Johannesburg: The Global South Media has been urged to shape a media landscape that reflects the complexity, beauty, and aspirations of its people. Mr. Philly Moilwa of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) articulated this vision at the opening of the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the forum, themed “Building Consensus to Amplify the Voice of the Global South,” aims to provide the continent with a voice and an identity, re-asserting itself for a more balanced, inclusive, and equitable global media landscape. Moilwa emphasized that the Global South is at a defining moment in history, no longer passive observers but architects of global transformation. He noted that while these nations represent vibrant societies filled with creativity, innovation, and resilience, their stories and challenges are often marginalized in dominant narratives.
Moilwa stressed the moral responsibility of media institutions across Africa and the Global South to advance peace journalism that fosters understanding rather than division. The forum aims to strengthen collective capacities to share verified information, exchange best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting, and establish cross-border mechanisms for fact-checking and content verification.
Despite progress, Moilwa pointed out that global narratives are still dominated by powerful platforms based in the Global North, shaping perceptions and development priorities of regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He advocated for the Global South Media to promote fair content exchange and establish ethical frameworks to safeguard public interest journalism.
Moilwa discussed the opportunities and challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), stressing the need for Global South broadcasters to shape AI policies based on their own values. He also highlighted the importance of mutual learning, suggesting that Africa has much to teach and learn from the world through its storytelling traditions and community-based media.
The Global South Media faces challenges such as shrinking revenue streams, political and commercial pressures, limited digital infrastructure, regulatory inconsistencies, and the dominance of global technology giants. Moilwa concluded by calling for unity, innovation, and a collective movement to position the Global South as the storyteller of its own destiny, not merely the subject of others’ stories.