The Southern African Development Community held a workshop in Gaborone to finalize its Communication Strategy for member states, with participants emphasizing the need for better training and support for journalists covering regional affairs. Delegates from across the bloc raised concerns about inadequate capacity building and called for workshops and digital instruction to help reporters understand continental developments and handle sensitive political situations responsibly.
Representatives highlighted disparities in how development stories are covered, particularly for island nations facing distinct challenges requiring tailored approaches rather than uniform solutions. They stressed the importance of extending media access to isolated communities and improving visibility across both traditional and digital platforms.
SADC Secretariat Head of Communication and Public Relations, Barbra Lopi, acknowledged the feedback and pledged to incorporate recommendations into the final framework. The initiative aims to counter negative portrayals of African progress by external outlets and empower regional media to showcase the continent's achievements more effectively.
Representatives highlighted disparities in how development stories are covered, particularly for island nations facing distinct challenges requiring tailored approaches rather than uniform solutions. They stressed the importance of extending media access to isolated communities and improving visibility across both traditional and digital platforms.
SADC Secretariat Head of Communication and Public Relations, Barbra Lopi, acknowledged the feedback and pledged to incorporate recommendations into the final framework. The initiative aims to counter negative portrayals of African progress by external outlets and empower regional media to showcase the continent's achievements more effectively.
