Today, the national launch of the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards Competition took place, officiated by Information and Media Permanent Secretary Mr. Thabo Kawana, represented by Human Resource and Administration Director Mr. Bernard Domingo. The event highlighted the critical role of journalists in shaping regional narratives and fostering cooperation, integration, and development across SADC member states.
During the launch, Mr. Kawana emphasized the objectives of the awards. The competition aims to celebrate outstanding media work that highlights both progress and challenges in the SADC region. It seeks to encourage member nations to boost intra-Africa trade, promote market integration, and support economic growth, industrialization, and cross-border cooperation.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the media fraternity, stressing the importance of a free and independent media in promoting democracy, transparency, good governance, and economic development. He directed the Department of Press and Media Development, in collaboration with the SADC Media Awards national adjudication committee, to develop strategies that encourage journalists, including those in rural and underserved areas, to participate in the competition.
Mr. Kawana also highlighted notable regional integration initiatives that journalists are encouraged to report on. These include the Kazungula Bridge connecting Zambia and Botswana, the Zambia-Tanzania power interconnector project enhancing national energy security, and the Lobito Corridor linking Angola’s Atlantic port to the interior regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
He underlined the critical role journalists play in holding power to account, promoting transparency, advocating for marginalized communities, and shaping national narratives that strengthen democracy. Journalists were encouraged to seize this opportunity to showcase their work and contribute to the country’s growth and regional development.
Entries for the 2026 SADC Media Awards will be accepted until February 28, 2026. The competition will recognize excellence in four categories: Photo, Print, Television, and Radio journalism, providing a platform for media professionals across Zambia to gain regional recognition and highlight the achievements and challenges within the SADC region.
The launch of the SADC Media Awards reflects Zambia’s dedication to supporting journalistic excellence while fostering regional collaboration, economic growth, and inclusive development across Southern Africa.