By Akani Nkuna
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has told SADC journalists to report on migration without bias or stereotypes, saying that misinformation risks undermining social cohesion.
Morolong was addressing the 31st SADC Media Awards Regional Adjudication Committee meeting on Tuesday, where he said long-term solutions to migration challenges required deeper regional cooperation.
There was also a need for economic opportunities, better border management and efforts to combat illegal migration and human trafficking.
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“Migration within our region deserves balance and responsible reflection. It has long been part of Southern Africa’s social and economic landscape, contributing to development, skills transfer, trade and cultural exchange. At the same time it must be managed in an orderly, legal and humane manner consistent with national legislation and regional commitments,” he said.
“As communicators and journalists, there is also a responsibility to promote balanced, factual and responsible reporting on migration issues, avoiding stereotypes and misinformation that can undermine social cohesion. Our collective objective remains the advancement of a stable, secure, prosperous and integrated SADC region where the movement of people contributes positively to development and regional unity.”
His remarks come amid rising anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, where anti-illegal immigrant groups and some community organisations have staged protests demanding tougher action against undocumented foreign nationals, and that foreigners in the country leave before a 30 June “deadline” set by the groups.
The SADC Media Awards, created in 1996 after approval by the SADC Council of Ministers in 1995, recognise reporting on regional cooperation, integration and community building.
Morolong said the awards remained important in promoting regional storytelling and making regional developments more accessible to citizens. He said 11 of SADC’s 16 member states had submitted entries for the 2026 awards.
He said that a region that does not tell its own stories risks having its priorities misunderstood or overlooked.
He also said the region was marked by major historical milestones, including Southern Africa Liberation Day, which needed to be continuously reported and documented for future generations.
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“Without strong storytelling, these milestones can remain distant from ordinary citizens… journalists translate regional commitments into human stories,” Morolong said.
Barbara Lopi, Head of the Communication and Public Relations Unit at the SADC Secretariat, called for greater collaboration between governments, SADC officials and member-state media coordinators to promote SADC, its programmes and its impact.
“This strategy would ensure that the achievements of SADC are communicated brightly, inclusively and proudly across every member state. Communication is our spotlight because progress without visibility risks being unseen,” Lopi said.
The winners of the Awards are expected to be announced during the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place in Durban from 16 to 17 August.
