By Sipho Tshabalala
In a land where the scars of apartheid still burn beneath the surface, the media was meant to be the voice of truth, a guardian of democracy. But when the ink of News24 and Daily Maverick dries, it tells a different story—one of erasure, of black excellence dismissed. Dr. Iqbal Survé, a man whose journey from the streets of apartheid South Africa to boardrooms of global influence, stands as a testament to black resilience. Yet, to these media houses like Daily Maverick and News24, Survé’s success is an inconvenient truth, one that does not fit their narrative. Why else would they strip him of his rightful title, his achievements diminished, while granting white counterparts the dignity of their mistakes?
The Legacy of the 'Struggle Doctor' Ignored
Once considered a distant dream, Dr. Survé stood as a beacon of courage and compassion. Using his medical skills, he treated those who bore the scars of detention and torture, refusing to turn a blind eye to their suffering. They called him the “Struggle Doctor” because he did more than heal wounds—he gave strength to the broken, risking his own safety to stand with those fighting for freedom. His commitment was not just to medicine but to justice, humanity, and the very soul of a nation yearning to be free.Dr. Survé’s career is a testament to committed determination, dedicated service, and groundbreaking achievements.
His credentials are nothing short of remarkable: degrees from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Harvard University, alongside being a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM). Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Survé has been an entrepreneurial force and a tireless advocate for Disadvantaged communities through Sekunjalo Holdings and Independent Media.
Yet, despite his illustrious record, major media outlets frequently strip Dr. Survé of his rightful title. This omission isn’t just an editorial oversight; it’s a calculated act that underscores deep-seated prejudices.
A Double Standard for Titles
Titles matter. They symbolise respect, authority, and the legacy of one’s work. So why is it that white professionals, even those tainted by scandal, retain their honorifics, while a black man of Dr. Survé’s stature is stripped of his? Is it fear of his influence? Or is it the unspoken rule that black excellence must be dimmed to preserve the status quo? Take Dr. Richard Friedland, CEO of Netcare, who retained his “Dr.” prefix even amid the scandalous “Kidneygate” illegal organ transplant case. Similarly, Dr. Wouter Basson, known globally as “Dr. Death” for his involvement in apartheid-era chemical warfare, continues to be referred to with the reverence of his medical title.
So why is Dr. Survé, who has never been convicted of any wrongdoing—stripped of his title? This glaring inconsistency is not just a reflection of biased reporting but an attempt to undermine black excellence.
Two Sets of Rules
The tone and framing of media coverage reveal a jarring double standard. White professionals embroiled in scandals are often depicted with nuance and afforded the dignity of their achievements. Figures like Dr. Jonathan Broomberg of Discovery Health and Dr. Michael Mol are showcased as paragons of success, their titles undisturbed, even when controversies surface.
Conversely, Dr. Survé’s narrative is painted with relentless scepticism. The erasure of his “Dr.” prefix is a subtle but powerful act, diminishing a lifetime of service to a singular, biased narrative. This isn’t journalism; it’s systemic bias at work.
The Shadows of Apartheid in Today’s Media
The shadow of apartheid still lingers, its grip unseen but unrelenting, clutching the media that claims to champion democracy. News24, birthed from Naspers, once the apartheid regime’s propaganda machine, now cloaks its biases behind modern headlines. But how much has truly changed? The ghosts of Verwoerd and Malan may no longer pen editorials, but their prejudice echoes in every omission, every dismissal of black excellence. Dr. Survé’s achievements, born from grit and vision, should be celebrated as a triumph for all South Africans. Yet, the media turns its gaze, choosing instead to fuel suspicion and diminish his legacy. This isn’t progress—it’s prejudice repackaged.
Consider this: Dr. Survé built Sekunjalo Holdings from the ground up, creating opportunities for countless South Africans. He’s the chairman of Independent Media, a platform that gives voice to stories often ignored by mainstream outlets. Yet, instead of celebrating these achievements, the media chooses to fixate on controversies— unproven—and frames him as a man unworthy of his credentials.
A Call for Accountability
What does this say about the country we’ve become? A nation that clings to the ideals of freedom but allows its media to shackle black leaders in chains of bias. Why do black professionals face a higher bar for respect, their titles withheld and their achievements underplayed? Daily Maverick, News24—your silence on white corruption and your loud whispers of black doubt speak volumes. It’s time to dismantle this systemic prejudice and give leaders like Dr. Survé their rightful place in our narrative—not as suspects, but as the heroes they are.
* Sipho Tshabalala is an independent writer, commentator and political analyst.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL.