Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa  invites submissions for a forthcoming special issue focusing on organisational sustainability in the African context from a communication perspective.

Within organisational contexts, sustainability increasingly refers to the long-term viability and survival of organisations themselves (Florez-Jimenez et al., 2024). This includes their ability to adapt to changing economic, technological, and societal conditions, as well as to maintain legitimacy, stakeholder relationships and operational continuity.

Submission process

Manuscripts should be submitted via the journal’s online submission system. Please refer to the author guidelines on the journal's website for further details.

Registration and login access are available at:

https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/jcsa/user/register  https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/jcsa/login

Please select the “Special Issue” option from the menu on the first page of your submission.

Also, indicate in the comment section to the editors that your submission is for the Special issue: Communication for organisational sustainability in South Africa.

Key deadlines

Opening date for manuscript submission: 1 May  2026

Closing date for manuscript submission: 1 August 2026

Guest editor(s)

Prof Lucinda B. Sutton, Dr Elbé M Kloppers, Prof Louise Bezuidenhout and Prof Lynnette M. Fourie (all who are affiliated with the School of Communication and Research Focus Area: Social Transformation, North-West University).

Enquiries

For questions regarding the special issue, please contact the guest editors at:
Lucinda.Sutton@nwu.ac.za

 

As Africa assumes a more influential global position through its G20 membership and 2025 presidency, the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), public relations, communication, and development necessitates critical reflection (Rogers, 2022; Stal, 2024)

This special issue invites interdisciplinary contributions that explore how human-centred approaches to AI can enhance communication and development across the African continent. Topics may include participatory AI design (Eke, 2023), strategic communication for digital inclusion (Gwagwa et al., 2020), public relations and advocacy around AI-driven reforms, the role of storytelling and narrative in shaping public perceptions of AI (Bosch, 2022), and the governance of AI through transparent, accountable, and people-focused frameworks (OECD, 2021; Cole, 2024). We are especially interested in research that interrogates the communicative power of AI in development initiatives, examines its social and ethical implications, and highlights African-led innovations that prioritise human dignity and context relevance (Mhlanga, 2024; Nhedzi & Azionya, 2025).

By centring the human experience within AI discourse, this issue aims to foster dialogue across fields such as strategic communication studies, media, development, technology policy, and public relations. We welcome contributions that reflect Africa’s diversity and leadership in shaping responsible, inclusive, and communicatively resonant AI futures, marking the continent’s G20 moment with substance and strategy.

Guest Editors:

Dr Caroline M. Azionya, Senior lecturer, Department of Strategic Communication, University of Johannesburg, 

Dr Abyshey Nhedzi, Research associate, Department of Strategic Communication, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. nabyshey@gmail.com

• 31 March 2026: Full article submission deadline

The articles must be submitted online via https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/jcsa/about/submissions