Media and Political Communication on African Sovereigns : Unravelling the Nigerian- South African Scenario - Research

The media remains very active in determining the nature and dynamics of politics across the globe. In Africa, the media have been effective in unfolding the strengths and weaknesses of every political administration. This qualitative study focuses on the role of the media in assessing the political behaviours of Nigerian and South African presidents, with special focus on former presidents Jonathan of Nigeria and Zuma of South Africa. The study found that both presidents were accused of corruption and alliance with their friends to undermine nation building processes in their respective countries. However, sexual accusation, state capture and the Nkandlagate scandal were central in the media reportage on the administration of Zuma, while the media transmitted the secret letter from former president Olusegun Obasanjo to Goodluck Jonathan; where he accused him of placing politicians on watch list. The findings of this study strengthen media system dependency theory as well as the agenda setting role of the media in nation building processes of the two strongest economies in Africa. The study therefore recommends increased investigative and developmental journalism that will strengthen the quality of democratic governance in Africa.