| Qualification code: |
77408 |
| Duration: |
6 months |
| Language medium: |
English |
Target group:
The programme will target communication officials in national, provincial and local government departments, practitioners in state-owned enterprises and public agencies, municipal communication officers, officials within the Government Communication and Information System, media liaison officers, public information officers, spokespersons, policy communication managers, parliamentary and legislative communication staff, communication advisors supporting ministers, premiers and mayors, professionals in regulatory bodies and statutory commissions, non-governmental organisation communicators, community-based organisation practitioners, advocacy and activist communication officers, journalists, editors, postgraduate students in communication and public administration, consultants in public sector communication, and trainers designing communication strategies for government institutions.
Admission requirements:
Senior Certificate/Grade 12
Course leader details:
Prof RF Mukhudwana
Associate Professor
Department of Communication Science
University of South Africa
Mukhurf@unisa.ac.za
Programme administrator:
Admin Officer
Unisa Centre for Lifelong Learning
360 Lillian Ngoyi Street, Pretoria Central
Solomon Mahlangu Building 2nd floor
Tel: 012 352 4288
Email address: UCL@unisa.ac.za
Application link: www.unisa.ac.za/applyslp
Purpose statement:
The purpose of the Short Learning Programme in Strategic Digital Government Communication is to provide government communication practitioners and related professionals with advanced knowledge and applied skills to navigate the rapidly evolving digital communication environment. The programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of the public sector to engage citizens effectively, manage information flows strategically, and foster trust through transparent and ethical communication. It seeks to integrate theoretical perspectives on government communication with practical competencies in digital strategy, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and social media engagement. By doing so, the SLP equips participants to design and implement communication interventions that are aligned to organisational strategy, responsive to crises, and capable of countering misinformation. It also aims to cultivate values of accountability, inclusivity, multilingualism and participatory governance in line with democratic principles.
Modules:
SCSDG01 - Strategic Digital Government Communication
Purpose:
Learning Unit 1: Introduction to Government Communication
Learning Unit 2: The South African Policy and Institutional Frameworks
Learning Unit 3: Strategic Communication and Organisational Alignment
Learning Unit 4: Digital Platforms and Artificial Intelligence
Learning Unit 5: Crisis Communication and Spin Doctoring
Learning Unit 6: Participatory and Inclusive Communication
Learning Unit 7: Rhetoric, Persuasion and Public Relations in Government Communication
Learning Unit 8: Practical Research Portfolio
