𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗖 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦

The Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2027 SADC Media Awards competition in four categories, namely Photo, Print, Television and Radio Journalism.

Established in 1996, the SADC Media Awards recognise outstanding media work that contributes to disseminating information on SADC and promoting greater public understanding of the regional integration agenda. The Awards seek to recognise journalists who demonstrate excellence, originality, accuracy, depth of research and impact in reporting on SADC and matters relating to regional cooperation and integration.

The Awards further recognise the important role of the media in informing citizens about SADC programmes, policies, initiatives and achievements, while providing a platform for journalists to bring regional issues closer to communities across the SADC region. Through quality and impactful journalism, media practitioners contribute to strengthening communication, awareness and visibility of SADC and promoting greater citizen engagement in the regional integration process.

The first prize winner in each of the four categories will receive US$2,500, while the runner-up in each category will receive US$1,000. The SADC Media Awards are open to journalists from all SADC Member States. The winners of the 2027 SADC Media Awards will be announced during the Opening Ceremony of the 47th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held in the Republic of Zambia.

The SADC Secretariat encourages journalists across all Member States to participate in the 2027 SADC Media Awards and use this opportunity to showcase excellence in journalism while contributing to greater public awareness and understanding of SADC's regional integration agenda. Interested journalists are encouraged to obtain further information and entry forms from the SADC National Media Coordinators (SNMCs) in their respective Member States or from the SADC website at www.sadc.int. The list of SADC National Media Coordinators is available at https://www.sadc.int/media-coordinators. Completed entry forms, with all required information typed in, must be submitted to the respective SADC National Media Coordinators in the Member States by 28 February 2027.

For further information, please contact Ms Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations Unit; Mr Innocent Mbvundula, Communication and Public Relations Officer; or Ms Tirelo Senwelo, Assistant Public Relations Officer at the SADC Secretariat. They may be contacted by email at blopi@sadc.int, imbvundula@sadc.int and tsenwelo@sadc.int, respectively, or by telephone at +267 395 1863.