Foster Pan-Africanism, Nigerian, South African Diplomats Charge African Media 

The African media has been charged with fostering pan-Africanism through sustainable partnerships to change the negative stereotypes concerning the continent.

His Excellencies Thami Mseleku, South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, and Ag. Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa made the call to action in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday, alongside other prominent figures.

Speaking to the fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) cohort three when they embarked on a study tour of the MTN Innovation Centre in South Africa, they posited that the media can tell African stories for Africa better.

In a panel session anchored by Juliet Tontoye Pere-ere, MIP-3 Fellow and Station Manager, Royal Roots FM, pressing issues like the misinformation, misconceptions and narratives about the Nigerian-South African relations, the role of the media in shaping stereotypes, the visa application challenges on both ends, as well as the challenges with Nigerian businesses in South Africa, were tackled.

According to Ambassador Mseleku, there is a need to build trust between the government and the people. He further tasked media practitioners to report issues that matter and be objective in reporting issues to society to strengthen the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Nigeria. “We want you to go beyond negative news and report the impact we’ve created on lives.”

On the relationship between the government and the media, he advocated for a two-way trust system to help practitioners report the government’s truth without necessarily pandering to any negative narrative.

He also confirmed the values and strong ties between Nigerian and South African media. “This study trip is another manifestation of pan-Africanism. The sessions here will aid in understanding the happenings in South Africa to balance your reportage and, at the same time, help you learn our values, customs and traditions in ways you may not be able to experience virtually.”

Ambassador Ajayi, who called for stronger synergy between government and journalists, said the media should also foster partnership among themselves if they are to change the narrative about Africa.  “The Media can foster understanding between the two countries, which is fundamental from diplomatic perspectives.”

CEO/Director of the SA/Nigeria Business Chamber, Diana Games, while recapping the gains made by the bilateral trade by both countries, also charged practitioners to keep retooling their skills. Speaking on how the chamber has been unlocking the economic potential of both nations by bridging the trade gap, she stressed the importance of Nigerian business owners understanding the requirements and business structures in SA and vice versa.

Games urged South Africa to look beyond the job security stereotype and recognize Nigeria as a valuable partner. She assured that the Business Chamber will continue to seek innovative solutions and opportunities for bilateral trade and investment, driving economic growth and shared prosperity.

The President of the African Media Forum, Churchill Otieno, who was represented by former Editor-in-Chief of Publications, Sunday Times and City Press, Mathatha Tsedu, charged African journalists to report Africa for the world, adding that they must play their role in how African stereotypes are propagated against Africans. “There has to be a seismic change in our psyche as Africans. We must love ourselves before we can change our perception about ourselves”, he added.

The intense and dynamic conversations were key for the Fellows, to further use the media as a tool to build bridges between Nigeria and South Africa and ignite meaningful changes.