“The SADC Media Awards competition was established following a decision by the Council of Ministers in 1996 to establish a sector that deals with matters relating to amongst others, information, culture and sport.

“The awards serve as part of ensuring a link, coordination and synchronisation between formal structures of SADC governments, civil society, academia, labour and the media,” said the GCIS.

In pursuit of the promotion of regional integration and cooperation, the awards aim to recognise excellence in journalism in the area of print, photo, television, radio as well as to encourage media practitioners in member states to cover issues pertaining to the region.

The competition also consists of the Water Media Awards which are aimed at recognising stories that promote Integrated Water Resource Management in the SADC region. The competition has four categories in print, photojournalism, television and radio.

The competition is administered by the National Adjudicating Committee (NAC) which is responsible for adjudicating in member states for submission to the Regional Adjudication Committee (RAC).

The NAC is represented by media practitioners, journalists of different media houses as well as government officials.