Category: Africa

As anticipation builds ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), leaders from government, the science industry, media and business gathered at NASDAK in Cape Town for a pre-SONA media networking session that placed storytelling, social cohesion and national branding firmly in the spotlight. 

Framed around the theme: “Post-pandemic and elections: Media, social cohesion and national branding”, the panel discussion brought together Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa; Managing Director of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), Pontsho Maruping; Chief Financial Officer at Kagiso Tiso Holdings, Tshepo Setshedi, and Managing Director of East Coast Radio, Mzuvele Mthethwa.

At the heart of the conversation was the pressing question: how can media help unite South Africans in a time marked by global uncertainty, rapid digital transformation and the aftershocks of both the pandemic and recent elections?

Media as a driver of social cohesion

Setting the tone of the engagement on Wednesday, Mnukwa underscored the powerful and regulated space in which South Africa’s media operates.

“When you look at the South African landscape, broadcasting and media occupy a significant space. We operate in a regulated environment, where we observe free speech and access to information, while ensuring balance, fairness and accountability.” 

She highlighted how media can promote shared interests across race and geography, drawing on examples such as the “KZN Unite” campaign during the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal. Competing media houses aligned their messaging to focus on verified information and collective identity during the national crisis.

Similarly, during times of disaster and relief efforts, trusted platforms helped convert emotional responses into democratic participation, mobilising citizens across racial and social lines to contribute towards recovery efforts.

“These are examples of social capital and trust. Where there are events addressing common interests, media and government must come together to ensure social cohesion,” Mnukwa said.

Learning from science: Evidence, verification and trust

Bringing a scientific lens to the discussion, Maruping explained how the methods of science, hypothesis, testing, peer review and correction offer valuable lessons for media credibility.

“In science, you start with a hypothesis, you test it, you invite peer review and, if necessary, you correct it before presenting your findings.

“There’s a level of convergence with how people should trust media. Transparency about sources, evidence and verification builds confidence,” she said. 

She argued that increasing transparency around how stories are verified, and allowing space for differing views grounded in evidence can strengthen public trust in journalism.

Maruping also made a passionate call for greater visibility of South African scientific excellence. From groundbreaking radio astronomy discoveries to advanced predictive election models developed by local scientists, she said the country’s innovation is often underreported domestically, even when it makes international front pages.

“I want South Africans to read about those stories and understand what they mean. If we can build the most sensitive radio telescope receivers in the world, what else can we do?” 

Maruping said science can also play a vital role in combating misinformation by providing verifiable, non-political evidence to counter false claims.

Confronting misinformation in the digital age 

The rise of social media and the speed at which misinformation spreads featured prominently in the discussion.

Mthethwa stressed that credible media houses cannot afford to be absent in digital spaces.

“Our job is to be present, driving the narrative that media can be credible and trusted. Accuracy is more important than speed. It’s not about breaking news first; it’s about breaking news that is accurate and truthful,” he said.

He called for stronger user education to help the public identify fake pages and unverified sources, while also urging commitment to ethical journalism and accountability across the industry. 

Mnukwa reinforced the legal implications of spreading false information, reminding the audience that under the Cybercrimes Act, spreading misinformation is a criminal offence.

“Before you puff and pass, ask yourself: Is it true? Does it cause reputational damage?” she said, encouraging attendees to use their personal networks to raise awareness about responsible information sharing.

Mthethwa further proposed proactive measures such as incorporating social media literacy into school curricula to equip young people with the skills to navigate both the benefits and dangers of digital platforms.

Nation branding and patriotic storytelling

A significant portion of the conversation focused on South Africa’s national brand and the role media plays in shaping it.

Mnukwa outlined government’s recently approved Nation Brand Repositioning Strategy, describing it as a collective effort that requires participation from all South Africans.

“We have a country that belongs to all of us. It is the future of our children and the next generations, and therefore, it needs to be protected and preserved,” she said.

