Access to and trust in science and technology information play key roles in shaping public knowledge, attitudes and engagement. Using data from the 2022 South African Public Relationship with Science Survey, this article examines sources of, and trust in, science and technology-related information among the public. The findings highlight that traditional media, particularly television and radio, remain a primary source of information in South Africa, even in an increasingly digital world.

In a knowledge-based society, science and technology (S&T) are important for national development, innovation and global competitiveness. Sharing S&T-related information is therefore vital to the advancement of knowledge, innovation, and societal progress. South Africa’s 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation highlighted the need for a more inclusive and transparent National System of Innovation. It emphasised strengthening access to diverse information sources and promoting open science principles, enabling wider availability of public research data through increased accessibility, inclusivity and transparency.

In the past, science information was shared through interpersonal contact; however, the communication of S&T information has evolved dramatically. S&T-related information is shared on various regulated and non-regulated platforms, helping to shape knowledge, attitudes and public engagement with S&T.

Traditional media, including television, radio, printed books, magazines and newspapers, has long served as the primary conduit for disseminating scientific knowledge, operating primarily through one-way communication from experts to the public. These platforms continue to play a significant role, especially among audiences who value regulated information. Since the rise of the internet, which enables information sharing through computers and cell phones, the world has become increasingly digitalised. The internet has dramatically changed the dynamic, especially for younger and more digitally connected audiences who increasingly rely on online sources for S&T information.

Another key factor influencing public attitudes towards S&T is the level of trust in S&T information sources and the institutions that produce and share this information. With so much information now available on the internet and social media, trust has become a critical factor in communicating S&T information.

Traditional media is key in communicating S&T information

Figure 1 presents the percentage of the population that reported receiving S&T information from varying sources, categorised as traditional, online, traditional social networks and institutional networks. The highest exposure was to television (60%), followed by radio (51%), internet websites (52%), social media (51%), and online chat apps (48%). Friends and family were sources of S&T information for 44% of the public. Information was consumed less from workplaces or educational institutions, government sources, religious/community leaders, and printed books/magazines.

Figure 1. Frequency of receiving S&T information (exposure)

Source: HSRC SAPRS 2022

Television and radio remain the main sources of S&T information

When looking at trends over time between 2010 and 2022 as shown in Figure 2, television remained the primary source of S&T information for South Africans. Radio followed at 51%, increasing by 10% from 2013, suggesting that it continues to be a reliable source of information for a consistent audience. Sourcing information from other people fluctuated slightly over this period, suggesting some reliance on interpersonal communication for S&T information. For print newspapers and books/magazines, there was an overall slight decline, reflecting a move away from print media but still holding a niche audience.

There has been a significant increase in the use of the internet as a source of S&T information, which more than tripled from 15% in 2010 to 48% in 2022, highlighting the growing reliance on digital platforms. Yet, despite the global rise of digital media, traditional platforms like television and radio continue to play a significant role – particularly among disadvantaged communities with limited internet access.

Figure 2. Trends in S&T information sources (2010–2022)

Source: HSRC SAPRS 2022

1. Notes:
2. 1. For 2022, ‘Internet’ incorporates various online sources, including social media. ‘Other people’ includes friends and family, and religious/traditional/community leaders.
3. 2. The comparisons between 2010/2013 (very often and often) and 2022 (daily and weekly) were not exact due to different response categories; however, the results provide an indication of trends over time.

Television: a predominant source of S&T information across countries

Internationally, television is the main source of S&T information across the countries examined (Figure 3), with South Africa’s figure of 60% aligning closely with both developed and developing countries. This highlights television’s enduring role in S&T communication. Radio also continues to serve as an essential channel for S&T information in some developing contexts.

Social media’s influence is notable, particularly in developing countries, with South Africa reporting 51% usage – second only to Malaysia. This points to a shift in how people consume information, with increasing digital engagement, especially among younger demographics. The growing reliance on social media presents the potential for expanding access to scientific content. However, unequal access to digital resources and the internet remains, and effective digital communication strategies must continue to take this into account.

To contextualise these trends, it is useful to compare South Africa’s S&T information sources with those in other countries.

Source: European Commission 2024; Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation 2022; HSRC SAPRS 2022

1. Notes:
2. 1. The categories in each survey were slightly different but provide a comparative overview. 
3. 2. Due to the different categories used across the surveys, comparison by internet sources could not be done.

Most trusted information sources

When asked about their trust in various sources of S&T information in the survey, 71% of the public reported trusting information from universities and research organisations. As shown in Figure 4, television and radio emerged as the most trusted traditional media sources, with levels of 66% and 62% respectively, followed by internet websites. Although people access S&T information via social media and messaging apps, trust in these unregulated platforms is lower. Trust levels were also notably lower for S&T information provided by religious or traditional leaders, as well as local and national government sources.

Figure 4. Trust in S&T information sources

Source: HSRC SAPRS 2022

Enhancing S&T communication and trust

To improve science communication in South Africa, strategies must balance access, trust, and relevance. As the landscape of S&T information consumption evolves, stakeholders should adapt their strategies to communicate with and engage diverse audiences effectively. This can be done in several ways: 

• Leverage trusted traditional media: Continue and expand science-focused content on traditional media platforms and integrate S&T topics into existing popular programming formats. Tailor communication for different literacy levels, using storytelling and simple terminology, as well as local languages and culturally relevant community examples.
• Bridge the digital divide: Invest in affordable, accessible internet infrastructure in underserved areas, and provide free or zero-rated access to trusted S&T websites and platforms.
• Build digital literacy and trust in online platforms: Promote media literacy initiatives to help people evaluate the credibility of online S&T information, and encourage fact-checked, accessible science content on digital platforms.
• Engage trusted institutions: Encourage researchers and academic institutions to be more visible in public spaces through op-eds, radio interviews, and public talks.
• Strengthen community and interpersonal channels: Train community science ambassadors who can share accurate, digestible science information at the local level.

Traditional media remains a powerful tool for reaching the public, while digital platforms offer growing opportunities if trust and digital literacy can be strengthened. The goal should be a more inclusive, transparent, and participatory science communication ecosystem that reaches all South Africans.

Research contacts and acknowledgements

This article was written by Dr Thando Tenza (ttenza@hsrc.ac.za) and Sylvia Hannan (shannan@hsrc.ac.za), chief researchers in the HSRC’s Equitable Education and Economies division. It is based on findings from the 2022 SAPRS, which was funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Over the course of four years, the core research team members on the SAPRS Survey project were Dr Vijay Reddy, Dr Benjamin Roberts, Sylvia Hannan and Dr Steven Gordon. Researchers who contributed to aspects of the study were Dr Thando Tenza, Dr Shanaaz Dunn, Dr Saahier Parker, Dr Ngqapheli Mchunu, Dr Thobeka Zondi, and Fabian Arends.

If you enjoyed reading this article, please click here to subscribe to the HSRC Review quarterly magazine.