Compiled by Elva Nziza, for AJENda and Afromedia.network
We present a short selection of publications of interest to the African communications and media studies research community.
Editors: Aslama Horowitz., Hannu Nieminen Katja Lehtisaari · Alessandro D’Arma
This new open-access volume explores epistemic equality, highlighting its role in ensuring that citizens make informed choices on social issues. The authors argue that in the digital age, moving beyond communication and digital rights to focus on epistemic rights—access to necessary information for informed decision-making is important. Drawing on global case studies, the book discusses academic and policy challenges related to these rights, offering insights into different methodologies and policy recommendations.
Author: Sisanda Nkoala
This resource highlights the emergence of indigenous language podcasts as a transformative force in South African media, particularly for black South Africans whose voices have been underrepresented. Examining the podcasts Epokothweni and iLukuluku, the study reveals how these platforms draw on a rich history of radio storytelling to engage audiences in culturally meaningful ways. By focusing on indigenous languages, these podcasters bring forward stories and issues—from economic to scientific—that mainstream media often overlooks. The growth of this genre points to an increasing appreciation for media content that resonates with and prioritizes indigenous language speakers, marking a significant shift toward inclusivity in South African media.
Editor: Gilane Tawadros
This groundbreaking collection showcases Stuart Hall’s profound engagement with visual art, bringing together his essays, lectures, and conversations on art, film, and photography. Known for his influential work on culture, race, and media, Hall also explored how visual spaces address themes of diaspora, identity, and globalization. Curated by Gilane Tawadros, this volume underscores Hall’s view of the visual as a critical arena for rethinking global and cultural narratives, offering readers fresh perspectives on the intersections of art and social issues. Selected Writings on Visual Arts and Culture is essential reading for those interested in Hall’s expansive and visionary ideas on art.
Author: Sarah Gibson
This article examines the role of railway mobility as a powerful symbol of both repression and resistance in 1950s South Africa. During apartheid, public transportation segregated black workers, forcing them to live on the city’s outskirts and commute daily to urban areas. Through the lens of the “Drum decade,” the article analyses how South African writers like Can Themba, Es’kia Mphahlele, and Nat Nakasa used short stories to depict these racialised commutes. By narrating the experiences of railway passengers, these stories reflect the resilience and resistance embedded in public spaces during a repressive era. This article provides a thought-provoking look at how literature captured the complexities of apartheid’s social divides.
Authors: Paul Achonga., Kabah Kwode., George Asekere. and Jasper Abembia Ayelazuno
This article sheds light on the troubling erosion of press freedom in Ghana, a nation often hailed as a beacon of African democracy. Despite Ghana’s legacy of media independence, recent attacks on journalists—including death threats, assaults, and even murder—signal a disturbing shift. Drawing on interviews and documented incidents of media suppression, the authors highlight how state actors, such as national security and police officials, as well as political supporters, are increasingly targeting journalists. The article urges civic activism to counter these threats and raises pressing questions about whether Ghana’s democratic values are being compromised by a return to restrictive practices.