She urged citizens to differentiate between legitimate criticism of government and pride in the country itself.

“We compete as nations in Africa, in the global South and globally. We need to be proud of ourselves,” she said, noting that South Africa is globally recognised for its landscapes and democratic values, yet often underestimates its own strengths.

Nation branding, she added, is not merely a government communication exercise, but a platform to promote inclusivity, explain policy choices and foster patriotism grounded in democratic participation.

Setshedi emphasised the importance of cross-sector partnerships in strengthening democratic resilience. Reflecting on collaboration during COVID-19, he noted how media and government worked together to share life-saving information clearly and consistently.

Such partnerships, he suggested, will be equally important in ensuring smooth and credible electoral processes in future.

Storytelling as a unifying force

In closing remarks, panellists returned to a central theme: storytelling.

Maruping urged the media to “figure out how to tell good stories” and to be confident that audiences want to hear about progress, innovation and achievement.

Mthethwa described radio as “the original social media”, highlighting its long-standing role in fostering connection, conversation and community are values that remain critical in a fragmented digital age.

Mnukwa concluded with a call for stronger relationships between media, government, science and business to develop solutions that position South Africa as a world leader.

“I do believe that solutions will come from South Africa, as always,” she said.

As the country looks forward to SONA, the NASDAK discussion served as a timely reminder that beyond policy pronouncements and political debate, the power of narrative grounded in evidence, ethics and national pride remains central to building a cohesive and confident South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in The Presidency Kenny Morolong has called on media practitioners and government communicators to uphold ethical, fact-based reporting in the build up to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

Speaking at a media networking session on the eve of SONA, Morolong described the media as central to safeguarding democracy and strengthening social cohesion.

“As we gather here, we do so not merely as professionals but as custodians of our democracy, as architects of social cohesion and as stewards of our nation brand,” he said on Wednesday in Cape Town.

He noted that this year’s engagement takes place at a significant moment in the country’s democratic journey, marking 30 years of the Constitution, 25 years of democratic local government, and looking ahead to the 2026 Local Government Elections.

“These are not mere anniversaries. They are testament to the resilience of our democracy and the enduring power of a constitutional vision,” Morolong said.

Reflecting on the past three decades, the Deputy Minister acknowledged both progress and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2024 General Elections, which he said tested not only the country’s health systems and economy, but also its communication systems and social cohesion.

“The 2024 elections marked a significant chapter in our democratic journey. It demonstrated the resilience of our democracy and the maturity of our political discourse. It also highlighted something profound — the critical role that public communication plays in facilitating democratic participation, in fostering informed debate and holding all those in power to account,” he said. 

Morolong emphasised that in a diverse society such as South Africa, the media carries a unique responsibility.

“In a nation as diverse and beautiful as ours, media is not just a conveyor of information. It is a mirror that reflects who we are and the window that shows us what we can become,” the Deputy Minister said. 

He urged media platforms to amplify diverse voices, challenge stereotypes, counter divisive narratives and foster a shared national identity, while maintaining robust debate that strengthens, rather than weakens, social bonds.

Addressing the role of digital platforms, Morolong described social media as “the double-edged sword of our lifetime.

“How do we ensure that the pursuit of likes, shares and followers does not come at the expense of the truth, accuracy and responsible communication? How do we harness the reach of influencers for nation building, while maintaining standards of credible information dissemination?” he asked.

He stressed that nation branding must be rooted in authenticity.

“Nation branding is not about creating false narratives and glossing over our challenges. It is about authentic storytelling that presents the full picture of who we are as a nation.”

Morolong warned of “deliberate attempts to damage South Africa’s international reputation” through false narratives and distorted representations, including exaggerated claims about violence and instability.

“These fabricated narratives, whether about widespread violence, alleged systematic persecution or grossly exaggerated accounts of crime and instability, have real consequences. They deter investment, undermine international confidence and most painfully, they erode the pride and hope of our citizens.” 

