Cape Town – Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has emphasised the importance of a collaborative relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, saying that the two countries’ partnership benefits the entire African continent.
Speaking at a roundtable on the media’s role in shaping the relationship between the two nations, Morolong urged media practitioners to move away from divisive narratives of competition and instead focus on fostering unity and collaboration.
Morolong said that the media has a crucial role in enhancing ties between the countries and should hold both governments accountable for their bilateral agreements.
“Throughout this diplomatic friendship, both our governments have sought to place multilateralism high on the agenda of our international relations, both within and without Africa. I am certain that you as the media, have made copious reports on all of these efforts.
“At times and more often than its necessary; this reportage has sought to craft a narrative of hegemonic contest between our two brother countries. This narrative is divisive and should through word and deed, be silenced,” he said.
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The minister stressed the need for the media to report on the successes and failures of these agreements truthfully.
“A healthy society is one that is based on notions of social solidarity, democratic principles, prosperity and led by accountable leadership. It is a society that has the inherent capacity to invite and promote the wits and creativity of all its members to contribute to national and international life.
“We therefore, have to make sure as South African and Nigerian media practitioners that we contribute our bit to ensure that the media power is wielded in a manner that contributes to a healthy society, thus defined.
“Our first task when we leave from this round table discussion, is to utilise media effectively to enhance relations between our two countries. It is critical that our relations are not only viewed within the context of narrow and myopic confines of competition, but rather, collaboration that seeks to benefit the entire continent and influence international relations across the world,” Morolong said.
He also encouraged leveraging digital media to promote a positive narrative and cultural diplomacy between the two nations.
Morolong called for the media to contribute to building a healthy society based on solidarity, democratic principles, and prosperity, using their influence to strengthen bonds and drive collaboration that benefits the continent as a whole.
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