The digital shift in communication is forcing organisations to rethink how they engage with the public, manage crises and protect their reputations. That was the message shared by Prof. Gilbert Motsaathebe during an online guest lecture hosted by Koladaisi University in Ibadan, Nigeria on 18 May 2026.
Prof. Motsaathebe, who is a professor of communication and the deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU), delivered the lecture virtually from South Africa to students and academics.
Hosted by the Department of Mass Communication in the Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences, the lecture formed part of the “Town-Gown Synergies: Fostering Collaborative Relationships” initiative of Koladaisi University, which promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange between universities and industry.
Prof. Motsaathebe’s presentation, titled “Navigating the Digital Landscape Through Corporate Communication Management Strategies”, focused on how digital platforms continue to reshape communication management, stakeholder engagement and organisational reputation.
“The digital revolution continues to reshape corporate communication management, stakeholder engagement, crisis communication and organisational reputation in an increasingly interconnected world,” he said.
The lecture examined how organisations are responding to the speed and reach of digital communication, where public trust can be shaped or damaged within minutes.
Prof. Motsaathebe said organisations now need communication strategies that prioritise transparency, ethics and adaptability to remain relevant and credible.
“The discussion highlighted the importance of transparency, ethical communication, adaptability and stakeholder-centred strategies in sustaining organisational trust and competitiveness within evolving digital environments,” he said.
The engagement also explored the growing importance of collaboration between universities and industry in addressing communication challenges linked to technology and changing audience behaviour.
Prof. Motsaathebe thanked the Koladaisi University for creating a platform that allowed academics from different parts of Africa to engage on issues affecting communication management.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Koladaisi University for the invitation and for creating a meaningful platform for academic engagement, knowledge exchange and critical conversations on the future of communication management in the digital era,” he said.
The online lecture forms part of growing academic exchanges across African universities, where virtual platforms are being used increasingly to connect researchers, academics and students across borders.
Prof. Gilbert Motsaathebe delivered an online guest lecture hosted by Koladaisi University in Ibadan, Nigeria.
