Africa News 24-7 morphs into Africa News Global

By: Basa Mushi

Five years after its launch, Africa News24-7 has undergone a metamorphosis and evolved into Africa News Global.

The Maslow Hotel in Sandton was the place to be on Thursday night when the news website unveiled its new look and state-of-the-art technological features that will set it apart from its competitors.

The online news publication was relaunched at a sophisticated event in Sandton on Thursday night, where guests were given a glimpse of the new features. Co-owner of AfricaNewsGlobal Pty Ltd, Kenny Kunene, explained how the platform had evolved over the past five years.

“When we started AfricaNews24-7, we wanted to be the alternative voice. We were labelled fake news by our competitors. However, we instilled a culture of not being first with the news but being truthful with the news,” Kunene said.

He further explained that despite the resistance by mainstream media and their attempts to discredit the platform, Africa News24-7 has never published an apology since its inception.

“Most people don’t realize that for EOH to restructure and fire its executives, Africa News24-7 was the first to expose the corruption between EOH and municipalities and other government entities. One of the stories we published between EOH and Eskom has just come up in the mainstream media,” he said.

Due to its impactful nature and filling in the void of alternative voices, it became imperative that the platform grows. Global partnerships made this a possibility and laid the foundation for rebranding.

Kunene unveiled new features that will elevate the platform to international standards.

“The old website was efficient, we were able to provide you with news from current events with a user-friendly interface for easy usability. The goal at this stage is to improve our interface further with a new design and a better experience with more features,” he said.

The new features include a weather tap that will automatically update whenever you get to a new city. A comment section that automatically filters foul language and cyberbullying.

“Our ad spaces will showcase ads that are more relevant to the articles you read for a more user-friendly website. If you read business news, the ads that will pop up will be in line with business. It will be the same with sports, technology, and motoring,” said Kunene.

Other exciting features are ANG TV and the audio reader for articles. You can now play your articles while you drive or do other chores around your house.

The event was attended by politicians and business people alike who shared messages of support and encouraged the platform to be fearless and to continue providing an alternative voice to the one-dimensional media space in the country.

Among those present were Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu, Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Phumulo Masualle, Deputy Minister of State Security Zizi Kodwa, African Transformation Movement president Vuyolwethu Zungula, Carl Niehaus and Mzwanele Manyi, Lebo Gunguluza, to mention a few.

Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu, who was supposed to deliver the keynote address, left early to attend to a private matter. Masualle delivered her speech.

It dealt with the history of the media and how the struggle for freedom was interlinked with media freedom. Sisulu said they fought the struggle to liberate this country and liberate every facet necessary for a free and democratic society.

“In my time in exile as an underground activist in Swaziland, I was part of this tribe called journalists, and I know what we fought for and what we have not achieved. We simply changed the goal post, and we hold supreme the freedom of the press over and above the freedom of the individual and the people of South Africa. I am here as an insider and a victim of the media,” she said.

“Notably, in the Mail & Guardian, City Press – I have become their favourite billboard headlines, and therefore I feel very well placed to make the comments I am making. I feel no less liberated now in the time of freedom than I did under Apartheid, the way the media has slandered my name. I welcome this alternative venture – it will bring out the necessary competition.”

Kodwa spoke about the need to break the shackles that have been placed on people and the hatred entrenched towards people who hold differing views.

“Those who might not agree with our progressive views have made us look at ourselves as enemies. Somebody watching is asking why is Zizi sitting in the same room as Comrade Lindiwe, Carl, Mzwanele Manyi, and Zungula. Somebody is analyzing it and making a conclusion that someone is selling out,” he said.

Kodwa added that the country has become accustomed to one voice, and anyone who comes with something different is frowned upon.

“We have accepted that when another narrative comes, we must criticize it and say it’s wrong. I can’t imagine being in Parliament where I can sit in one room with president Zungula. There is no other media house to appreciate our thinking politically that would have us in one room. It’s either they would have invited those who predominately agree with the narrative of that media house,” Kodwa said.

Zulu said the project was exciting and something that all should look forward to and should be protected.

“It’s amazing that you have been operating for five years without advertising. In the world we live in, it will be difficult to sustain yourself without looking into advertising. Don’t sell the souls of black people and women. There is a principled way of doing things. Please stay strong because you are going to be vilified,” she said.