Online Reporter
The Regional Adjudication Committee (RAC) for the 2025 SADC Media Awards competition convenes in Harare, Zimbabwe, this morning.
The committee comprises adjudicators from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, including Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Most of the RAC members also serve as SADC National Media Coordinators in their respective countries.
Our Reporter Harmony Agere will provide live coverage of this event.
Recognition of top perfomers through SADC Media Awards
Established in 1996, the SADC Media Awards recognise outstanding journalism that promotes regional integration, cooperation and development in the SADC region.
The competition includes four categories: Print Journalism, Radio Journalism, Television Journalism, and Photojournalism.
Each category winner receives a US$2,500 prize.
Participants submit their entries to their respective National Adjudication Committees (NACs), along with proof of nationality.
Final winners for this year will be announced at the 45th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit, scheduled for August in Madagascar.
At last year’s summit held in Mt Hampden, Harare, Zimbabwean journalists Debra Matabvu and Kudakwashe Hunda from Zimpapers claimed top honours in the competition.
Media’s role in regional integration
Effective regional integration, defined by increased intra-regional trade, socioeconomic development and shared governance, is often undermined by a critical element: awareness among citizens.
Media, in its various forms, fills this gap by broadcasting knowledge, shaping discourse and holding institutions accountable across the SADC region.
Creating an informed citizenry
As the SADC Executive Secretary observed in 2021, “information is power” and the media must accurately inform citizens of SADC’s goals.
Without understanding, citizens cannot participate in or support cross-border infrastructure projects or macroeconomic plans.
Media empowers public participation by explaining policies, benefits, and opportunities in accessible language.
Monitoring implementation
The media is not just a mouthpiece; it acts as a watchdog.
It tracks the implementation of SADC agreements across economic, environmental, gender and security fronts.
When journalists highlight delays or mismanagement, they prompt corrective action and foster trust in regional institutions.
Inspiring replication
Success stories, such as the Chirundu border-post One Stop Border-Post initiative, gain broader reach through media.
Highlighting these helps citizens envision a more integrated future.
The SADC Media Awards themselves play a strategic role by rewarding journalism that brings these stories to light.
They span print, radio, TV and photojournalism, with top prizes of US$2,500 per category.
Media lauded as pillar of regional integration
The SADC Secretariat, represented by Ms Barbara Lopi, has commended the media for its vital role in advancing regional integration and development across Southern Africa.
Speaking during the official opening of the Regional Adjudication Committee (RAC) meeting in Harare, Ms Lopi welcomed delegates on behalf of the Secretariat and expressed gratitude to Zimbabwe for hosting the session.
“The process is more than just awarding prizes; it is about recognising excellence and commitment to the region’s growth,” said Lopi.
She praised Zimbabwe for its continued efforts in ensuring that SADC activities are effectively communicated across the region, highlighting the media’s pivotal role in informing citizens and promoting the bloc’s initiatives.
“This platform enables us to celebrate journalism that fosters cohesion, trade, and development. The media remains a critical partner in our mission to build a united and prosperous SADC,” she said.
Ms Lopi also extended appreciation to the member states for their continued support of the Media Awards initiative, and to the journalists who submitted entries, acknowledging their dedication to telling impactful stories that shape the region’s development narrative.
She reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to facilitating the SADC Media Awards and other key events that strengthen collaboration between the regional body and the media fraternity.
PS Mangwana urges media to promote sustainable development
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, has called on the media to play a unifying role across the Southern African region by bridging cultures and promoting sustainable development.
Speaking at the official opening of the 30th Regional Adjudication Committee (RAC) Meeting for the SADC Media Awards Competition in Harare, Mr Mangwana said journalism remains central in shaping the region’s future, particularly as SADC commemorates three decades of honouring excellence in regional reporting.
“Journalism is not just about reporting the news, it’s about telling the stories that define us, connect us, and drive development,” said Mr Mangwana.
“Let’s use our words and images to bridge cultures, inspire change, and promote sustainable growth.”
Mr Mangwana urged media practitioners to embrace innovation in the face of emerging challenges, including misinformation and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence.
“In an era of fake news and digital disruption, the media must remain a beacon of truth and accountability. These awards are more relevant than ever as they reaffirm our values of fairness, independence and regional cohesion,” he said.
He also commended the RAC for upholding merit and integrity in the adjudication process and thanked journalists across the region for their commitment to development-focused storytelling.
As the 2025 SADC Media Awards adjudication process begins, the Permanent Secretary encouraged the media to continue amplifying the stories of Southern Africa, its progress, its people, and its potential.
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SADC media awards adjudication begins in closed session
Following the official opening ceremony, the Regional Adjudication Committee (RAC) for the SADC Media Awards has now gone into a closed session at Cresta Oasis Hotel in Harare to begin the crucial task of selecting this year’s winners.
Media experts from across SADC make up the committee.
The prestigious competition celebrates journalism that promotes regional integration, cooperation, and sustainable development.
Closed-door deliberations are expected to ensure objectivity and confidentiality as adjudicators assess submissions in categories such as print, television, radio, and photojournalism.
Winners of the 2025 SADC Media Awards will be officially announced at the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government that will be held in Madagascar later this year.
