The Enduring Importance of Black Ownership in South African Media

On October 19, 1977, the apartheid government in South Africa carried out a sweeping crackdown on anti-apartheid activists and organizations, banning several publications and arresting numerous journalists and political leaders.

This infamous day, known as “Black Wednesday,” marked a dark moment in South Africa’s history, as the white-minority government sought to silence dissenting voices and tighten its grip on power.

Nearly 50 years later, as South Africa grapples with the digital disruption of traditional media and the rise of social media, the legacy of Black Wednesday serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of black ownership and representation in the country’s media landscape.

The Struggle for Media Transformation

In the post-apartheid era, the South African government has made efforts to transform the media industry and promote greater diversity and inclusivity. The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, enacted in 2003, aimed to increase black ownership and participation in various sectors, including media and communications.

However, progress has been slow, and the legacy of apartheid-era media control continues to cast a long shadow. According to a 2021 study by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), the country’s top 10 media companies are still majority-owned by white individuals and entities, with black ownership estimated at only around 20%.

The Persistence of Media Monopolies

The concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few large corporations is another challenge facing South Africa’s media landscape.

The country’s three largest media groups – Naspers, Independent Media, and Caxton – control a significant portion of the market, raising concerns about the diversity of voices and perspectives being represented.

This lack of media diversity is particularly concerning in an era of digital disruption, where social media platforms and online news outlets have become increasingly influential.

The danger is that these monopolistic structures could be replicated in the digital sphere, further entrenching the power of a few dominant players and limiting the ability of marginalized communities to access and shape the public discourse.

The Importance of Black Ownership

As South Africa reflects on the legacy of Black Wednesday, the need for greater black ownership and representation in the media industry remains paramount. Ownership plays a crucial role in shaping the editorial direction, content, and overall editorial priorities of media outlets, ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of diverse communities are properly reflected and amplified.

According to a 2020 report by the South African Press Council, the average black ownership rate across the country’s top 20 media companies is estimated to be around 25%. While this represents an improvement from the past, it still falls short of the government’s target of 30% black ownership in the sector.

Moreover, the concentration of black ownership is often limited to smaller, community-based media outlets, while the dominant players in the industry remain largely under the control of white-owned corporations. This imbalance perpetuates the marginalization of black voices and perspectives, undermining the democratic ideals that South Africa has long aspired to.

The Way Forward

As South Africa commemorates Black Wednesday, it is essential that the country re-energizes its efforts to transform the media industry and promote greater black ownership and participation. This may involve stronger regulatory measures, targeted investment and support for black-owned media enterprises, and a renewed commitment to addressing the legacy of apartheid-era media control.

Only by ensuring that the country’s media landscape reflects the diversity and richness of its people can South Africa truly honor the sacrifices and struggles of those who fought for a more inclusive and equitable society.

“The legacy of Black Wednesday must serve as a constant reminder of the work that remains to be done in safeguarding the freedom of the press and the right of all South Africans to have their voices heard,” Seakgwe concluded.