"The Media Monitoring, Big Data, and Social Media Engagement Conference, hosted by the Durban University of Technology (DUT), brought together a dynamic panel of experts and stakeholders to explore the evolving landscape of digital media and its impact on society.

The conference, featuring Dr. Surendra Thakur, Director of the KZN e-skills CoLab, Tonya Khoury of Acumen Media, and Master's student Yaseen Khan, delved into critical discussions around social media activism, the role of big data in media monitoring, and how social platforms serve as powerful tools for information dissemination.

Attendees included DUT staff, SAPS representatives, and notable stakeholders, Rupert Meyer and Aqeel Kader, all keen on understanding the intersection of these technologies with real-world challenges.

The importance of these topics cannot be overstated in today’s fast-paced digital world. Media monitoring using big data allows organizations to track trends, analyse public sentiment, and respond to issues in real-time, providing invaluable insights for decision-making.

Social media activism, meanwhile, has become a formidable force in shaping public opinion and driving change, particularly through platforms where marginalized voices can be amplified.

These discussions highlight the need for stakeholders to stay informed and adaptable in the face of rapid technological advancements, ensuring that they leverage the power of media and big data effectively in their respective fields.