A Balanced Narrative

Pictured at the CMG Forum (l-r) host and moderator Qinduo Xu, Senior Fellow at the Pangoal Institute, Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information of Cambodia, Kirtan Bhana, President and Founder of the Diplomatic Society, Holger Friedrich, Publisher of Berliner Zeitung, and Thepchai Sae Yong, Executive Advisor at Thai PBS (photo supplied)

Reclaiming the balance of the narrative in an Age of Digital Disruption

By Kirtan Bhana - Founder and President, The Diplomatic Society

“To see what is right and not do it is want of courage.” - Confucius

In an age where headlines travel faster than the truth, and algorithms often outrank accountability, we find ourselves in the middle of a profound battle, not of arms or ideologies, but of reality versus perception. The media, once a trusted mirror of society, is now a contested space where narratives are shaped, reshaped, and weaponised.
This year, I had the privilege of participating in the 4th China Media Group (CMG) Forum, held over three days in Qufu, Shandong Province, the birthplace of the revered philosopher Confucius. The theme, “Exchange, Mutual Learning, Technological Empowerment – The Power of Civilization in Transformation and Development,” could not have been more timely. As geopolitical tensions mount and the media landscape continues its rapid evolution, Qufu offered not just a setting steeped in heritage, but a lens through which to reflect on our shared future.
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Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Roman Ambarov, addressing guests (photo: TDS)

By Anisha Pemjee - TDS

TThe Russian Embassy in South Africa hosted a movie marathon in the lead up to Victory Day screening films about World War 2. On May 7 this marathon culminated in the screening of the movie ‘Five Brides’ and a reception, bringing together diplomats, government officials and friends of Russia to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
In his welcoming remarks Ambassador Roman Ambarov of the Russian Federation said that for Russia and for the former Soviet Republics, Victory Day is not simply a date on the calendar, it is a day of remembrance and a day of national pride. “The sorrow of that war remains imprinted in our genetic code,” said Ambarov.

Ambassador Ahmed Sharif of Egypt (bottom centre) pictured with members of the trade delegation and officials‍

by Kirtan Bhana - TDS

As the global economic landscape continues to shift toward multipolarity, Africa is poised to harness its immense potential through strategic, intra-continental collaboration. At the forefront of this drive are the continent’s two largest economies, Egypt and South Africa, whose bilateral trade currently hovers at a modest US$100 million, a figure that does not reflect the vast commercial promise between them.
The recent high-level trade promotion mission by the Egyptian Food Export Council to South Africa signals a renewed commitment to elevate and accelerate economic ties between Cairo and Pretoria. More than a business visit, this engagement marks a significant step towards realising the vision of a connected Africa—from the Mediterranean to the Cape, a seamless trade corridor that embodies the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)..

Pictured (l-r) at the cake cutting ceremony are Dr Jessica Hamadziripi, Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale and Ambassador David Hamadziripi

By Anisha Pemjee - TDS

Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence anniversary was commemorated in Pretoria on 24 April with a diplomatic reception hosted by Ambassador David Hamadziripi. The event brought together diplomats, government officials, business representatives, and members of the Zimbabwean diaspora to mark the occasion and reflect on the nation's path since attaining independence in 1980.
In his remarks, Ambassador David Hamadziripi highlighted the theme for this year’s celebration: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030, emphasising Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusive development and decentralised governance as critical pillars in achieving its national targets.
Hamadziripi outlined several key achievements contributing to Zimbabwe’s resilience and long-term growth. “Our economy is forecast to grow by 6% this year,” he said, crediting anticipated agricultural output, a vibrant mining sector, improved manufacturing capacity, and a rise in tourism for the optimistic projection. He reaffirmed that Zimbabwe’s progress towards becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030 remains on track.

Minister Gayton McKenzie with the G20 Culture Working Group delegates (photo: GCIS)

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has called on Group of Twenty (G20) countries to invest in culture and use it to fuel economic growth.
“Culture should not be seen as a mere luxury or afterthought. It must serve as a catalyst for inclusion, innovation, and meaningful transformation. Culture must be part of how we grow economies that are not just rich in numbers, but rich in dignity, fairness and opportunity,” the Minister said.
Addressing the G20 Culture Working Group Session in Johannesburg, he said culture was an economic engine, a tool for justice, a foundation for innovation and a beacon for sustainability.
“We need to take culture from the sidelines and place it right where it belongs, at the centre of global policy-making. It creates jobs, it heals divisions and it carries the stories and aspirations of our people.

White doves are released at the end of the commemoration activities marking the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2015. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

History is a mirror, and only by drawing lessons from history can the world avoid repeating past calamities.
BEIJING, 7 May 2025 (Xinhua) -- Eighty years ago, the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War marked a turning point in human history, opening a new chapter in building a better international order and pursuing lasting peace.
Today, the world has undergone dramatic transformations. Technology has connected distant corners of the globe, and globalization has brought nations closer than ever before. Yet, alongside these advances, new and complex challenges have emerged. Global uncertainty is rising, marked by power politics, unilateralism and division in ever-evolving forms.
As the world reflects on the lessons of history, humanity must confront some urgent questions: How can we safeguard the hard-won peace? How can we collectively address pressing global challenges? And most importantly, how can we forge a shared future for all?

On April 30, 2025, Vietnam marked the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification with a grand parade in Ho Chi Minh City. This solemn yet vibrant celebration brought together over 13,000 participants and vividly reenacted the revolutionary fervour that culminated in the historic victory of April 30, 1975—a moment that decisively ended colonial and imperialist domination, and symbolised the triumph of socialism over foreign intervention.
The parade commenced with an aerial display by Vietnam’s air force, followed by military and civilian formations that reflected the strength, discipline, and diversity of a nation forged through resilience and unity. Key military units—those that participated in the decisive Ho Chi Minh Campaign—marched proudly alongside modern forces including cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and female peacekeepers, embodying both the legacy and evolution of Vietnam’s defence capabilities.

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