Media houses urged to support regional journo awards

He said at the launch in Johannesburg last Thursday that by participating, those involved would be contributing to the development of democracy, human rights and media freedom in the Southern African Development Community.

Some participants withdrew from the awards arguing that certain governments in the region did not permit freedom of expression and were intolerant of divergent values.

Mr Netshitenzhe said it would be wrong to adopt a holier than thou or purist approach towards the initiative saying the fact that the values were adopted by SADC was an achievement.

"It means they have put up a frame of reference to which you can legitimately, formally and informally hold governments of Southern Africa to account and that those values should be their guiding principles on how they behave towards their own media," he explained.

He said stepping aside and boycotting activities of such a nature and awaiting the dawn of an ideal world was in fact shaking responsibilities.

"It is better to participate in this processes and influence developments from within".

A five-member National Adjudication Committee (NAC) headed by Charlotte Mampane coordinates the SADC Media Awards.

Other NAC members include Nikhil Bramdaw (GCIS), Faiza Smith (NCRF), Modisaotsile Tlhame (COMSA) and Shafiq Morton.

The awards aim to afford SADC journalists an opportunity to showcase their talent and excellence and give tangible recognition for the role of journalists in print, radio, television and photojournalism.

The closing date for entries is February next year, and the adjudication of local entries will take place in April.

"The winners will be announced at a special gala dinner in the same month following which the winning entries from South Africa will be submitted to the SADC secretariat for adjudication by the Regional Adjudication Committee in May next year," explained Ms Mampane.

In June, the Regional Adjudication Committee will meet to decide on all regional entries with the announcement of the winners scheduled for August of the same year.

Article by Thabo Mokgola, courtesy of BuaNews, www.gcis.gov.za/buanews.