By SAM PHIRI in Kasane, Botswana –
Information and Broadcasting Services acting Permanent Secretary Issac Chipampe has challenged journalist in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries to report more on regional integration.
Mr Chipampe said journalists need to understand the SADC agenda and take time to analyse more issues to do with infrastructure development, energy, health, agriculture, trade and industry, tourism education and health.
He said there was need for SADC Journalists to provide an overview of major developments and success in the region such as the construction of multi billion dollar Kazungula Bridge project.
Mr Chipampe was speaking yesterday when he officially opened a SADC workshop for journalists in Kasane, Botswana which was attended by three member States that included the host Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia.
Mr Chipampe also cautioned journalists against writing or reporting fake news meant to damage the images of government officials.
“You need to distinguish yourselves from non journalists by avoiding sensational reporting and bank on reporting the truth, “ he said.
He said fake news reporting threatened the development agenda, of not only SADC member countries, but the entire world.
SADC Secretariat communities and public relations officer Innocent Mbvundula called for the enhancement of Journalistic skills and techniques to make complex topics, such as SADC Regional Integration, tangible and relevant to diverse audiences.
He said the SADC secretariat was working tirelessly to make sure that it engaged the media across the Region to communicate SADC outcomes.
“This event is one of such initiatives. We want to ensure that our citizens know more about SADC and how its programmes, policies and projects are benefiting the ordinary citizens. It is our belief that our colleagues from the media present here can help us in that respect.,” he said