MINUTES OF THE SACOMM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2024
STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY
WEDNESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2024
CHAIRS:
President: Prof Mehita Iqani
Deputy President: Prof Sisanda Nkoala
AGENDA
- HOUSEKEEPING 1.1 Opening and welcome
- 1.2 Confirmation of the agenda
- 1.3 Matters arising from the previous AGM 2023
Prof Mehita Iqani opened the meeting at 13:45 and welcomed everyone present. A total of 22 members signed the presentation list.
The agenda was confirmed and accepted by all members present.
Point 1.4 Academic journals
It was mentioned that academic journals should get more involved with the activities of SACOMM and the conference proceedings should be widely published. Academic journals should also be showcased and exhibited at the annual conferences. A call for paper reviewers were made.
Although efforts were made to get Academic journals present at the conference, it was not successful.
Point 1.5 Auditing of SACOMM statements
Auditors are appointed and the SACOMM statements are audited annually. SACOMM is in the process of getting TAX registered and then TAX exempted to get all formal documents in order.
Application for VAT and TAX exemption was successful at SARS. Await the final TAX and VAT exemption certificate from SARS.
- INTEREST GROUP FEEDBACK 2.1 Media studies and journalism
Dr Marenet Jordaan
Stellenbosch University
The stream presented an online engaging meeting on violence against female journalists with SANEF as working group. The aim of the stream is to collaborate more with industry and international organizations and to invite colleagues from Africa and Europe for collaborations. 2
2.2 Screen studies
2.3 Strategic communication
2.4 Communication studies
2.5 Communications advocacy and activism 2.5.1 Presentation of Statements Policy Draft for discussion
2.6 Communication education and curriculum development
2.7 Emerging scholars
Jane-Anne Raath
AFDA
Submitted apology for not attending the meeting. Plan to host more events during 2025.
Dr Bimbo Fafowora
Rhodes University
The stream plan to host a webinar during October 2024 on information and fact checking, and plan to collaborate more with industry.
Dr Alette Schoon
Rhodes University
The stream plan a seminar on code for Africa on civil signal tool on graph. Working with the African Association for access to data. This is a lobby group who wish for access to platforms for information. Ongoing collaboration with the documentary filmmaker association to reach out to students. It is important to create archives as precious films disappear. There is a need to learn on how to archive and ensure the availability of resources on films which are part of history.
Dr Chikezie Uzuegbunam
Rhodes University
The stream is planning a webinar on human rights communication.
This policy is in draft and still under discussion.
Mr Andre Gouws
Akademia
The stream held a webinar on AI in assessment, which was well attended as it provided useful advice on AI and assistance on MCQ format assessment. Work on open educational resources as knowledge need to be free and shared with all. This stream invite all towards more collaboration.
Dr Meli Ncube
Stellenbosch University
Dr Nonhlanhla Ndlovu
Rhodes University
This stream is to define what an Emerging Scholar is. All members are invited for their input and creating a definition for an emerging scholar. More plans to come up for 2025.
All streams were active and well presented during 2024. 3
- THE RUNNING OF SACOMM 3.1 Financial Report
- 3.2 2025 Host bid and affirmation – NMU
- 3.3 Adoption of “values statement”
The finances of SACOMM is in good standing and all financial obligations coule be met. SACOMM is audited annually and formal statements are issued by the auditors. Application for TAX and VAT exemption was successful at SARS. Await final documentation from SARS.
The 2024 SACOMM Conference will be hosted by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth.
The value statement below refers. SACOMM members need guidelines to guide ourselves, our behaviour and activities. Measures are not punitive but serves as a reminder.
South African Communications Association (SACOMM)
Statement of Shared Values
Second draft for presentation to members at AGM
Approved at ExCo in August 2024.
The South African Communications Association (SACOMM) is dedicated to promoting ethical communication research and pedagogical practices and upholding the principles of human rights and non-discrimination. The values articulated here underpin our actions and choices as an Association:
- Ethical Integrity: We prioritize honesty and transparency in our actions and communications, committing to ethical standards that guide our members to act responsibly in all research and pedagogical matters in the field of media, communications, journalism and cultural studies.
- Human Rights Advocacy: We stand firmly in support of human rights, striving to ensure that communication serves as a tool for empowerment and justice, inclusion and transformation, and advocating for the dignity and respect of all individuals, especially marginalised groups.
- Non-Discrimination: We celebrate diversity and inclusivity, fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs, are treated equitably and without bias. We explicitly reject any injurious or discriminatory behaviour based on race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, ability, or religion.
- Collaboration and Respect: We believe in the strength of collaboration, encouraging exchange and the sharing of diverse perspectives to enhance our collective voice and understanding.
- Continuous Learning: We are committed to ongoing education and awareness of ethical practices in the broad field of communications research and pedagogy, encouraging that our members remain equipped to address and challenge discrimination in all its forms.
All SACOMM members are expected to champion a culture of respect and equality in our community, and to uphold these values, to make a meaningful impact in the field of field of media, communications, journalism and cultural studies. 4
- Any other business 4.1 ICA
SACOMM is invited to become a member of ICA at the cost of $250 per year. Application process is underway. The 2025 ICA conference will be held in Cape Town. SACOMM members are encouraged to attend.
- CLOSURE
The meeting ended at 14:15.