content.”

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