Keynote Speakers at the ILMA 10th Anniversary Symposium

The ILMA 10th Anniversary Symposium will bring together leading scholars, researchers, media practitioners, policymakers, and students to reflect on a decade of advancing indigenous language media scholarship and practice. Hosted by the North-West University, the symposium will take place on 25–26 August 2026 at the Birchwood Conference Centre, Kempton Park, South Africa. Under the broad theme of indigenous language preservation and media innovation, the symposium will feature keynote addresses by internationally renowned scholars whose work continues to shape research and policy on indigenous language media across Africa.

Professor Siyasanga M. Tyali

Presentation Title: Indigenous Languages, Covert Resistance, and Radio in Apartheid South Africa

Prof Siyasanga M. Tyali is a distinguished media and communication scholar with more than fifteen years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. He currently serves as Full Professor and Director of the School of Arts and previously completed two terms as Chair of the Department of Communication Science at the University of South Africa (UNISA). He holds a PhD in Media Studies and has completed an Executive Development Programme at the University of the Witwatersrand, alongside additional qualifications from Johns Hopkins University, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and the University of Fort Hare. His areas of expertise include film and media regulation, political and government communication, media policy, broadcasting, and higher education transformation.

Professor Monica B. Chibita

Keynote Address: Preservation and More: Indigenous Language Media, Social Change, and the African Knowledge Society

Prof Monica B. Chibita is one of Africa’s foremost scholars in journalism and communication. She holds a Doctor of Literature and Philosophy (Communication) from the University of South Africa, a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Iowa, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Makerere University. As Professor in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University, her research has significantly contributed to scholarship on journalism education, media development, indigenous language media, and communication for social change across the African continent.