DPR3711
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 24 March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, INTRODUCTION
This assignment focuses on the role of public relations in addressing global
development challenges guided by the Sustainable Development Goals. In the past,
economic growth relied heavily on fossil fuels, which contributed to serious problems
such as climate change, inequality and resource depletion. In response, the global
community adopted the 2030 Agenda to promote a more balanced and sustainable
future.
Public relations plays an important role in this process because it helps organisations
communicate effectively, build trust and support social change. Research is central
to public relations practice as it guides decision making and improves the
effectiveness of communication strategies.
This assignment therefore explores how research based public relations can support
development goals. It includes the development of a research proposal, media
monitoring, planning and crisis communication, all linked to different Sustainable
Development Goals.
QUESTION 1: DEVELOPING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON HOW PUBLIC RELATIONS STRATEGIES
SUPPORT POVERTY REDUCTION INITIATIVES AT GIFT OF THE GIVERS
FOUNDATION
1. Overview of the Organisation
Gift of the Givers Foundation is one of the largest disaster response and
humanitarian aid organisations in Africa. It was founded in 1992 and operates both
locally in South Africa and internationally. The organisation focuses on providing
relief in areas such as food security, healthcare, education support, water provision
and disaster response.
The vision of the organisation is to create a caring global society where people help
those in need regardless of background. Its mission is to provide rapid and effective
humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities while restoring dignity and hope.
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
, The organisation works closely with communities, governments and other partners to
ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
Gift of the Givers plays an important role in addressing poverty, especially through
food distribution programmes, support for schools, and emergency relief during
crises. Its work aligns strongly with Sustainable Development Goal 1, which aims to
end poverty in all its forms. Through its communication efforts, the organisation also
raises awareness and encourages public participation in social upliftment initiatives.
2. Background of the Research Problem
Poverty remains one of the biggest challenges in South Africa, affecting access to
food, education, healthcare and basic services. Organisations such as Gift of the
Givers Foundation play an important role in reducing poverty through humanitarian
support. However, the success of these initiatives does not depend only on the
delivery of aid, but also on how effectively the organisation communicates with the
public, donors and communities.
Public relations is important in building trust, raising awareness and encouraging
support for poverty reduction programmes. Strong communication strategies can
influence how people understand social issues and motivate them to contribute
through donations, volunteering or partnerships. Without effective public relations,
even well-designed programmes may struggle to gain support or reach their full
impact.
There is a gap in research on how public relations strategies are used by
humanitarian organisations in South Africa to support poverty reduction. While many
studies focus on marketing or general communication, fewer studies look specifically
at how public relations contributes to social change within organisations like Gift of
the Givers. This study aims to address that gap by examining how communication
strategies are used to support and strengthen poverty alleviation efforts.
Understanding this relationship is important because it can help improve how
organisations engage with society and increase the effectiveness of their
programmes.
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 24 March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, INTRODUCTION
This assignment focuses on the role of public relations in addressing global
development challenges guided by the Sustainable Development Goals. In the past,
economic growth relied heavily on fossil fuels, which contributed to serious problems
such as climate change, inequality and resource depletion. In response, the global
community adopted the 2030 Agenda to promote a more balanced and sustainable
future.
Public relations plays an important role in this process because it helps organisations
communicate effectively, build trust and support social change. Research is central
to public relations practice as it guides decision making and improves the
effectiveness of communication strategies.
This assignment therefore explores how research based public relations can support
development goals. It includes the development of a research proposal, media
monitoring, planning and crisis communication, all linked to different Sustainable
Development Goals.
QUESTION 1: DEVELOPING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON HOW PUBLIC RELATIONS STRATEGIES
SUPPORT POVERTY REDUCTION INITIATIVES AT GIFT OF THE GIVERS
FOUNDATION
1. Overview of the Organisation
Gift of the Givers Foundation is one of the largest disaster response and
humanitarian aid organisations in Africa. It was founded in 1992 and operates both
locally in South Africa and internationally. The organisation focuses on providing
relief in areas such as food security, healthcare, education support, water provision
and disaster response.
The vision of the organisation is to create a caring global society where people help
those in need regardless of background. Its mission is to provide rapid and effective
humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities while restoring dignity and hope.
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
, The organisation works closely with communities, governments and other partners to
ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
Gift of the Givers plays an important role in addressing poverty, especially through
food distribution programmes, support for schools, and emergency relief during
crises. Its work aligns strongly with Sustainable Development Goal 1, which aims to
end poverty in all its forms. Through its communication efforts, the organisation also
raises awareness and encourages public participation in social upliftment initiatives.
2. Background of the Research Problem
Poverty remains one of the biggest challenges in South Africa, affecting access to
food, education, healthcare and basic services. Organisations such as Gift of the
Givers Foundation play an important role in reducing poverty through humanitarian
support. However, the success of these initiatives does not depend only on the
delivery of aid, but also on how effectively the organisation communicates with the
public, donors and communities.
Public relations is important in building trust, raising awareness and encouraging
support for poverty reduction programmes. Strong communication strategies can
influence how people understand social issues and motivate them to contribute
through donations, volunteering or partnerships. Without effective public relations,
even well-designed programmes may struggle to gain support or reach their full
impact.
There is a gap in research on how public relations strategies are used by
humanitarian organisations in South Africa to support poverty reduction. While many
studies focus on marketing or general communication, fewer studies look specifically
at how public relations contributes to social change within organisations like Gift of
the Givers. This study aims to address that gap by examining how communication
strategies are used to support and strengthen poverty alleviation efforts.
Understanding this relationship is important because it can help improve how
organisations engage with society and increase the effectiveness of their
programmes.
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
