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All Journal Indonesian Journal of Information System Journal of Information Systems and Informatics
Murimo Bethel Mutanga
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Computer Science & IT

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Social Media and the COVID-19: South African and Zimbabwean Netizens’ Response to a Pandemic Murimo Bethel Mutanga; Oswelled Ureke; Tarirai Chani
Indonesian Journal of Information Systems Vol. 4 No. 1 (2021): August 2021
Publisher : Program Studi Sistem Informasi Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24002/ijis.v4i1.4338

Abstract

Since the end of 2019, the world faced a major health crisis in the form of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To mitigate the impact of the pandemic, governments across the globe instituted measures such as restricting local and international travel and in many cases, ordering citizens to stay indoors. Considering the social and economic impact of these restrictions it becomes crucial to investigate internet citizens’ (netizens) perception about the precautionary measures adopted. The study is anchored in the digital public sphere theory, which treats social media applications as virtual platforms where netizens commune to share ideas and debate about issues that affect them. Social media platforms already have critical public views on the current pandemic. However, the majority of this data is unstructured and difficult to interpret. Natural language processing (NLP), on the other hand, makes the task of gathering and analysing vast amounts of textual data feasible. Extracting structured knowledge from natural language, however, comes with unique challenges due to diverse linguistic properties including abbreviation, spelling mistakes, punctuations, stop words and non-standard text. In this work, The Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm was applied to tweeter data to extract topics discussed by netzens from Zimbabwe and South Africa.  The primary focus of this paper, is to comparatively explore the variety of topics that occupied twitter communities from the two countries. We examine whether or not the national identities that define and differentiate citizens of these countries also exist on Twitter as evident in the emerging topics. Furthermore, this work investigated public opinion by analysing how citizens discuss the issues around the COVID-19 pandemic on social media
Factors Affecting Career Preferences and Pathways: Insights from IT Students Murimo Bethel Mutanga; Philip Xolisa Piyose; Sithembile Ndovela
Journal of Information System and Informatics Vol 5 No 3 (2023): Journal of Information Systems and Informatics
Publisher : Universitas Bina Darma

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.51519/journalisi.v5i3.556

Abstract

The selection of an appropriate career path plays a pivotal role in shaping students' futures and can greatly enhance their employability prospects. By making well-informed decisions, students can align their educational pursuits with their professional aspirations, ensuring a seamless transition from academia to the workforce. This study aims to investigate the career choices of IT students within the Department of ICT. Through an analysis of the career choices made by students in these specific areas, the research seeks to uncover the underlying factors that influence their decision-making processes. By examining the career preferences of IT students, this research endeavor seeks to provide valuable insights into the motivations, interests, and aspirations that drive their choice of specialization. Additionally, it aims to explore how external factors, such as industry trends, job market demands, and personal experiences, impact their decision-making. Understanding these factors can offer valuable guidance to educational institutions, curriculum developers, and career advisors, enabling them to provide tailored support and guidance to IT students, thus facilitating more informed career decisions. Ultimately, the findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the career preferences and pathways within the IT field. This knowledge can aid educators and institutions in developing relevant and responsive curricula, fostering an environment that nurtures students' talents and equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge for their chosen career paths. Additionally, it can assist students in making informed choices that align with their passions and long-term goals, ultimately enhancing their employability and success in the dynamic and ever-evolving IT industry.
Exploring Gender-Based Preferences in TikTok Influencer Following Among Students at University of Technology Khulula Blessing Mthembu; Xolisa Philip Poyise; Phomolo Motsilili; Murimo Bethel Mutanga; Zvinodashe Revesai
Indonesian Journal of Information Systems Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): February 2026
Publisher : Program Studi Sistem Informasi Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24002/ijis.v8i2.12888

Abstract

The rise of short-form video platforms has fundamentally changed patterns of digital communication, with TikTok becoming a dominant influence in youth media consumption. However, gender-specific preferences in influencer choice remain underexamined, especially within African university settings. Based on Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), this qualitative exploratory study investigates how gender affects TikTok influencer following behaviours among 103 South African university students who were active TikTok users. Data were gathered via open-ended online questionnaires and analysed through Qualitative Content Analysis with dual-researcher coding to ensure reliability. Significant gender-based differences appeared in influencer preferences and motivational factors: male students (61% of the sample) mainly followed educational, motivational, and entrepreneurial influencers, seeking cognitive gratifications related to skill development and career prospects, while female students (39% of the sample) inclined towards lifestyle, beauty, and fashion influencers, prioritising affective gratifications like emotional resonance, identity exploration, and self-expression. Despite these differences, both groups valued influencer authenticity, relatability, and expertise over follower count or popularity metrics. The findings extend UGT application to algorithm-driven, short-form video platforms and show how gender influences digital media gratification-seeking behaviours, revealing TikTok as a multifaceted tool for identity building, emotional validation, and aspirational learning rather than just entertainment. These results inform gender-sensitive digital marketing, educational technology integration, and culturally relevant content creation for African youth markets, allowing universities to use these insights for more effective student engagement on social media. The study's focus on a single institution and its cross-sectional design limit broad applicability, indicating that future research should explore long-term influencer relationships and cross-cultural comparisons across African educational contexts. Keywords: Gender differences, social media, influencer preferences, TikTok, university students, Uses and Gratifications Theory
Co-Authors Khulula Blessing Mthembu Oswelled Ureke Philip Xolisa Piyose Phomolo Motsilili Sithembile Ndovela Tarirai Chani Xolisa Philip Poyise Zvinodashe Revesai