Morolong commended South African media practitioners for defending the country’s image through “rigorous fact checking and evidence-based reporting”. He described such work as “patriotism at its finest, not blind loyalty that ignores problems, but informed advocacy that defends truth while working to address genuine, systematic challenges”.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Local Government Elections, Morolong said local government remains the sphere where citizens most directly experience governance. He called for strengthened communication capacity at municipal level, support for community media, and improved media literacy to combat misinformation, particularly around electoral processes.

On the relationship between government and the media, Morolong said it should be neither adversarial nor compliant, but built on mutual respect, shared commitment to the truth and “recognition of our complementary roles in serving the public interest”. 

As President Ramaphosa is set to outline government’s programme of action in SONA, Morolong said effective communication will be key to ensuring that it resonates with the lived realities of citizens.

“Let us commit to fact-based reporting and communication that builds public trust, inclusive storytelling that reflects the full diversity of our nation, ethical use of digital platforms that prioritises truth over virality, constructive engagement between media and government that serve the public trust. 

“Our 30-year-old Constitution gave us the framework [and] our 25-year-old democratic local government brought governance closer to the people. Now, as we prepare for another round of Local Government Elections, we must ensure that our media landscape supports informed participation and strengthens the bonds of community,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has called for accelerated industrialisation as the most decisive intervention to address South Africa’s persistently high youth unemployment rate, warning that without a focused reindustrialisation strategy, young people will continue to bear the brunt of economic stagnation.

Delivering the keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) 4th Annual Mining Indaba Business Dialogue in Cape Town on Wednesday evening, Ndabeni placed industrial growth at the centre of the country’s economic recovery agenda, particularly within the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors.

“Unemployment is highest among younger age groups, particularly those entering the labour market for the first time. It is an uncomfortable truth and an untenable situation for our young people,” Ndabeni said.

Ndabeni pointed to countries outside South Africa as examples, noting that they have successfully reduced youth unemployment by expanding their industrial base.

“Looking outside of our country, nations that have successfully decreased youth unemployment have done so by expanding their industries, particularly in the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors, which attract young people on a large scale, and many are embarking on the 24-hour shift.

“The decline of the industry in South Africa has severely impacted young people, resulting in diminished opportunities for stable, skills-based employment for young people. This decline requires sector specific industrialisation targets,” the Minister said.

Ndabeni also noted that in the early 1990s, manufacturing accounted for more than 22% of South Africa’s GDP. Today, she said that figure stands at approximately 12.8 – 13%.

She said employment within the sector has also plummeted, with jobs declining from over 2.1 million in 2008, to an estimated 1.6 to 1.7 million by 2024.

“Each percentage decrease in manufacturing output equates to thousands of lost or unrealised job opportunities, particularly for young individuals seeking their first employment,” Ndabeni said.

She stressed that social support programmes alone cannot resolve the unemployment crisis.

“Without a strategy of reindustrialisation, youth unemployment is likely to remain persistently high, regardless of the effectiveness of existing social programmes.”

Sector-specific targets and funding reform

Ndabeni said government is now shifting toward sector-specific industrialisation targets to reverse the decline.

She said her department is designing funding instruments aligned with sector forecasts to better support emerging industries and small businesses operating within high-growth value chains.

“That is why even my portfolio is designing funding instruments that are sector-forecast driven.” 

She emphasised the need for “real talk” engagement within the manufacturing sector and broader industrial ecosystem to accelerate implementation.

“We must no longer debate whether industrialisation, beneficiation and inclusive ownership are necessary. The task before us now is implementation, speed of execution and the discipline to get things done quickly and efficiently.

“This will quickly set us on a path of building an inclusive industrial economy, while addressing the stubborn challenge of unemployment,” the Minister said.

Beneficiation and energy security

The Minister linked reindustrialisation to the Mining Indaba’s sub-theme: “Building South Africa’s industrial economy, driving energy security, advancing critical minerals beneficiation and ensuring inclusive ownership”.

