Story by Farai Gwaze reporting
THE African Media Awards are on tonight in Addis Ababa,Ethopia, amid calls for journalists to own the continent’s sovereign narratives and project them on the global stage. The event was preceded by a dinner on the eve of the big day.
Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana emphasised that African storytellers must be guided by patriotism.
“We, the storytellers of Africa, operate from a foundation where sovereignty of voice is paramount. Ethiopia defended hers with force of arms; we defend ours today with the voice of truth, with the integrity of narrative. The world has too often tried to tell our story for us, our charge today, whether we are from Addis Ababa, Abuja, Lagos, Nairobi or Harare, is to own our narrative completely. To our hosts Russia Today(RT), thank you for choosing to engage in this unique historical footing, but for the storytellers of Africa, may we protect and project our sovereign narratives with even greater skill and courage,” Mr Mangwana said.
Also addressing the dinner gathering, the Director General of RT network highlighted the organisation’s commitment to amplifying African voices and stories.
“The focus of RT has been on bringing forth untold stories, voices and opinions, particularly those that are overlooked in the Western mainstream media stage. We believe that African voices deserve a much more prominent role in informing social, cultural and geopolitical landscapes. Without the inclusion of all voices in an open, fair and balanced exchange of ideas, it is impossible. The African Excellence Media Conference and African media awards were created precisely for this,” the General Director of RT Network Ms Vera Kharina noted.
The discussions at the eve-of-awards dinner reinforce Zimbabwe’s commitment under the Second Republic to control its national narrative and participate authentically in continental media spaces.
