Luanda – The head of the National Adjudication Committee and Jury, Anastácio de Brito has said only eight applications from Angolan professionals of the Radio and Television have been submitted so far for the 2024 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards as the closing for internal applications nears.
Speaking to ANGOP, Anastácio de Brito the participation of professionals is lower than expected, given that in the last edition, at the same time, there were already 12 applications, five in TV, four in Radio, two in Press and one in Photojournalism.
He added that applications will close on February 29, and those interested should go to www.sadc.int to access the form and other information.
"The works will be judged internally, and only then will the winners of each category compete on behalf of the country in the regional phase," he said.
As for the works already submitted in this internal phase, the journalist said they have the quality required to compete in the regional phase, as they address pertinent issues about the region.
Anastácio de Brito took the opportunity to encourage professionals to choose topics about Angola within SADC, such as the development of transport infrastructure in the country and its impact on regional integration.
He encouraged Angolan professionals to take part in the competition, as it helps disseminate the country's name in the region and provides meritocracy and valorization of journalists.
The winners of the SADC Journalism Prize will be announced at the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, during which they will also receive their prizes.
The competition awards the winners, at regional level in the Press, Radio, Television and Photojournalism categories, a prize of USD 2,500 and a certificate signed by the SADC Chairperson.
The runners-up in each category will receive USD 1,000 and a certificate.
SADC was founded in 1980, having previously been called the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC).
In 1995, the SADC Council of Ministers approved the establishment of the Community Journalism Prize to recognize the best journalistic work in the region.
The region is made up of 16 member states, namely Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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