By Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu
Gofaone Motsamai, a master’s student with the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research entity at North-West University’s (NWU) Mahikeng Campus, has applauded resolutions taken at International Media Forum for Young Practitioners: Russia-Africa.
The forum, hosted at the People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) Institute of World Economy Business Hall in Moscow, gathered more than 200 registered participants, with about 150 attending in person. Attendees represented more than 20 countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Russia, Cameroon, Egypt, Tanzania and Uzbekistan. The theme of the forum was “Through the prism of education and communications”.
Gofaone took part in a roundtable discussion on media literacy as an instrument for combating disinformation, highlighting the role of agenda-setting in South Africa’s national media systems and explained how media influences public perception, shaping societal narratives.
“Media literacy is a crucial tool for combating fake news and stereotypes,” he noted. “We must advocate for comprehensive educational campaigns that equip audiences with critical evaluation skills.”
He described the forum as a platform for fostering deeper collaboration between media professionals from Russia and Africa. “Participants engaged in forward-looking discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships between Russian and African media outlets,” he said. “These included proposals for mutual training initiatives, cultural exchanges, and addressing stereotypes that undermine accurate portrayals of both regions.”
The event also featured a masterclass on the second day, where technologies like virtual reality and 360-degree filmmaking were explored for their potential to modernise storytelling and preserve cultural heritage.
Key outcomes of the forum included resolutions to promote the teaching of African languages in Russian schools and the introduction of Russian language education in
African institutions, furthering two-way cultural exchanges. Highlighting these resolutions, Motsamai said: “The promotion of African languages in Russian schools and the teaching of Russian in African institutions are significant steps toward strengthening cultural ties and mutual understanding. Initiatives like these pave the way for deeper collaboration and cultural exchange between our regions.”
He also applauded the recognition of the Sputnik Africa project for amplifying African voices through the use of native languages in media. “Projects like Sputnik Africa play a vital role in ensuring diverse African narratives are heard globally. By incorporating indigenous languages, they reflect the true richness of African societies.”
Reflecting on the experience, he said that the forum has reinforced the importance of collaboration across borders in tackling global media challenges. “It was inspiring to witness collective efforts aimed at empowering media practitioners to combat disinformation and promote cultural understanding.”
Gofaone Motsamai.