She argued that beneficiation of critical minerals presents a strategic opportunity to move South Africa up the value chain rather than remaining primarily a raw material exporter.

“If we industrialise effectively, we can build local manufacturing capacity around our mineral wealth, create downstream industries and unlock large-scale employment.” 

Energy security, the Minister said, remains a foundational pillar of any industrial expansion strategy, backed by reliable energy supply to support 24-hour manufacturing operations and restore investor confidence.

Ndabeni also called for urgent reforms to reduce red tape and reduce turnaround times for permits, licences, and access to funding.

She said faster decision-making and coordinated implementation across departments will determine whether industrial policy translates into tangible outcomes.

The Mining Indaba Business Dialogue is SAYEC’s flagship convening platform and forms part of engagements aligned to the Mining Indaba programme, placing young people at the centre of discussions on ownership, enterprise participation, and long-term sector transformation.

The dialogue brought together government, industry leaders, investors, and young people to engage on South Africa’s mining, oil, and gas sectors as key enablers of industrialisation, beneficiation, investment mobilisation, and inclusive economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za

The Cape Town City Hall stage is set, the final preparations are underway and the parliamentary gears are turning with one moment in sight: President Cyril Ramaphosa stepping up to the podium to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) tonight.

The agenda-setting address will be held from 7pm tonight.

The event is held in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution and is a Joint Sitting of both the National Council of Provinces and the National Assembly.

“The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an annual overview delivered by the President to mobilise all sectors of society to secure ongoing development in the country.

“The Joint Sitting provides an opportunity for the President to reflect on progress made, highlight key achievements, flag challenges, and outline government’s policy direction and programme of action for the year ahead,” the Presidency said.

The President is expected to highlight government’s priorities for the upcoming year.

“During SONA 2026, President Ramaphosa will outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic priorities, as well as the country’s continental and international relations.

“The State of the Nation Address remains an important national milestone, reinforcing the strength and resilience of South Africa’s constitutional democratic system,” the Presidency said.

SONA will be held at the Cape Town’s City Hall which sits adjacent to the Grand Parade – the site where former President Nelson Mandela first appeared after spending some 27 years in prison.

Members of Parliament, former Presidents, former presiding officers, members of the judiciary, among others, have been invited to the address.

Briefing the media this week, Parliament Secretary, Xolile George, revealed that the budget for SONA 2026 stands at just over R7 million.

“Largely, it’s driven by cost of hiring equipment that covers all the broadcasting and all costs around ensuring that our ICT infrastructure is fit for purpose. Those are consistent drivers of the costs. The city hall is not costing us a lot of money. 

“Last year we budget R15.5 million and we spent R12.3 million. Equipment alone was R9.1 million. Last year we had the component of hiring the ICC… a lot of our guests were host at ICC. This year, we have a marquee and that cost driver is taken up by Public Works.

“We are aiming to significantly reduce the costs of hosting SONA,” George said.

A moment to account

In a media briefing yesterday, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza explained that the SONA represents the formal opening of Parliament’s programme for the year.

“SONA…provides the anchor around which oversight, lawmaking, budget scrutiny and public participation are organised.

“It is the moment when the President accounts to the nation on progress made. He outlines priorities for the year and presents government’s programme of action. These commitments become the benchmark against which parliament measures executive performance…during the year,” Didiza explained.

Reflecting on the importance of the occasion, the speaker described SONA as more than a “ceremonial occasion”.

“It is a reaffirmation of the Parliamentary constitutional mandate to hold the executive to account, to legislate in the public interest, to facilitate meaningful public participation and to serve as platform for national dialogue.

“We want to assure South Africans that Parliament is operationally ready, institutionally focused and firmly committed to ensure that this State of the Nation Address sets the tone for a year of intensified oversight, responsive lawmaking and tangible delivery,” she said.

The SONA will be streamed live on the Presidency and Parliament social media channels, on television and on radio. – SAnews.gov.za