Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number: 158636
Due Date: 2 June 2025
1. INTRODUCTION
This portfolio explores the complex relationship between media, race, gender,
representation, terrorism, and communication markets in the South African context.
Each section engages critically with real-world news events and media content to
examine how media both reflects and influences societal values and ideologies.
Beginning with the Flysafair incident involving a SABC employee, the analysis
investigates how racism is constructed and perpetuated in public discourse. It then shifts
to the implications of the U.S. government‘s withdrawal of HIV funding, examining how
news values and agenda-setting shape public understanding. The gender section
interrogates the portrayal of femininity or masculinity in magazine advertisements,
highlighting media's role in reinforcing binary oppositions. The terrorism section critically
analyses the media coverage of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla‘s social media posts during
the 2021 unrest, applying theories of media-terrorism dynamics. Finally, the portfolio
concludes with a reflection on media ownership concentration in South Africa, exploring
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Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
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1. INTRODUCTION
This portfolio explores the complex relationship between media, race, gender,
representation, terrorism, and communication markets in the South African context.
Each section engages critically with real-world news events and media content to
examine how media both reflects and influences societal values and ideologies.
Beginning with the Flysafair incident involving a SABC employee, the analysis
investigates how racism is constructed and perpetuated in public discourse. It then
shifts to the implications of the U.S. government‘s withdrawal of HIV funding,
examining how news values and agenda-setting shape public understanding. The
gender section interrogates the portrayal of femininity or masculinity in magazine
advertisements, highlighting media's role in reinforcing binary oppositions. The
terrorism section critically analyses the media coverage of Duduzile Zuma-
Sambudla‘s social media posts during the 2021 unrest, applying theories of media-
terrorism dynamics. Finally, the portfolio concludes with a reflection on media
ownership concentration in South Africa, exploring its implications for media diversity
and democracy.
2. MEDIA AND RACE
2.1 The Term Racism and Summary of the Incident
Racism refers to discrimination or prejudice against people based on their race or
ethnic background, often rooted in beliefs of racial superiority. It manifests in
attitudes, speech, behaviours, and institutional practices that marginalise or degrade
others.
In the selected article from IOL Mercury News (29 December 2024), Nobuntu
Mkhize, an SABC employee, was filmed allegedly using racially offensive language
and physically assaulting FlySafair cabin crew on a flight. The footage, shared widely
online, showed Mkhize behaving aggressively and reportedly making remarks
perceived as racially motivated. As a senior public broadcaster employee, her
actions were considered especially problematic due to her influential role. While no
specific social media platform was mentioned in the article, the video was widely
circulated on platforms such as Twitter (now X). The airline placed her on a no-fly list
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.