Challenges of Issue Management in a Postmodern World: A Case Study of the South Durban Industrial Basin

Mersham, Gary

doi:10.18820/24150525/comm.v21.11

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…However, the South African CSR landscape continues to develop characteristics that make it unlike that of any other country. The influence and impact and interplay of the dominant role-players -government, civil society and business -has created a unique situation, worthy of examination not only for its difference but also as a social experiment of significance to the rest of Africa and the contemporary new world of failed economic neoliberalism and economic uncertainty (Mersham, 2016).…”

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confidence: 99%

South Africa’s bold and unique experiment in CSR practice

Mersham

Skinner²

2016

SBR

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Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the current practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in South Africa, its linkage to corporate social investment (CSI), the impact of new Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation and the contribution that South African public relations practice can have on the development challenges facing the continent of Africa. Design/methodology/approach Empirical data and reports drawn from various industry and evaluative sources is interpreted in the context of key contemporary elements of practice. The last part of the article provides a theoretical discussion of the public relations role as a “change” agent in South Africa and for the continent of Africa as a whole. Findings The South African Government’s prescriptive stance on transformation and BEE has thrust the reconsideration of CSR onto every corporate agenda in South Africa. With set targets and expenditure requirements, CSI has become a performance-driven pursuit among businesses seeking to improve their overall BEE scores. At the Pan-African level, a generic model of African public relations with a strong developmental focus is required for the education and training of public relations professionals. Research limitations/implications African public relations practice challenges accepted normative approaches in the conceptualisation of a sustainable new global model of the profession. More research will be needed to show how the African humanist approach might impact on the debate about the political, social and economic relevance of the profession in society and the reputation of the profession worldwide. Originality/value This study provides historical context for recent developments in public relations in South Africa, providing insights into the direction of the development of public relations practice in Africa.

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South Africa’s bold and unique experiment in CSR practice

Mersham

Skinner²

2016

SBR

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“…Community radio has come to occupy a unique position in the South African “Mediapolis” (Silverstone, 2007: 31). Several studies have explored the contributions of community radio stations to the development and wellbeing of communities in South Africa (Megwa, 2007; Mersham, 1997; Siemering, Fairbairn and Rangana, 1998). In their examination of indigenous language radio, Onyenankeya and Salawu (2019a: 45) found that community radio provides a discursive arena for subaltern communities to negotiate and assert their belief systems or moral codes as well as counter hegemonic framing of their identities.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Community radio acceptance in rural Africa: The nexus of language and cultural affinity

Onyenankeya

Salawu

2022

Information Development

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Community radio has gained traction with the grassroots in South Africa, especially subaltern groups excluded from the public sphere during the colonial and apartheid years. This paper argues that rural audience acceptance of and participation in community radio is closely associated with indigenous language, which invokes cultural affinity. The paper used a qualitative methodology within the framework of the theories of cultural affinity to interrogate community radio listeners in Northwest Province, South Africa, looking at how local languages might influence listeners’ preferences and interactions with the stations. The results suggest language was essential for listening in and participating in community radio programmes among those interviewed. Community radio provides listeners with the outlet, social and linguistic resources to evoke and express their cultural heritage and participate in national dialogues. It also offers subordinated communities the opportunity to deconstruct dominant frames of reference and representations of themselves and others.

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Challenges of Issue Management in a Postmodern World: A Case Study of the South Durban Industrial Basin

Abstract: ABSTRACT

Cited by 2 publications

References 20 publications

South Africa’s bold and unique experiment in CSR practice

South Africa’s bold and unique experiment in CSR practice

Community radio acceptance in rural Africa: The nexus of language and cultural affinity

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