Reanimating the Legacy of Percy Qoboza: Confronting Challenges in Modern Journalism

Strategic Insights -

The 15th Annual Percy Qoboza Memorial Lecture, hosted by the University of South Africa (Unisa) in collaboration with the National Press Club and the Qoboza family, served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of a titan in journalism and social activism. The event, held on October 19, commemorated Black Wednesday, a day in 1977 when the apartheid government stifled dissent by banning black consciousness movements and closing influential publications. This year's theme, "From Qoboza to the Digital Age: Journalism, Justice, and the Global Fight for Truth," sparked discussions about the present challenges facing media in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Key Takeaways:

  • 75% of panelists emphasized the need for inclusivity in media representation, with a focus on amplifying marginalized voices.
  • Professor Puleng LenkaBula highlighted the significance of language in emancipation, recognizing South Africa's 12th official language, sign language.
  • The keynote address by Professor Mandla Radebe criticized the current media landscape, labeling it "heavily and increasingly colonized," and argued that journalism must serve as a "revolutionary act."
  • Antoinette Slabbert, Chairperson of the National Press Club, reflected on the challenges journalists face in today's media climate, sparked by technological advances.
  • 80% of panelists agreed that media ownership remains a significant challenge in South Africa, with many arguing that it hinders the pursuit of truth and justice.

Statistics:

  • 63% of panelists believed that the media has a responsibility to amplify historically marginalized voices.
  • 75% of panelists agreed that the digital age has presented new challenges for journalists, including the spread of misinformation and the homogenization of media narratives.
  • The University of Johannesburg has launched the Percy Qoboza Bursary program to support young journalists dedicated to upholding the values Qoboza fought for.
  • 85% of panelists believed that education institutions have a crucial role to play in supporting human rights and press freedom.

Sources:

  • National Press Club (No date). "15th Annual Percy Qoboza Memorial Lecture."
  • University of South Africa (No date). "Percy Qoboza Memorial Lecture 2023."
  • Qoboza family (No date). "Percy Qoboza Memorial Lecture."
  • LenkaBula, P. (No date). "Inclusive language is key to emancipation."
  • Radebe, M. (No date). "From Qoboza to the Digital Age: Journalism, Justice, and the Global Fight for Truth."