Story by Peter Chivhima
HARARE – THE SADC Media Awards have been recognised as a critical platform for advancing regional integration and amplifying the authentic voice of Southern Africa, as the curtain came down on the three-day virtual Regional Adjudication Committee (RAC) familiarisation session held in Harare this Thursday.
In her remarks at the closing ceremony, the outgoing Chairperson of the Regional Adjudication Committee and ZBC News Foreign Editor, Ms Oleen Ndori, underscored the importance of embracing evolving digital technologies in media practice, noting their power to enhance storytelling and deepen the impact of journalism across the SADC region.
“It is this spirit of unity and togetherness that the region needs to achieve its set goals of enhanced regional integration for sustainable development that benefits citizens of our region. As indicated by Zimbabwe’s Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Nick Mangwana, in his opening remarks, we all need to take heed of the fast-evolving nature of technology by ensuring that we incorporate modern tools in our storytelling so as to enhance the packaging and dissemination of our content.
“All this speaks directly to the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 goal number four, which calls for enhanced visibility and awareness of SADC, its activities and its impact in all member states and globally. None but ourselves can tell our own story better,” she said.
She added that the SADC Media Awards Competition remains an essential instrument for projecting the region’s narrative on a wide range of issues including social, economic, political, cultural, and climate matters.
Ms Ndori also proposed expanding the awards categories to reflect contemporary media trends.
“I humbly propose the introduction of a Best Multimedia Content/Reportage category, which utilises a combination of text, images, audio, and interactive elements to provide a more immersive storytelling experience. Additionally, a category for infographics could help simplify complex data through visually engaging formats,” she said.
RAC adjudicator, Ranga Mataire, commended the quality and creativity of the entries submitted for this year’s competition.
“The standard continues to improve in terms of how content is packaged, the relevance of the issues tackled, and the level of participation. From the adjudication process, the entries reviewed captured the regional narrative from a variety of perspectives including cultural angles. One particularly interesting entry focused on how music cooperation can enhance integration and unity. This shows the growing depth and creativity in how stories are being told,” he said.
Madagascar will assume the chairmanship of the RAC, with the incoming Chairperson, Ms Olivia Rakotonirina, pledging to ensure inclusive participation from all SADC member states in strengthening the region’s voice through the media.
Winners of the 2025 SADC Media Awards will be announced in August this year, with prize money ranging from US$1 000 to US$2 500.
