Media Department academic, Dr Sisanda Nkoala, has been appointed to serve on the Appeals Tribunal of the Film and Publication Board (FPB).

The FPB is a content-classification and regulation authority in South Africa, operating under the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. The Board's function is to receive complaints or applications to evaluate a film or publication, to classify it according to its suitability for different audiences. These publications include movies, television programmes, computer games and music.

“The Appeals Tribunal, which I have been appointed to, is a structure of the FPB. Its broad mandate is to hear appeals against classification decisions made by the classification committees in respect of publications, films and games. Members of the Tribunal are appointed for a period of five years and serve on a part-basis by the Minister of Communications," said Nkoala.

The Tribunal determines whether, on the merits, the correct decision has been made by a classification committee. It is required by the Act to be independent and to carry out its functions without any bias.”

Nkoala was nominated by a member of the public who was aware of the kind of work she does as an academic.

“To this role I bring my expertise in media law, being a lecturer in this regard. I also draw on my work as a media scholar whose work focuses on the rhetoric and discourse of media texts,” she said.

“I am very excited and humbled by the appointment because the work of the tribunal is very important when it comes to protecting the public from harmful media content while at the same time empowering people through robust information sharing. In the digital age, where anyone can be a content creator and freely distribute material through online platforms, the work of the FPB is even more needed. “

One of Nkoala’s recent highlights was being invited by GIZ DataCipation project, a pilot working at the nexus between digital innovation and citizen engagement, to train the first ever cohort of African Union Media Fellows in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. The AU Media Fellowship equips African journalists and content creators to tackle challenges and opportunities of digital journalism.

“The organisers invited me to train the fellows after they came across an article based on a book chapter I wrote on how African newspapers are sometimes complicit in advancing an anti-African narrative when it comes to their news reports on health matters. This was another opportunity for me to draw on some of the findings of the work I am doing in my research.”

Another recent highlight was participating in the first meeting of the African Journalism Educators Network in Johannesburg, where journalism educators from around the continent gathered for a one-day symposium to discuss potential areas of collaboration to take journalism education in Africa to new heights. The network is spearheaded by Wits Journalism's Prof Franz Kruger, and Nkoala is a member of the steering committee.

“I was invited to present based on my ongoing research on multilingual education in journalism studies. I had the privilege of talking about my project on using the Early South African Black Press as a tool for a decolonial and multilingual journalism curriculum,” she said.

“I count it a real privilege to do research that does not primarily live in journal articles and book chapters only but finds expression in speaking to real-world problems that are facing media. It is particularly meaningful that the work has found resonance to the extent that I am being invited to address the very problems I identify in my different studies. With the FPB I look at issues of content with the AU Media Fellowship I had the opportunity to train journalists and content creators, and with the African Journalism Educators Network, I have the chance to come together with other educators to deliberate on how we can make a meaningful change at the level of the curriculum.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Women in the Faculty of Informatics and Design were inspired to unleash their greatness during a recent luncheon.

The event included poetry and music performances and a keynote address by well-known business and human capital strategist, Thandi J Mabena, who spoke about resilience and unity.

Dr Sisanda Nkoala, the Faculty’s Language and Transformation Coordinator, welcomed the attendees and said: “Today is really about celebrating you and your contribution to the faculty”.

Dean of the Faculty, Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, said it was a very special day for the Faculty.

“Unleashing greatness is not something you do in one day. It’s a journey that marks the steps of your success.”

She remembered the women who suffered for the country’s liberation.

“One thing that they had in common was that they were speaking the same voice. They had one vision and one mission. Their one mission was to liberate women in our country.”

She said those women understood the importance of women in a community.

“If we can adopt the solidarity spirit that these women had adopted, for them to be able to cheer each other and making sure that they are actually contributing into the country’s economy and the country’s well-being, we can walk together as one voice as FID and we will make a difference in our university.

She encouraged the women to be change agents.

Mabena, who is also a part-time lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch Business School and an accredited Gallup Strengths Coach with the International Coaching Federation, spoke about resilience and unity.

She said women in academia face several challenges including the multiple roles and responsibilities that they have as well as safety in the workplace.

Mabena encouraged the women to “keep your vision”, even when things were difficult and to start looking after each other.

“When we make mistakes and we fall, learn from your mistakes and avoid self-pity.”

She continued: “Commit to Excellence all the time. Give your best at times. This will train the world to give you the best.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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A talented journalism student is proving to be a rising star in the industry, claiming a spot among the finalists of the prestigious Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards.

Advanced Diploma student Samane Junior Marks, and award-winning Daily Maverick journalist and CPUT alumna, Suné Payne, are finalists in the category Community Service Reporting.

They earned this recognition for their story: Divided and riven with discontent — a deep dive, which was published in the Daily Maverick last year.

Samane said he was humbled and grateful for the opportunities that have shaped his journey thus far. He graduated with his Journalism Diploma in April.

“My pursuit of knowledge and dedication is a testament of God’s grace.”

He acknowledged CPUT for playing a significant role in shaping his career and for the mentorship he received from academics in the Media Department.

“In academia, I was fortunate to have been mentored by two distinguished scholars who significantly shaped my character and approach to journalism. Dr Sisanda Nkoala, a published Media Studies Professor at the University of the Western Cape, formerly a Media and Design Lecturer, taught valuable practical skills that have been instrumental in my growth as a journalist. Her expertise and guidance have had a lasting impact on my professional growth.

“I also had the privilege of being taught by Dr Trust Matsilele, a renowned scholar and former politics lecturer, now a senior lecturer at Birmingham City University in the UK. He instilled in me an essential skill to navigate the industry, to have character and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Payne, who hails from Delft, mentored Samane last year, and said it was an honour to be a finalist for such a prestigious award - “especially since it is with Samane, who is a promising journalist”.

She said she had originally wanted to study politics and saw that CPUT’s Journalism programme offered politics during the three-year programme.

“During my time studying, I was lucky enough to visit Parliament (which is down the street from our Roeland Campus building) and get an understanding of the world I was getting into. It was a great experience for me and CPUT’s Journalism Department was such a friendly and welcoming space for a budding journalist.”

She said her colleagues at the Daily Maverick have served as her mentors.

“Growing up, I used to love watching Special Assignment and Fokus - so I count incredible journalists such as Lynette Francis and Hazel Friedman as influences.”

Samane said his debut year in the industry was a hands-on, challenging experience “with an absolute drive for defending the truth”.

“I was working alongside, a talented team of seasoned journalists like Suné Payne, Velani Ludidi, Vincent Cruywagen, Caryn Dolley, and a driven editorial desk of Maverick News Department, led by the remarkable Janet Heard, who is passionate about telling impactful stories with substance. Those are industry influencers who continue to shine a light on my career. They played a significant role in shaping my career trajectory thus far. The entire Daily Maverick team has been helpful in refining my journalistic skills, fostering a keen news sense, and emphasising the importance of ethical reporting practices.“

While pursuing his advanced diploma at CPUT, Samane continues to work with Daily Maverick as a freelance court and crime reporter.

Apart from academics and his work schedule, he is passionate about football.

“I’ve had a remarkable run in the CPUT Res League, finishing third in the previous two seasons.”

The winners of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards will be announced on 20 July 2024.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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