MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023
AFDA JOHANNESBURG
THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2023
CHAIRS:
Deputy President: Prof Mehita Iqani
APOLOGY:
Prof Tanja Bosch
AGENDA
1. HOUSEKEEPING 1.1 Opening and welcome
1.2 Confirmation of the agenda
1.3 Matters arising from the previous AGM
Prof Mehita Iqani opened the meeting and welcomed everyone present. A total of 43 SACOMM members attended the AGM.
The agenda was accepted by the meeting.
The minutes of the 2022 AGM was approved by the meeting.
No matters arising from the 2022 AGM.
2. INTEREST GROUP FEEDBACK 2.1 Media studies and journalism
2.2 Screen studies
2.3 Strategic communication
2.4 Communication studies
Prof NC Lesame
Not present, nothing to report.
Dr Collen Chambwera
Weekly film screenings were held during 2022-2023, and meetings were held with filmmakers. In order to discuss the direction film studies are taking, it was suggested the Gauteng cohort of screen studies members should get together and meet on a regular base.
DrAlexia Smith
The lack of funding for activities was mentioned. Any suggestions on how to overcome would be welcomed, more roundtable meetings between members were suggested, articles on strategic communication should be encouraged and produced.
Dr Eliza Govender
Not present, nothing to report. 2
2.5 Communications advocacy and activism
2.6 Communication education and curriculum development
2.7 Emerging scholars
Dr Vuyo Seti
Not present, nothing to report.
Dr Sisanda Nkoala
Meetings and communications with the Press Council were had. Ideas on how new technology affect convergence was mentioned. The matter of teaching visual arts online and how to teach online was investigated. During 2023 The African Journalism studies produced a special edition. Collaboration with journalism and media studies students were held. A participatory journalism training workshop was held with the target on journalism educators. During May 2023 World Press Freedom was celebrated in conjunction with UCT and the Press Council.
Sylvia Skhosana
Mbongeni Msimanga
The emerging scholar pre-conference was held on Tuesday, 26 September 2023 in collaboration with University of Johannesburg and was a success. In the year 2025 the emerging scholars stream will celebrate 10 years of existence.
3. THE RUNNING OF SACOMM 3.1 2024 Host bid and affirmation
3.2 Nominations and elections of new stream leaders 2024-2025 – two year term
Stellenbosch University
President
Prof Mehita Iqani Stellenbosch Universit
Deputy President
Dr Sisanda Nkoala CPUT/UNISA
Communication advocacy and activism
Dr Chikezie Uzuegbunam Rhodes University
Communication education and curriculum development
Mr Andre Gouws Akademia
Communication studies
Dr Alette Schoon Rhodes University
Emerging scholars
Dr Meli Ncube Stellenbosch University
Dr Nonhlanhla Ndolovu Rhodes University
Media studies and journalism
Dr Marenet Jordaan Stellenbosch University 3
Screen studies
Jane-AnnRaath AFDA
Strategic communication
Dr Bimbo Fafowora Rhodes University
4. Any other business 4.1 Academic journals
4.2 Auditing of SACOMM statements
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.
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.
5. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 14:30.