Message from the Chair of Departement

Dr Rofhiwa F Mukhudwana Chair of Department of Communication Science

We are excited to have you explore our vibrant digital community. In terms of physical presence, we are located on the 7 and 6^th floors, in the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Building at the Muckleneuk Campus, in Pretoria. Whether you are a prospective student, a current scholar, or simply passionate about the potency of media and the power of effective communication, you will find a wealth of resources, updates and opportunities here on this website.

Unisa's roots (and indeed that of higher education in South Africa) date back to 1873 when the University of the Cape of Good Hope was founded, initially functioning as an examining body for higher education. In 1916, the university changed its name to the University of South Africa (UNISA) and in 1918 it relocated to Pretoria, its current residence. Today, after 151 years, Unisa is positioned as a premier provider of comprehensive open and distance e-learning university that is continentally responsive and globally relevant.

Our vision as the Department of Communication Science is to genuinely enable scholarship through superior academic innovation and research to contribute to the rapidly evolving Discipline of Communication in Africa and beyond. Since its establishment in 1969, the Department of Communication Science has grown considerably and continues to distinguish itself as a dynamic and credible leader in the field of communication science. The academics in the department exhibit academic leadership and excellence in their areas of expertise, innovation in teaching, research, academic citizenship, and engaged scholarship. The department offers specialisations in cognate fields such as Media Studies and Integrated Organisational Communication, offering Bachelor’s Degrees and Master’s and Doctoral qualifications in these areas. The department also offers a Diploma in Public Relations and short learning programs. An advanced diploma in Public Relations is in the pipeline. The department is also in the process of rolling out a new BA in Communication Studies degree founded on decolonial principles.

Even though it seems that African knowledge is underrepresented in communication studies, Africa is not a ‘theoretical vacuum’ when it comes to our discipline. The invisibility of African knowledges does not epitomise intellectual absence. If anything, it demonstrates the systemic perpetuation of the ideological, ontological, epistemic and pedagogical hegemony of Euro-modern thought resulting in the erasure of African knowledges, contexts and concerns within the discipline. Lurking at the periphery of intellectual pursuit is the critique of anti-blackness and anti-Africaness in society, in the context of organisations, and in the content of the media. In this regard, the new BA in Communication Studies does not shrink its responsibility toward this reversal as it militates strongly against the decadence of colonial legacies still present in African media systems and scholarships. Its intervention is loud, proud, and revolutionary in inviting students to rethink creative and generative ideas toward transformative and reconstructive theoretical agendas. The new BA propels our discipline not to cower in addressing the underside of neo-colonialism in our industry. All our qualifications are observant of opportunities, challenges, trends, actors and inequalities in our field. We cultivate highly analytical students who are not afraid to do and perform at the highest level of excellence within the profession.

Armed with a cohort of prolific scholars, globally dispersed research associates and international collaborations, the Department of Communication Science is positioned to offer a globally competitive experience.

Our department is at the forefront of research and education in communication science, offering cutting-edge programs, innovative research initiatives, and a supportive environment for students, and academic and professional growth.

I hope you work hard, stay the course and achieve greatness

Welcome aboard!