More than a comic book, ‘Currents of Truth’ reveals the power of media literacy

The KAS Regional Media Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa has celebrated the launch of its first comic book, Currents of Truth, in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

The book follows a young investigative journalist, Afi, her mentor, Oesi, and a computer genius, Kojo, on a mission to expose corruption by uncovering a disinformation campaign fuelled by AI. Its emphasis is on a united fight to protect the truth.

Aimed at young Africans, Currents of Truth covers the rapid changes to society through tech, and how AI’s pervasive presence presents increasing challenges to the public and the media. Focusing on the work of journalists across the world, it reveals how AI can be used well, to tell important stories, but also its dangers if left unchecked.

Hendrik Sittig, Director of the Programme, says the book’s emphasis on ‘media literacy as an important tool to strengthen credibility’ emerges out of decreasing trust in media

‘Therefore, it is for everyone [as] it aims to bring awareness about the threats against democracy, especially in the age of AI.’

Author Ryan Pedro is a South African poet and screenwriter whose first collection, Pienk Ceramic-hondjies, delved into themes of identity, race, class and education as it captured the complexities of growing up in a rural area. Such was its impact on contemporary Afrikaans literature that it won the UJ Debut Prize in 2021.

Pedro’s poems are included in Nuwe Stemme 6, an anthology for emerging Afrikaans writers, and he has also worked as a screenwriter on popular TV series Suidooster, Sousie and Wyfie.

Prize-winning illustrator Careshia Esperanza is a fine artist with more than a decade of experience. Her work spans digital illustration, painting and sculpture, and seeks to infuse humour and playfulness into its process.

Esperanza has collaborated with brands like ASICS, agencies like Ogilvy and corporates like Anglo-American, earning praise for her creativity at the Pendoring, Assegaai, Loeries and Bookmark Awards.

The KAS Media Programme South East Europe released its own comic book, The Truth Hunt: A Dangerous Investigation in the Balkans, in 2022. That book focused on media freedom and investigative journalism in South East Europe, its innovative format designed to spark conversation about censorship, and increase social awareness about the risks journalists face in that region.

• ‘Currents of Truth’ can be downloaded here