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This study investigates the effectiveness of communication tools and practices employed by a local municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in facilitating meaningful engagement with its stakeholders. A mixed methods research design was adopted, incorporating quantitative data from a structured survey administered across four communities (n = 432), alongside qualitative insights from an interview with a communications department staff member. Findings indicate that only 20.3% of respondents reported receiving communication from the municipality, while the majority experienced limited interaction. Council meetings were identified as the most recognised communication channel. Some participants suggested that communication challenges may contribute to community unrest, including protests. Although the municipality reported using multiple communication platforms, respondents expressed that these channels did not effectively address their concerns. The results reveal a notable disconnect between institutional communication efforts and community perceptions, suggesting that current practices fall short of participatory and two-way communication standards. The study concludes that enhancing communication strategies may assist municipalities to foster public trust, reduce conflict and promote active civic participation.

The calibre of information disseminated by higher education institutions (HEIs) is a pivotal element in student recruitment and institutional prestige. Although student-led organisations like clubs and societies serve as impactful peer-to-peer communication channels, the quality of the information they disseminate is frequently unregulated, presenting a considerable institutional risk. This study assesses the quality of material disseminated by student clubs and organisations to prospective students at a South African University of Technology. The evaluation is founded on essential dimensions of information quality: accuracy, integrity, consistency, completeness, validity, timeliness, and accessibility. The research utilised two theoretical frameworks: the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and Organisational Information Theory (OIT). The PDCA cycle transcends quality enhancement, functioning as an ongoing mechanism for organisational advancement, whilst the Organisational Information Theory aids in comprehending information dissemination within an organization. This qualitative research employed an interpretivist framework. Data were gathered via comprehensive interviews and two focus groups with 46 chairpersons and secretaries from 23 clubs and societies, augmented by an examination of their social media platforms. The findings indicate that the quality of information presents a systemic difficulty, stemming from an ambiguous and uneven comprehension of "quality information," a lack of internal quality standards, and an inadequate knowledge of institutional norms. The research suggests that clubs and societies function as influential yet predominantly unregulated information gatekeepers. In the absence of explicit policies and training, they risk disseminating disinformation, thereby harming institutional reputation and adversely affecting student recruitment. It is advisable for higher education institutions to establish explicit rules and cooperative methods to enable these groups to become dependable participants in the information ecosystem.

The calibre of information disseminated by higher education institutions (HEIs) is a pivotal element in student recruitment and institutional prestige. Although student-led organisations like clubs and societies serve as impactful peer-to-peer communication channels, the quality of the information they disseminate is frequently unregulated, presenting a considerable institutional risk. This study assesses the quality of material disseminated by student clubs and organisations to prospective students at a South African University of Technology. The evaluation is founded on essential dimensions of information quality: accuracy, integrity, consistency, completeness, validity, timeliness, and accessibility. The research utilised two theoretical frameworks: the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and Organisational Information Theory (OIT). The PDCA cycle transcends quality enhancement, functioning as an ongoing mechanism for organisational advancement, whilst the Organisational Information Theory aids in comprehending information dissemination within an organization. This qualitative research employed an interpretivist framework. Data were gathered via comprehensive interviews and two focus groups with 46 chairpersons and secretaries from 23 clubs and societies, augmented by an examination of their social media platforms. The findings indicate that the quality of information presents a systemic difficulty, stemming from an ambiguous and uneven comprehension of "quality information," a lack of internal quality standards, and an inadequate knowledge of institutional norms. The research suggests that clubs and societies function as influential yet predominantly unregulated information gatekeepers. In the absence of explicit policies and training, they risk disseminating disinformation, thereby harming institutional reputation and adversely affecting student recruitment. It is advisable for higher education institutions to establish explicit rules and cooperative methods to enable these groups to become dependable participants in the information ecosystem.

This study investigates the effectiveness of communication tools and practices employed by a local municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in facilitating meaningful engagement with its stakeholders. A mixed methods research design was adopted, incorporating quantitative data from a structured survey administered across four communities (n = 432), alongside qualitative insights from an interview with a communications department staff member. Findings indicate that only 20.3% of respondents reported receiving communication from the municipality, while the majority experienced limited interaction. Council meetings were identified as the most recognised communication channel. Some participants suggested that communication challenges may contribute to community unrest, including protests. Although the municipality reported using multiple communication platforms, respondents expressed that these channels did not effectively address their concerns. The results reveal a notable disconnect between institutional communication efforts and community perceptions, suggesting that current practices fall short of participatory and two-way communication standards. The study concludes that enhancing communication strategies may assist municipalities to foster public trust, reduce conflict and promote active civic participation.