Name: Lonwabo Chagi

Student number: 23c1120

Year of study: 2023

Course: Journalism and media studies 1

Tutor: Jemaine Chettiar

Lecturer: Prof Anthea Garman and Dr Nonhlanhla Ndlovu

Due date: Friday 13 October 2023

PLAGIARISM DECLARATION

1. I know that plagiarism means taking and using the ideas, writings, works or inventions of another as if they were one’s own. I know that
plagiarism not only includes verbatim copying, but also the extensive use of another person’s ideas without proper acknowledgement (which
includes the proper use of quotation marks). I know that plagiarism covers this sort of use of material found in textual sources and from the
Internet.
2. I acknowledge and understand that plagiarism is wrong.
3. I understand that my research must be accurately referenced. I have followed the rules and conventions concerning referencing, citation and
the use of quotations as set out in the Departmental Guide.
4. This assignment is my own work, or my group’s own unique group assignment. I acknowledge that copying someone else’s assignment, or
part of it, is wrong, and that submitting identical work to others constitutes a form of plagiarism.
5. I have not allowed, nor will I in the future allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as their own work.

Name: Lonwabo Chagi Date: 13 October 2023

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1. Make a list of some of the really important media materials you use to negotiate your life and your world. Remember
that the body is an important component of your identity, so some of these materials might be about improving the body.
You can also lean on assignment 2 where you did a diary of your media use to remind yourself.
Magazine/programme/website/social Rating: 1 to 10
media account/book/author in importance How do I use it as symbolic material for my life? Describe.
cartoon/music/singer/band/author/
reality star/character/ actor/film/
politician/blog/etc.
Facebook 9 I use Facebook to communicate with others, follow news, and
express my opinions. It symbolises my yearning for social
interaction and connection.
amapiano 7 Amapiano has a special meaning for me since it represents how
much I love this genre and the warm feelings it evokes.
Julius malema 9 Julius malema is seen as a symbol of bravery and justice. He
symbolises my appreciation for political figures who advocate
equity and human rights.
Denzel Washington 6 Denzel Washington symbolises my admiration for acting talent
and adaptability.
8 This movie reflects my passion in profound storytelling, the
power enduring power of friendship, and hope.
8 I take gym as a part of my life as I believe in having a healthy
gym body.
4 I do this to ease my mind and to destress.
hiking

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2. List the important people/groups in your life you learn from, do things with, get information from: who are your fellow
life travellers? They help shape who you are and what you think is important for your life.
Person/Group Important because……………..
They give me love, support, and strength.

family

They give me a sense of belonging and are always by my side.

friends

EFF This political party teaches me a lot about political matters and how we can
change South Africa into a better country.

My brother is important because he helps shape my personal and

professional progress by offering advice, information, and priceless life
Bafana lessons.

It helps me grow spiritually.

Church

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3. Think about points of reference: If you are in doubt about whether something is symbolically valuable and should be
incorporated into your life, or whether it is risky and you should avoid it, who/what do you consult to decide what to
do/what to integrate into your life? Do you ever use social media to get advice?

I frequently seek the advice of trusted family members and friends who are familiar with me and who can offer
individualised insights and support.
I speak with mentors or sector specialists who can provide insightful advice while making decisions about my professional
and career. I do use social media as it is a powerful tool of looking for information.

4. Think about horizons of expectation: Can you think of an experience/some new knowledge that has come to you which
has made you think again about what you might be able to do/achieve in your life?

I have always wanted to do IT, but I never had the skill. Last year I did computer studies at University of South Africa and
that was when I realised that I can still pursue my dream as I had gained a new skill.

5. Are you conscious of filtering/accepting/rejecting new knowledge and experiences that come to you? What do you do
in situations where you feel conflicted?

To better understand the issue or the newly provided knowledge, I gather relevant information and data.
I Think about how the new information fits with my values, convictions, and objectives. I Consult with trustworthy peers,
mentors, or professionals who can offer diverse viewpoints or direction.

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6. Have you had an experience where information about a serious situation in the world requiring action and attention has
come to you and you’ve felt unsure of what your responsibility is or how to respond? Have you had an experience where
you have responded to something far away from you because you felt you needed to? (explain).

I have never responded to situations like that because I feel that sometimes it is better to stick to your own issues, not
because I am acting high or special but because I am trying to avoid making mistakes that will come back to me as
problems. But if the situation is involving me, I then look for information from different people on how I can assist if I feel
that the situation is beyond me.

7. Have you had an experience via media that made you feel as though the traditions of your life are becoming unmoored
(being loosened up)? This could be a good or bad experience.

No, I have never had that kind of experience because I am very careful in terms of what I do or choose to believe in media,
and I make sure that I do not allow media to change my traditional perspective or my values. My traditions cannot be
influenced by media because they serve as a foundation to my life.

8. If you use social media, what guides your “self-writing”: how do you decide what to write, how often to write and what
(and what not) to share? Do you ever receive feedback that causes you to ‘re-think’ your narrative of self-identity? If you
don’t use social media, explain your choice not to use it.

I think my interests and beliefs guides me on what I should write because I always write about things that I like and my
passions. I don’t write or share things that are degrading other people or cultures. Sometimes I also share special

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moments that I spend with my friends and family. I have never received feedback that causes me to re-think my self-
identity because I believe in who I am, and I cannot just change because of what people think of me.

QUESTION 9 – for marks

1. Make a rough mindmap of the various identity markers that you consider to be really important to your sense of self. I’ve put this one
here to remind you of the various identity “co-ordinates” or categories that we have talked about in class. Choose those that you think
apply to you best.

family

place
carrer
of birth

me

school age

culture

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2. Who am I? by Lonwabo Chagi.

I am a 20-year-old who combines the duties of maturity with enthusiasm of youth.

I was born in Eastern Cape, a province that has birthed many heroes.
I have come to the stage in my life where I'm ready to become independent.
I am a South African, a citizen of a lively, diverse country with an extensive variety of cultures and traditions.
I am always absorbing information and concepts from the academic community as a student.
I am a family member, and the ties that bind us give us a sense of support and belonging.
I have big dreams that I believe I will once fulfil.
I am only 20 years old, so I'm still figuring out who I am and what I want to do with my life.
I have a culture that I respect and that I will pass on to the upcoming generation.