Mr. Siphumelele Zondi | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Siphumelele Zondi, Artificial Intelligence, Best Researcher Award

Siphumelele Zondi at Durban University of Technology, South Africa

Professional Profile

🌟 Summary:

Mr. Bhekani Siphumelele Zondi is a charismatic media practitioner, journalist, academic, content lead, and media researcher. With extensive experience in technology, social media, television, online, and radio programming, Zondi has significantly impacted South Africa’s media landscape.

🎓 Education:

  • Master of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies
    • University of Sussex, England (2012 – 2013)
    • Research: Social Media as the New Public Sphere
  • Bachelor of Technology in Journalism
    • Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa (Received Dec 2005)
    • Major: Broadcast Journalism

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Durban University of Technology (DUT)
    • Journalism Lecturer (2019 – Present)
    • Creator & Content Lead, Credible Source by DUT Journalism (2023 – Present)
  • South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
    • Creator, Senior Producer & Presenter: Network (2013 – March 2024)
    • Presenter: Africa Digest (April 2013 – February 2019)
  • CNBC Africa
    • Senior Producer & Presenter (April 2013 – July 2013)
  • Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
    • Journalism Lecturer (August 2009 – September 2011)
  • e-TV
    • Television News Reporter (April 2005 – September 2006)

🔬 Research Interests:

  • Social Media Engagement
  • Interactions between Politicians, Journalists, and Audiences
  • Use of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

  • 2017: Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans
  • 2011: Chevening Scholarship from the British Council
  • 2010: Blog of the Year Award Nomination – Journ’Tau
  • 2008: SABC News Awards Nomination – Best Current Affairs Presenter

🌐 Fellowships:

  • 2010/11: Finland EVA Junior Fellow
  • 2007: Member of Finland Foreign Correspondents’ Programme

📖 Publications Top Noted:

Paper Title: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Contemporary Journalism Practice in Two African Countries
  • Authors: Siphumelele Zondi, Theodora Adjin-Tettey, Tigere Muringa, Samuel Danso
  • Journal: Media and Journalism
  • Year: 2024