Muringa, TigereAdjin-Tettey, Theodora Dame2025-09-182025-09-182025-7-23Muringa, T., and Adjin-Tettey, T.D. 2025. Assessing the responsiveness of journalism curricula to the labor market needs in South Africa : a systematic review. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator. : 1-22. doi:10.1177/107769582513563722161-4326https://hdl.handle.net/10321/6222Through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this study evaluates the responsiveness of journalism curricula in South Africa to the evolving needs of the industry. Forty-six reviewed studies literature were retrieved for analysis. Findings indicate that while some institutions have incorporated digital media skills, critical thinking and ethics into their curricula, significant gaps remain in multimedia storytelling, data journalism, media entrepreneurship and AI tools in newsrooms. Furthermore, there is limited emphasis on practical work-integrated learning (WIL), leaving graduates underprepared for the fast-paced and highly competitive journalism labor market. The study recommends curriculum reforms that emphasize practical skills, industry partnerships and adaptability24 penAttribution 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/1903 Journalism and Professional Writing2001 Communication and Media Studies3602 Creative and professional writing4701 Communication and media studiesCore skillsCurriculumEmploymentJournalism and mass communication educationSkillsArticle10.1177/10776958251356372