By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong told SADC journalists this morning to report on the escalating migration crisis without any bias or any form of stereotypes and stated that long-term solutions to migration challenges will require extensive regional cooperation.
“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” said Morolong.
The SADC Media Awards, which was established in 1996, looking at its 30th anniversary, is aimed at recognising reporting on regional cooperation, integration as well as community building. Morolong also highlighted the importance in advancing regional storytelling and making stories more accessible to citizens at large. He also noted that if the region does not platform their own stories, then this could lead to severe misinformation.
“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” he continued.
His statement follows escalating anti-immigrant sentiments that are circulating across the country as anti-illegal immigrant groups have been holding protests demanding that firm action be taken against the undocumented foreign nationals and demand that these undocumented foreign nationals leave before 30 June.
“Without strong storytelling, these milestones can remain distant from ordinary citizens…journalists translate regional commitments into human stories” Morolong continued.
The Head of the Communication and Public relations unit at SADC Secretariat, Barbara Lopi, urged greater collaboration between the government, SADC officials to give greater promotion to SADC and the impact that it has on Southern Africa.
“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” said Lopi.