Google has begun a nationwide training program for local publishers as part of its R688-million settlement with South Africa's Competition Commission. The initiative focuses on teaching media outlets to use Google tools in vernacular languages, starting with a workshop in Cape Town. This effort aims to support independent publishers amid digital disruptions in the media sector.
Google kicked off its pilot training project this week in Cape Town, fulfilling terms of the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) settlement. The R688-million agreement with the Competition Commission includes R11.6-million over three years for training support, separate from the R38-million annual Digital News Transformation Fund.
Marianne Erasmus, Google's news partner lead for the region, described the workshops as an inspired pilot to empower local language publishers. At the Cape Town event, Abongile Mashele, Google's lead on government affairs and public policy, addressed attendees in Xhosa and English. She shared, “Ngikhule ngifunda uVukani,” translating to “I grew up reading Vukani,” highlighting her personal connection to community media and desire to strengthen the production ecosystem.
The roadshow will continue across South Africa: January 20 in Paarl for Afrikaans, January 22 in East London for isiXhosa, January 26 in Durban for isiZulu, January 29 in Johannesburg for English, and January 31 in Polokwane for Sepedi.
This launch occurs amid scrutiny over Big Tech accountability. Shaik Imraan Subrathie, a member of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, emphasized the need for tangible impacts. He stated, “If you have committed yourself to do X, Y and Z to operate in this country, we want to see that delivery.” Subrathie noted a “gap in terms of accountability” and stressed that the committee is “seized with impact,” seeking stories of real-life changes beyond mere numbers.
Kenny Morolong, deputy minister in the Presidency, attended and discussed government efforts to revitalize the media sector. He mentioned a steering committee with media CEOs to integrate traditional outlets with platforms like Google. Morolong acknowledged challenges and did not rule out tax exemptions for media serving the public good, calling it a significant consideration requiring public participation.
The training targets independent publishers, described as the “heartbeat of the community,” to help them leverage Google's tools for better content commercialization and impact measurement. While framed as a global pilot for the Global South, it stems directly from the enforceable settlement terms.