Dr Nkululeko Sibiya, an adjunct lecturer in Unisa's Department of Communication Science, has completed his PhD at the university. Sibiya teaches and conducts research in media, communication and public relations. His academic interests include digital media, strategic communication, development communication and the role of communication in migration.

Sibiya says he accepted the gospel of academia after interviewing prominent figures Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and South Africa's current President, Cyril Ramaphosa, at YFM. "I believed I had my dream job when I joined the newsroom at YFM as a radio journalist. These interviews made me realise that there was a deeper level of theoretical, structural and analytical knowledge that I had not yet acquired through formal education."

Sibiya says both his family and professional experiences inspired his pursuit of further education. His sister Zandi Sibiya was a strong advocate for education and played a significant role in encouraging academic achievement within the Sibiya family. "Her belief in the value of learning inspired me to view education as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. On top of that, my grandfather, grandmother and their children are teachers, so the pressure has always been on."

His research paper, titled Anti-migrant mobilisation in the digital age: understanding Operation Dudula through WhatsApp, was inspired by both personal and intellectual concerns.

He explains that growing up in Diepkloof, Soweto, he was particularly struck by the emergence of Operation Dudula, a movement that originated in a community he knows intimately. His deep curiosity about how individuals and social networks in his community became involved in this mobilisation, and how a group that was once relatively unknown evolved into a highly visible and politically charged movement.

Sibiya further explains that, ultimately, his study was driven by a desire to make sense of these transformations within familiar spaces and to critically examine how everyday communication technologies intersect with politics, identity and social change in contemporary South Africa.

The young scholar believes his findings will deepen critical discussions on how platforms such as WhatsApp shape contemporary political mobilisation, particularly in contexts where misinformation, exclusionary narratives and grassroots organising intersect. Rather than offering simplistic conclusions, he hopes his work will encourage more reflective engagement with how everyday communication practices can shape perceptions of belonging, identity and difference in communities. "The aim is to create space for critical dialogue about the social consequences of digital mobilisation, especially in vulnerable or economically stressed communities," he says.

Sibiya expressed his sincere gratitude to his support system, especially his sister Zandi Sibiya, and his late father-in-law and mentor, Dr Ben Ngubane (former KwaZulu-Natal Premier). "His encouragement to pursue formal studies marked a turning point in my academic journey and helped me recognise the importance of strengthening practical experience with theoretical grounding," he says.

He also expresses his gratitude to his supervisor, Prof Iginio Gagliardone, colleagues, students and the academic community at Wits University, whose support and engagement continue to enrich his work.

The Chair of the Department of Communication Science, Prof Rofhiwa Mukhudwana, congratulated Dr Sibiya on his achievement. "Congratulations on your well-deserved PhD success. Your contributions to media research demonstrate not only academic brilliance but also a deep commitment to shaping the future of communication. Wishing you the absolute best in your next adventure."

* By Nnana Martina Jege, Communication and Marketing, College of Human Sciences