Communication Science

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    The role of SABC Television Locally Produced Programmes in transforming society through edutainment: A case study of Ulundi
    (University of Zululand, 2021) Mlaba, Mbuyiselo Bonani
    The study examined the role of SABC television’s locally produced programmes in transforming society through edutainment. The focus was on the possible influence of the role of SABC in converting societal behaviour through entertainment-education (edutainment) in locally produced TV programmes. The following theories were used to conceptualise this research: agenda-setting theory (AST) and technology acceptance model (TAM). The study explored the possible modification brought by watching television programmes aired by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) television. A mixed method research approach was employed to compare the attitude and social behaviour of TV viewers after watching the locally produced TV programmes on SABC 1, SABC 2 and SABC 3. It investigated the role of SABC locally produced programmes in changing society. A sample of 384 respondents and interviewees participated in the research. A self-administered questionnaire with open and close-ended questions was employed to extrapolate information from participants of this study. The study focused more on respondents that were located in the city of Heritage (Ulundi), KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. Simple random sampling was applied to select 384 viewers, and 20 interviews were conducted. The analysis and interpretation of the data embraced an exploration of evolving themes which formed the fundamental of the research findings. The findings suggest that moderated TV programmes are more educative, informative, and inspiring; they may be more effective than books or audiotapes when it comes to general teaching viewers about life. The study also reveals that most participants indicated that SABC television programmes lessons are positive though there are also negative lessons derived from them. The study further exposes that most of the characters become relevant to the audiences’ lifestyles. The findings show that most of the potential audiences of SABC television edutainment programmes from deep rural areas are media illiteracy. The recommendations were iv made to assist the elevation of the individuals and whole society as follows: minimising the broadcasting of criminal and sexual content on these locally produced programmes, as they promote crime and teenage pregnancy in the society; and give motivation to the production teams of the SABC TV programme-makers who are using local content. The redirection of foreign heritages that are dominating and eroding the local content, native heritages such as native languages, clothing and lifestyle of local societies.
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    The King Cetshwayo District Municipality’s Reputational Communication Management within its amalgamated municipalities
    (University of Zululand, 2020) Luthuli, Nwabisa
    The study examines how the King Cetshwayo district municipality managed its reputation after the 2016 local provincial elections where many municipalities were incorporated into one municipality. The purpose of the study is to analyse how new communication technologies aid municipalities in maintaining their reputation. Modern technologies are emerging and evolving rapidly; therefore, the study focuses on how these swift changes impact on society’s perspectives of municipal trends. Further, the study examines forces of change within the King Cetshwayo District Municipality as well as communication strategies which the merged municipality has in place to satisfy customer needs. The study also evaluates brand reputational management techniques used by the new municipality. The research strategy employed a triangulation of methodologies which included qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data was gathered using survey questionnaires and structured interviews, where the researcher personally interacted with the respondents. There has been a strong indication that communication in rural areas is still problematic. Respondents preferred the municipality to use innovative ways of communication which are associated with new communication technology. Respondents also indicated that municipalities should communicate effectively with the media and that they ought to incorporate integrated communication strategies to ensure that internal and external communication with key stakeholders is maintained. Recommendations included major improvement to communications which included the application of up to date communication technologies. Analysis of findings also stressed the need for improving transparency within the organisation.
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    The role of universities in embracing transformation brought about by Fourth Industrial Revolution. a case study of selected tertiary institutions in KwaZulu- Natal
    (University of Zululand, 2021) Uleanya, Mofoluwake Oluwadanilola
    The study examined the role of universities in embracing transformations brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The level of awareness that students have on digital learning were examined, as well as the plans put in place by policymakers to transform the curriculum for digital learners. The study further examined how the syllabi are restructured for relevance in the 4IR. Literature reviews within this study focused on factors hindering the universities in equipping students for e-learning. Because of the literature review, the blend of the AIDA, as well as the Shannon and Weaver models, were used to design a model which was adopted for this study. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in this study. Random and Purposive sampling was used respectively in selecting both students and staff members from the University of Zululand and the Durban University of Technology who participated in this study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires and interviews respectively. The collected quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0, while the qualitative data was presented using tables containing the responses of respondents. The findings of the study established the similarities and differences between the two selected institutions of higher learning in terms of their level of awareness on digital learning, plans made by policymakers, restructuring of the syllabi as well as factors hindering the use of e-learning. The findings of the study show that the adoption of digital learning is already in progress. However, the analysed data and responses of participants also indicate that some are still unprepared, thus, more awareness needs to be created for students to assist them in acquiring the necessary digital skills. Finally, the study provides recommendations in areas that need more attention following the findings of the study. The limitations of the study are also indicated, thereafter suggestions for further studies.
