The atmosphere at Unisa was electric as academics, media practitioners, and students gathered for the 15th annual Percy Qoboza Memorial Lecture, a poignant event that sought to reanimate the memory of a titan in journalism and social activism. Hosted by Unisa in collaboration with the National Press Club and the Qoboza family, the event highlighted the enduring legacy of Percy Qoboza, celebrated for his fearless stance against apartheid and his unyielding commitment to freedom of expression.

Held every year on 19 October, the lecture commemorates Black Wednesday, a day in 1977 when the apartheid government stifled dissent by banning black consciousness movements and closing influential publications like The World and The Weekend. This year’s theme, “From Qoboza to the Digital Age: Journalism, Justice, and the Global Fight for Truth,” ignited discussions about the present challenges facing media in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In her opening address, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, issued a clarion call for the inclusion of women in media, emphasising that “women should not be silenced in the media space.” She challenged media students and professionals to critically engage with ethics in journalism, underscoring the urgency of amplifying the historically marginalised voices who have faced systemic oppression.

“Percy Qoboza’s legacy illuminates not only the global fight for truth and justice, but it reminds us that universities are places that invite excavation of knowledge, critical analysis, comparisons, and sometimes speaking truth to power,” LenkaBula stated, reinforcing the role of educational institutions in supporting human rights, and echoing the sacrifices made by those like Qoboza in the struggle for press freedom.

Furthering this discussion, LenkaBula acknowledged the important role of language in emancipation. Recognising South Africa’s 12th official language, sign language, she said, “We must not silence the voices of our history.” This serves as a reminder that the fight for inclusivity in the media, involves acknowledging all forms of communication.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Mandla Radebe, an Associate Professor in the Department of Strategic Communication at the University of Johannesburg. Radebe took a critical stance on media ownership, labelling the current media landscape as “heavily and increasingly colonised”. He argued that journalism must not merely entertain but serve as a “revolutionary act”, echoing the spirit of Qoboza as a freedom fighter committed to the pursuit of knowledge and justice.

In a thought-provoking moment, Antoinette Slabbert, Chairperson of the National Press Club, reflected on the evolving landscape of press freedom in South Africa. Drawing on recent developments, she illustrated the challenges journalists face in today’s media climate, sparked by technological advances that shape how stories are told and consumed.

The event was punctuated by a vibrant panel discussion facilitated by Ashraf Garda, featuring esteemed journalists and authors who engaged with Radebe’s themes, offering varied perspectives on modern journalism’s role in society. The panelists included Bongekile Macupe,  Themba Sepotekele, and Sophie Mokoena from the SABC international news desk, who each navigated the complexities of journalism in the digital age adeptly.

As the evening concluded, the announcement of the Percy Qoboza Bursary recipients provided inspiring recognition for young journalists dedicated to upholding the values Qoboza fought for. Professor Rofhiwa Mukhudwana expressed gratitude during the vote of thanks, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the event.

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