Meet our Researchers Series: Thabisile Qwabi 🔬✨ PhD Fellow researching health communication & childhood malnutrition in rural Eastern Cape communities (supervised by Prof Mehita Iqani). Her work explores how caregivers use health info to support child well-being.

Writing not going to plan? Before you throw your laptop out the window, come & sit with us instead! Thurs 10:00–13:00 | Journalism Dept (upstairs) Focused, low-pressure writing time. No RSVP. Refreshments provided. #Imidibaniso #Scicomm

Following last year’s launch of Johannesburg from the Riverbanks, continue the conversation. How are cities shaped by overlooked spaces like rivers? Join this seminar with Prof Mehita Iqani & Dr Renugan Raidoo.14 April 2026 |14:00–15:30 |CHR, Bellville (UWC)

Shut Up & Write ✍️ is back for the new term! Join us tomorrow from 10am - 1pm at the Department of Journalism. Open to everyone, get ahead of deadlines in a writing friendly environment. No RSVP needed. Hot drinks & snacks provided.

Meet our Researchers Series: Shamiso Banda 🔬✨ PhD Fellow, Shamiso Banda (supervised by Prof Mehita Iqani) explores how young adults engage with solution-focused content on planetary health & food systems, to improve science communication for environmental and social justice.

Meet our Graduate Series: Caitlyn Hilliard-Lomas 🎓 Caitlyn’s research focuses on conservation and environmental reporting, specifically with rhino poaching and conservation.

Meet our Graduate Series: Madinani Letwaba 🎓 Madinani explores fashion waste in Africa through digital media, making use of storytelling to contribute to conversations around sustainability and waste in the fashion industry.

Meet our Graduate Series: Likhapha Thaathaa 🎓 Meet Likhapha, whose research explores Zama Zama mining as necroextractivism, examining how media coverage shapes public perception, policy, and debates around exploitation, environmental justice, and informal mining.

Meet our Graduate Series: Nobuhle Magadzire. This week we’re recognising our graduates and their contributions to science communication. Nobuhle’s research explores the inclusion of marginalised voices in climate change communication, pushing for a more inclusive and effective climate dialogue.

🗯️ In yesterday’s seminar, Mehita Iqani & Tanja Bosch reflected on three connected projects, including their Wild Coast study on affective encounters, a forthcoming chapter on media-walking as method, and new work on the politics of movement.

Hey writers!✍️ Join us tomorrow 10:00–13:00 at the Department of Journalism for Shut Up & Write. Bring whatever you’re working on and get words on the page. No RSVP needed. Hot drinks & snacks provided.

Media-Walking and Eco-tourism Research: Wild Coast Insights - Tanja Bosch (UCT) & Mehita Iqani (SU) Based on a 75km hike along the Wild Coast, this seminar explores “media-walking.” How walking, tourism, and digital media shape how we experience place and community.

Shut Up & Write 📝, where writers, creatives, staff, students, academics, and the Stellies community can join us Thursdays, 10am–1pm, for a supportive space to work on any project. No RSVP needed, just show up, write, and enjoy free hot drinks and snacks! #Imidibaniso #SciCom

As we start a new month, we bid farewell and extend our appreciation to Fumani Jwara, the creative and social media force behind SciCom since 2022. We now welcome Casey-Lee, a Journalism graduate, as our new social media manager. Excited to have her on board!🎉#SciCom #Imidibaniso

[RECAP] The third edition of the FicSci anthology series #FicSci03, brought together eleven creative writers with sea ice scientist, Dr Rampai, immersing them in the urgency of Antarctic research through deep dives into Southern Ocean ice properties: ow.ly/FMhc50YlJak #Imidibaniso #SciCom #seaice

[RECAP] Prof Iqani and Dr Raidoo unveil the Jukskei's profound impact across the city's cultural, social, political, artistic, and scientific landscapes. How does a river rewrite a metropolis? Read the excerpt in the JRB here: ow.ly/3RSK50YlIwp. #Imidibaniso #SciCom

[RECAP] Guided by a local Mpondo, the authors blend #hiking, listening, and visuals through auto-ethnography and voice notes to unpack the layers of privilege, care, and connection in eco-tourism. Read the full article here: ow.ly/KA9r50Yk5pS #Imidibaniso #SciCom | @tandfresearch.bsky.social