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    Innovative communication protocols for teaching in rural secondary schools
    (University of Zululand, 2018) Madida, Minenhle S.; Naidoo, G.M.; Rugbeer, H.
    The enhancement of the quality of education through the digitisation of the learning systems is a national priority in South Africa and beyond. Some academic institutions, both basic and higher level, have responded to this by adopting the use of ICT in their practice. However, the enormous digital divide between urban and rural areas has escalated with its negative effect on the schools. Most rural schools remain underdeveloped with a huge deficit in teaching and learning resources, while technological progressions continue at an unprecedented speed. These advancements in technology come with drastic changes in all spheres of life, particularly in the labour market. Thus, the need for preparing high school learners with relevant skills for the future, which mostly relies on ICT capabilities. This study, therefore, focuses on how the use of ICT in a rural classroom can help bring the learners to speed with the digital revolutions we are witnessing. The study adopts the Technology Acceptance Model as well as the Interactive Model to propose plausible solutions. The data were collected from 121 rural secondary school teachers in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality. The findings of the study revealed that the lack of ICT skills among teachers, and insufficient resources to support classroom experiences are key barriers to the effective use of innovative communication protocols, which include ICT in the rural classroom. This has policy implications for the department of higher education in terms of human resource development and the provision of appropriate logistics.
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    The roles of parents and teachers in the education of learners: a case study of Mandlenkosi Secondary School , Lindelani Area
    (University of Zululand, 2018) Jiyana, Siphelele
    The intention of this research is to define and bring about an integrated role between the triple society components into sustainable education development, and in respect to producing learners who are self-disciplined, self-dependent, skilled, employable and qualifying for higher education. The study investigates communication impact, attitudes and, teaching and learning space between teachers and parents’ involvement from a shared role and a shared partnership necessarily to advance learners basic needs. Hence, this cooperative role is the extension of communication between parents and teachers. Reystek (1999: 111) in Mpofana (2004) observed that parents in black communities disregard their mission of being part of the education of their children. However, the South African Schools Act (Act. No. 84 of 1996) (SASA) suggests that parents must accept the co-responsibility of their involvement. It is on this premise that this research work is designed to investigate into the state of the unknown. The study depicts the understandings and perceptions of Mandlenkosi Secondary School learners at eThekwini North district; a district predominantly black people. The District proves to be associated with an area called Lindelani, an informal settlement which is challenged by socioeconomic transformation. This is in consonance with what Legotlo (2002) who posits that poor and uneducated parents have a tendency to be unenthusiastic towards getting involved in their children school activities because they feel inferior to the highly educated, knowledgeable and rich teachers. In any case this is true. This evidently demonstrates a potential lack of parental involvement in school matters, in as much as teachers are adequately present but there is a vulnerable gap as far as morals and attitude are concern. The theory of overlapping spheres of influence that discusses the mutual interests and influence, policies and practices of all stakeholders’ interaction, family creation and schools can help the learners to become more successful in education by Epstein (2001:15) was employed by the researcher to account for this phenomenon. In order to accomplish the objectives of the study, a mixed research method was used and the main data collection instruments used, were interviews and questionnaires. From a quantitative process, a descriptive research method was applied, of which the study focused on a group of 30 learners studying at Mandlenkosi Secondary School, 10 parents of learners that study at Mandlenkosi Secondary School; and 10 teachers that teach as Mandlenkosi. The present study also made use of a qualitative design to describe the attitudes of the learners, parents and teachers. On a qualitative process, an in-depth interview was done, by the researcher through putting to gather, organizing and interpreting information. In addition, a dominant language like the mother tongue, that is, isiZulu was used to interpret questionnaires as they were written in English. The study findings revealed that there is lack of effective communication from school to parents, and as a result, communication needs to be disseminated in a more proficient and receptive manner. The study also indicated that the performance level between a child with both parents and child with single parents is not the same. In conclusion, the study revealed that there needs to be a social worker or rather an educational psychologist that is always available on the school premises, whose role is to address learner’s behaviour modification, as well as addressing the issues of poverty and entry level [Grade 8] career guidance to learners. In summary, this study concludes that it is appropriate to reward and acknowledge teachers and learner’s performance by using annual awarding programs in order for learners and teachers to be kept motivated, appreciated and recognized.
University of Zululand