We need media platforms which reflect reality – Gigaba
For developing countries to achieve meaningful development, they must rely on their own resources to achieve their objectives. The BRICS Forum and the introduction of the New Development Bank (NDB) are contributing to this independent development, according to Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba.
Gigaba was speaking at the launch of the first Brics Journal on Thursday in Rosebank.The publication is set to challenge biases about the five Brics nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – through the exchange of information and education in the political, arts and culture and economic spheres, according to managing editor Vuyo Dlamini.
“The global media is dominated by the interest and perspectives of the West,”explained Gigaba. Emerging markets have an inability to market themselves and inform on existing investment opportunities, beyond Western headlines. Media needs to speak truths to us and to international audiences and those from beyond the Brics environment, he said.
“We need to know about who we are, what we do and what we intend doing.
“We need media platforms which reflect reality, despite the challenges,” said Gigaba. Brics countries often receive no mention unless they “run along” Western standards and norms. When they are mentioned, it is often in light of a Western perspective of politics economics and society, he explained.