[RECAP] What does it truly mean to use evidence, and is it ever neutral? The authors reveal evidence as a potent social-political force: entrenching oppression or igniting resistance and liberation: https://ow.ly/jMgH50YjF4v. #Imidibaniso #SciCom | @sajournalofscience.bsky.social

[RECAP] The authors dissect KFC South Africa's "Beyond the Sea" campaign, analysing its ties to South Africa’s polar heritage, questioning advertising’s place in science comms through a social justice lens. Full article here: https://ow.ly/gbNw50YjJNf #Imidibaniso #SciCom | Taylor & Francis Research

[RECAP] Prof Iqani and Dr Judge's opening note launches a special issue on South Africa's pivotal environmental communication challenges through a decolonial lens. Full special issue here: https://ow.ly/6xxA50YiFiT #Imidibaniso #SciComm #AffectiveEncounters | Taylor & Francis Research

[RECAP] Prof Iqani's article uncovers avoidance, fear, and helplessness among young adults in Mozambique, South Africa, and Kenya when discussing climate change: https://ow.ly/26Rv50YhYvr. #Imidibaniso #SciComm #ClimateChange | International Communication Association x Oxford University Press

[NEW PUBLICATION} In their new article, Dr Dom'A Okoliko and Prof Iqani explore how the JETP at the United Nations was framed across South African mainstream media and Facebook. Read more: https://ow.ly/44wH50Ygzls #Imidibaniso #SciCom #JustEnergyTransition #COP26

[NEW PUBLICATION] Is evidence enough to change the climate story? Prof Iqani and colleagues argue that climate action needs more than data—it needs justice-driven storytelling and collaboration. Read more: https://ow.ly/euRP50Yee6j #Imidibaniso #SciCom #EvidenceAndPower #ClimateJustice

[NEW PUBLICATION] In Khayelitsha, community gardens show food security is about connection, healing, and meaning. Dr Dr Rebecca Pointer she/they & Prof Miller use #Afrokology to explore how art, music, and shared recipes re-enchant lives. Read more: https://ow.ly/PBKx50YcG7a#Afrokology#Imidibaniso #SciCom

[NEW PUBLICATION] Our former postdoc fellow, Dr Rebecca Pointer she/they takes a close look at the critical gaps in the WHO and South African government’s COVID-19 vaccine communication strategies. Read more: https://ow.ly/CSR850Yccqy. #Imidibaniso #SciCom #VaccineCommunication #VaccineHesitancy

If you missed my webinar with @Imidibaniso.bsky.social on accurate journalism for sexual health, it's now available on YouTube. It's the 4th in the series. The 1st was an overview, the 2nd was on trans health and the 3rd on vaccines #sciencecommunication #sexualhealth youtu.be/YwR8lO94dKA?...

[NEW PUBLICATION] Prof Iqani explores how rubbish resonates with culture in 'Gutter Pop', in the book "Reading Media: How to Do Textual Analysis". Use code NYUAU30 for a discount: ow.ly/jv7050YbwRo. #Imidibaniso #SciComm

The SARChI SciCom invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to collaborate closely to enhance knowledge and analysis on the theme of "science communication for social justice." For complete information, please visit: https://ow.ly/rws250Y7ZFR #Imidibaniso #SciCom #CSC.

#ShutUpAndWrite returns this Thurs ✨! Whether you’re starting something new, returning to an old draft, or simply craving a calm space to focus - this is for you. Free to attend and open to anyone who needs a dedicated space to write - snacks provided 🤍. #Imidibaniso #SciCom @cantonites.bsky.social

Few days left! Submit abstracts now for the 4th International Communication Association SciCom Pre-Conf. Unpack science's "dark side" from misinfo, harassment, inequities & solutions in social convos. Scholars/practitioners: submit by 2 Feb! Full info here: https://ow.ly/YWQR50Y4Lr2.

