Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE Sadc Media Awards play a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s voice on issues that impact the bloc and its member states, outgoing chairperson of the Regional Adjudication Committee (RAC), Ms Oleen Ndori, has said.
She made the remarks in closing remarks at the conclusion of the three-day 30th Regional Adjudication Committee Meeting in Harare yesterday.
Ms Ndori underscored the importance of leveraging modern storytelling tools to improve the packaging and dissemination of content in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
“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 benefit 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 story telling 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 impact in all member states and globally.
“None but ourselves can tell our own story better. In line with this strategy, the Media Awards Competition is an essential tool in strengthening the region’s voice on an array of issues be it social, cultural, economic, climate, political all captured and reflected in the entries for the 2025 Sadc Media Awards.
“We urge our respective media organisations in the region to encourage media practitioners to take the regional story as an existential story that determines the survival and collective development of the region.”
Ms Ndori proposed expanding the competition’s scope to reflect new trends in digital journalism.
She recommended introducing a Multimedia Content/Reportage category to recognise works that integrate text, audio, video, imagery and interactive elements, especially relevant in online media.
“I also suggest the introduction of another category for inforgraphics, which comprises of clear and visual representation of data and information,” she added.
“Leaning on elements like imagery, symbols, charts and diagrams, an infographic can make complex ideas easy to understand.
“The simple meaning of an infographic is to tell a story through visual aids.
“I believe these categories are essential as they both contribute in increasing visibility and capturing the SADC story in a unique different format and cater for audiences that exclusively consume digital content on various alternative platforms.”
Ms Ndori thanked her predecessor, Mr William Chikoto, for his guidance and support.
She praised Mr Chikoto, the Zimpapers acting chief executive officer, for his deep knowledge of media and regional affairs, which she said had been invaluable to the smooth running of the adjudication process.
The incoming RAC chairperson, Ms Olivia Rakotonirina of Madagascar, pledged to uphold the integrity and objectives of the competition, while broadening participation across the region.
“We are fully aware of the importance of the task ahead, and it is with the prospect for what has been achieved so far that we prepare to take up the baton in two months-time,” she said.
“From now on, we are committed to upholding the values of integrity, transparency and journalistic excellence that underpin this competition. We also aspire to strengthen inclusiveness by encouraging creative participation of young people and women in journalism who represent the future of our media and of our societies.”
