37 is aligned with an international study on the capabilities of strategic communicators. A pilot study conducted by Prof René Benecke, Ms Clarissa Muir and three other academics at CPUT, UP and IIE Monash respectively, during the early part of 2021, will be extended in 2022 with the help of the newly appointed visiting professor, Prof Anne Gregory from Huddlesfield University (UK). Prof Gregory was the research lead in the international capability study of 2016. Another research project on the theme Gender Based Violence is the key focus for Prof Corné Davis during her sabbatical in the second semester. She already conducted around 80 interviews with CEOs of the top JSE listed companies. A MOU with KPMG as a partner together with Shared Value Initiative Africa has been signed. This research project aims to produce a policy report to be published together with KPMG, in 2022. Several more research projects and/or doctoral studies are at various stages of completion involving permanent staff and Research Associates (RAs). These projects include topics such as value creation and generation studies; 4IR and consumer behaviour; political economy; leadership and storytelling; the pedagogy of play; sustainability and purpose; and digital communication. Academic citizenship Colleagues fulfilled their academic citizenship through their involvement in webinars, mentorship programmes, radio interviews, international lectures and conferences within the School of Communication, Faculty of Humanities, UJ and the communication industry both nationally and international. Prof Corné Davis presented at seven (7) webinars on GBV while Prof Mandla Radebe chaired and/ or delivered key note addresses at another seven (7) events with topics ranging from social media and disinformation, memorial lecture to the World Press Freedom Day. Dr Karabo Sitto presented a paper on the governmental use of social media during COVID-19 in April, Ms Seri Morapeli presented at two conferences on the student story telling project and Dr Corné Meintjes presented two conference papers in February and June respectively. Mrs Roela Hattingh was involved with the Mindfulness for Well-being and Enhanced Teaching in Academia while Prof René Benecke presented a paper at the annual Communication Conference held in Bled, Slovenia (virtual presentation) in July. She also organized the annual PRISA Research Colloquium and presented a paper on the capability study. Prof Benecke also presented at other PRISA webinars on Ethics in PR and was panel member for the AMEC international conference on measurement and evaluation. Dr Karabo Sitto coordinated the Emerging Youth Leaders mentorship programme offered by the Unit for Transformation. Several youth leaders in various capacities with UJ benefitted from this programme. Dr Neil Levy, while on sabbatical presented several virtual lectures to master students in India, studying at SCORE. Prof Benecke also lectured to a group of master students studying at Quadriga University in Germany. Prof Mandla Radebe and Ms Minhehle Dlamini (student assistant on APK) presented several radio talks in vernacular languages on studying at tertiary institutions. Awards Student awards were again high on the agenda during 2021. Mrs Roela Hattingh coordinated student entries into PRISA PRISMs Awards, the annual Loerie and New Generations Awards. Dr Karabo Sitto assisted Magugu Dlamini with an entry for Outstanding Student Award (New Generation Awards). Mrs Melanie Joubert assisted Thulani Ndlovu with his entry which won a gold award, Siya Thwala also won a gold award and Payal Maharajh won a bronze award at the PRISA PRISMs Awards (see photos in gallery). A major highlight for the department was the awarding of two UJ staff awards this year! The prestigious VC Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was awarded to Prof Maritha Pritchard while Dr Corné Meintjes won the Faculty of Humanities Student Choice Award. Student experiences Our students are a key stakeholder group in our department and with online, remote learning engagement, academic support and consultations were not easy. Support offered by tutors played a crucial role with many presenting often spending most of the data in consultation with students. At risk students were flagged as soon as possible and a concerted effort made by tutors and lecturers to follow up with these individuals. Students were encouraged to use the services of Psycad and online workshops were arranged with Psycad psychologists during lecture sessions to promote mental health and academic support.
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