South African journalism has taken a bow on the regional stage, with two local media professionals honoured for excellence at the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards in Durban on Monday.
The awards, presented on the sidelines of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, celebrate outstanding journalism that deepens understanding of regional integration, development and cooperation among SADC member states, with prizes in four categories: photo, print, television and radio journalism.
A picture worth a thousand words
Siyabulela Duda, a photojournalist at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), clinched second prize in the photo category, earning US$1,000 for a striking image captioned: “Former Deputy President of South Africa, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, congratulates newly inaugurated Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House in Windhoek, Namibia”.
Published under the headline “Women’s Hour”, the entry celebrated the SADC region’s progress in placing women in the highest levels of decision-making, including the presidency itself.
Radio waves of recognition
Radio reporter Seakga Relebogile Tladi of Sputnik Radio Africa was awarded second prize in the radio category, also worth US$1,000, for an entry featuring voices from across the region, including officials from Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe, that explored regional solidarity among SADC member states.
Pride of a nation’s newsrooms
Government congratulated the pair warmly, describing their recognition as a reflection of the vital role the media plays in strengthening regional understanding and cooperation.
“Government extends its warmest congratulations to Messrs Duda and Tladi for this important achievement and for demonstrating the professionalism, creativity and commitment that characterise the best of South African journalism,” the GCIS said in a statement.
“Through compelling visual storytelling, radio journalism and other forms of reporting, journalists help connect citizens across the region and bring the work of SADC closer to communities.”
The GCIS also commended all South African journalists who report on regional and continental developments with integrity, professionalism and dedication, saying a vibrant, ethical and professional media is essential to informed public discourse, a strong democracy and people-to-people solidarity across Southern Africa.
With the region’s leaders gathered in Durban and South African storytellers being honoured on home soil, it was a proud week for Mzansi’s newsrooms. Government wished both winners continued success in their careers, and so do we.
The story was first reported by SAnews.gov.za.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
Leave a Reply