Against the backdrop of the Castle of Good Hope, Dr. Iqbal Survé drew a powerful parallel between the fortress’s complex history and the evolving nature of global struggles.
Image: Independent Newspapers
By Lerato Molefe
The Andrei Stenin Press Photo Exhibition, now in its fifth year in Cape Town, has once again opened its doors to honour the fearless photojournalists who risk their lives to capture moments of truth in conflict zones. Held in partnership with Independent Media and Africa News Agency (ANA), this year’s exhibition was more than imagery—it was a tribute to sacrifice, courage, and a relentless commitment to truth.
Dr. Iqbal Survé, Chairman of Sekunjalo and the founding chairperson of the BRICS Business Council delivered his speech within the historic walls of the Castle of Good Hope, a powerful message of a shared humanity—a call for unity in an increasingly fractured world. Dr. Survé’s words carried the weight of experience, shaped by his journey where he has long advocated for global cooperation, peace, and economic inclusion.
In his speech, Survé recalled a poignant Mandela moment, a time when Nelson Mandela reminded the world that South Africa’s transformation from apartheid to democracy was not just a national triumph but a symbol of hope for oppressed peoples everywhere. He emphasised that humanity today faces its own defining moment, where nations must choose between division and unity, conflict and cooperation. Drawing from his extensive travels, including his recent engagements at Davos, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Russia, he spoke of the urgent need for countries to work together—not just in economic terms, but in shaping a future where dignity and respect transcend political and geographical boundaries.
Against the backdrop of the Castle of Good Hope, he drew a powerful parallel between the fortress’s complex history and the evolving nature of global struggles. Built by the Dutch in the 17th century, the castle stands as the oldest colonial structure in South Africa, once a site of oppression but now a beacon of resilience. In its very foundations lie the echoes of conflict, but also the promise of transformation. “In many ways,” Dr. Survé remarked, “our world is like this fortress—built on conflict, but capable of transformation. We must recognise our past, but we must also build a future where humanity stands united.”
The Andrei Stenin Exhibition is not merely about photography—it is about the courage of photographers who risk their lives to tell the world’s most harrowing stories. Andrei Stenin, a Russian photojournalist, lost his life in 2014 while covering the Ukrainian conflict. His story is not unique; across the world, photojournalists walk into war zones armed only with cameras, their only weapon being the truth. These images capture the pain, the loss, and the humanity that often goes unseen, reminding the world that behind every headline, there is a human story. The exhibition is a testament to their dedication, a reminder that the pursuit of truth is never without cost.
“We live in an era where misinformation spreads faster than fact. Yet, it is the brave photojournalists who remind us of reality—who document the struggles of the voiceless and ensure their stories are told.” Dr. Survé’s words were an urgent plea for media freedom, ethical journalism, and a world where storytellers are not persecuted for revealing the truth.
As the world faces escalating conflicts, economic disparities, and deepening social divisions, his message at the exhibition was clear: humanity must move beyond borders, beyond political and economic rivalries, to embrace a future built on unity, compassion, and understanding. The world has seen too much division, too many walls, too many conflicts rooted in an unwillingness to see each other as equals. His philosophy is not one of idealism, but of pragmatic action—using his business, investment, and media as tools to bridge the divide between nations and peoples.
As the exhibition closed, Dr. Survé’s speech at the Andrei Stenin Press Photo Exhibition left attendees with more than just powerful images—it left them with a renewed understanding of the interconnectedness of human struggle and triumph.
“Only by embracing our shared humanity can we hope to create a world that is just, free, and at peace.”
* Lerato Molefe is an independent writer and contributor.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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