Zimbabwean academic joins Sacomm executive

Zimbabwean-born scholar Dr Blessing Makwambeni has been elected to the executive committee of the South African Communication Association (Sacomm), where he will head the communication science portfolio.

Makwambeni, who lectures in media studies at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), also serves as head of postgraduate studies and is an active researcher. He previously worked as a sub-editor at a Zimbabwean Sunday newspaper before pursuing an academic career in South Africa.

Announcing the development on social media, Makwambeni - who uses the name Blessing Gavhure Mlambo online — expressed gratitude for the vote of confidence from his peers.

"Honoured to be voted into the Executive Committee of the South African Communication Association (Sacomm) heading the Communication Science stream. I do not take lightly the trust bestowed on me by academics from around southern Africa," he wrote.

Sacomm is a regional professional body representing academics working in communications and related fields. Its mandate is to promote cooperation among communication departments in tertiary institutions across southern Africa. The association also provides a forum for research, debate and collaboration among academics, students, practitioners, and industry professionals.

Through its networks, Sacomm seeks to strengthen scholarship and professional communication practice while facilitating dialogue across the region.