Have You Tried the Game Yet? The Game is perfect for teams, workshops, and educators looking to spark new and interactive ways of thinking about FLN. Try it out and share your experience! Email [email protected] to get a limited copy. #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso

Have You Read the Toolkit Yet? The Attention Shift Toolkit is the go-to guide for improving communication around Foundational Literacy and Numeracy. Practical. Insightful. Grounded in African realities. Download it today: rebrand.ly/astoolkit! #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso

Toolkit in one hand, cards in the other - the Toolkit and Game work best together. Use the toolkit to ground your strategy, then bring those ideas to life with the game. Download the toolkit & get the game today! #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso

🎲 Learning through play. The Attention Shift Game is an interactive way to rethink how we approach FLN. Designed for educators & communicators, it sparks reflection, dialogue, and locally grounded insight. Watch how it’s played. #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso

What happens when two or more ideas collide? The Attention Shift Game encourages you to mix and match concepts - combining perspectives to uncover practical ways to communicate about FLN. Get the game, for free, while stocks last! Email [email protected]. #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso

Introducing the Attention Shift Game, where strategy meets storytelling! This interactive card game helps teams explore communication challenges and opportunities around FLN. Claim a copy, for free, by emailing [email protected]! #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso

The wisdom of educators, researchers, and communicators across South Africa and Kenya powers the Toolkit. Their insights remind us that change starts with listening, learning, and storytelling. Explore their reflections: rebrand.ly/astoolkit. #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso

Great communication takes courage. Despite this, every campaign carries risks, especially when working with complex issues like Foundational Literacy and Numeracy. Understands the risks by reading more in the Toolkit: rebrand.ly/astoolkit. #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso.

Good communication doesn’t just happen; it’s crafted. From workshops and storytelling campaigns to community partnerships and digital tools. Get in-depth insights in the Toolkit: rebrand.ly/astoolkit. #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso.

Your chosen mode brings your message to life and helps ensure your campaign feels right and aligned to your purpose, your audience, and the story you want to tell. Align your audiences by downloading the Toolkit, in English and French: rebrand.ly/astoolkit. #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso.

What’s the one message you want people to remember months later? Your campaign message shapes how people engage, act, and imagine change. Keep it simple, powerful, and purpose-driven. Read more in the Toolkit, available in English and French: rebrand.ly/astoolkit. #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso

Audiences are not passive: they are active, complex, and dynamic thinkers who bring their own experiences and identities into every conversation about FLN. Read more in the Toolkit in English and French: https://rebrand.ly/astoolkit. #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso.

Inside the Toolkit, you’ll find five practical sections that guide you through better communication for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy. Stay tuned for bite-sized insights! Download the Toolkit, in English and French, for free: rebrand.ly/astoolkit. #AttentionShift #FLN #Imidibaniso.

🚨 New resource alert: The Attention Shift Toolkit. Supporting educators & communicators to rethink FLN in South Africa & Kenya. Practical, inclusive, locally grounded insights. Available in English & French: rebrand.ly/astoolkit #AttentionShift #FLN

We’re officially back and ready to welcome 2026! We’re looking forward to a year filled with meaningful work, exciting projects, and continued collaborations. Keep an eye out for updates, news, and upcoming events. Here’s to a fruitful year ahead! #Imidibaniso #SciCom

What does ice sound like when it is alive? In an evocative piece, Wamuwi Mbao listens closely to the movements and moods of sea ice. Step into the chorus of “Pancakes” by downloading #seaice: https://ow.ly/uzb250XHoz1#seaice #FicSci03 #Imidibaniso #SciCom.

What does it mean to move through a world that never stands still? In a vivid piece, Mehita Iqani plunges us into the charged textures of the cold. Enter this journey with "Mimi, Captain’s Log” by reading #seaice for free: https://ow.ly/uzb250XHoz1#seaice #FicSci03 #Imidibaniso #SciCom.

How does change begin when everything resists it? In "The Mushy Layer", Lee Middleton documents how transformation starts in unexpected ways. Spend time with this moment of change by downloading #seaice for free: ow.ly/uzb250XHoz1. #FicSci03 #Imidibaniso #SciCom.

What happens in the space between ocean and sky? In a reflective piece, John Trengrove steps into the uncertainty at the heart of scientific knowledge. Sit with the questions and the edges of knowledge in “FicSci” by freely downloading #seaice: ow.ly/uzb250XHoz1. #FicSci03 #Imidibaniso #SciCom.

What lingers when silence turns cold? In a resonant piece, Campbell Meas considers moments where emotional and environmental coldness meet. Linger with the subtle tensions of “Brine" by freely downloading #SeaIce: ow.ly/uzb250XHoz1. #FicSci03 #Imidibaniso #SciCom