The 2026 SADC Media Awards Competition is a professional recognition program established by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. Launched in 1996, the awards aim to honor journalists from SADC Member States who excel in disseminating information that supports regional cooperation, integration, and development. The competition features four distinct categories: Print, Radio, Television, and Photojournalism. Winners in each category receive a cash reward of US$2,500, while runners-up are awarded US$1,000. Unlike many international grants, entries are not submitted directly to the Secretariat but must be processed through National Media Coordinators. The application window is currently open, with a final submission deadline of February 29, 2026.
SADC Media Awards Competition 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Body | SADC Secretariat |
| Region | Southern Africa (Member States) |
| Category | Print, Radio, TV, and Photojournalism |
| Eligible Countries | SADC Member States |
| Reward | Up to US$2,500 Cash Prize |
| Key Criteria | Work supporting regional integration |
| Application Deadline | February 29, 2026 |
SADC Media Awards Competition 2026 Details
The Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 SADC Media Awards competition. These awards are open to professional journalists from all SADC Member States who have published or broadcasted work that highlights the progress and challenges of regional integration.
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Since its inception in 1996, the competition has served as a vital platform for recognizing the best media work in the region. It encourages journalists to go beyond local news and focus on stories that bind the Southern African community together through economic, social, and political development.
Award Details
The awards are divided into four specific journalism streams. Each entry is evaluated based on its contribution to the public’s understanding of SADC’s objectives. Journalists must ensure their work meets the specific technical requirements for their category, such as word counts for print or duration for broadcast material.
Benefits of the SADC Media Awards Competition 2026
Tier 1: First Prize Winner (US$2,500)
- Cash Reward: A grand prize of US$2,500 awarded to the top entry in each of the four categories.
- Recognition: Official certificate and trophy presented during high-level SADC events.
Tier 2: Runner-Up Award (US$1,000)
- Cash Reward: A secondary prize of US$1,000 for the second-best entry in each category.
- Merit: Professional recognition of high-quality journalism that significantly contributes to regional dialogue.
Tier 3: National Recognition
- Support: Recognition by National Adjudication Committees and inclusion in SADC media networks.
- Exposure: Winning works are often featured across SADC-wide communication channels.
Eligibility Requirements for the SADC Media Awards Competition 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must be practicing journalists from SADC Member States with a track record of covering regional issues.
- Study Status: This is a professional award; entries must have been published or broadcast in a recognized media outlet.
- Visa Status: Candidates must be citizens or legal residents of a SADC Member State.
- Program Admission: Work must be submitted through National Media Coordinators; direct submissions to the Secretariat are not accepted.
How to Apply for the SADC Media Awards Competition 2026 (Step by Step)
- Category Selection: Ensure your work fits into Print, Radio, TV, or Photojournalism and meets the specific length/duration requirements.
- Document Preparation: For broadcast (Radio/TV), prepare your material on a CD or USB and include an electronic transcript in Word format.
- National Submission: Locate your National Media Coordinator; all entries must be submitted at the national level for processing.
- Notification of Award: Entries are judged by the National Adjudication Committee before being forwarded to the regional level for final selection.
Application Deadline: February 29, 2026
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Rules of Competition -ENGLISH_1.pdf
Official launch of the 2026 SADC Media Awards_1.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I send my entry directly to the SADC Secretariat?
No, the Secretariat does not receive direct submissions. You must submit your entry to your respective National Media Coordinator.
2. What is the maximum word count for Print Journalism?
Print submissions must have a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 2,000 words.
3. How many photos can I submit for Photojournalism?
You can submit a single photo or a pictorial spread of not more than twenty (20) photos published in one edition.
4. What is the required format for Radio and TV transcripts?
All broadcast entries must be accompanied by an electronic transcript in Microsoft Word format for translation purposes.
5. Are journalists from outside Southern Africa eligible?
No, the awards are strictly open to journalists from SADC Member States.
6. What is the maximum duration for a Television entry?
Television broadcast material should have a minimum duration of 1 minute and a maximum of 45 minutes.
7. Do I need to submit the original newspaper for photo entries?
Yes, each photojournalism entry must be accompanied by the original newspaper in which the photo(s) were published.
8. What is the prize for the second-place winner?
The runner-up in each of the four categories receives a cash prize of US$1,000.
9. Can I submit my broadcast work via email?
No, the guidelines specify that broadcast material should be submitted on a physical CD or USB drive.
10. Who do I contact for enquiries?
You can contact Ms. Barbara Lopi (blopi@sadc.int) or Innocent Mbvundula (imbvundula@sadc.int) at the SADC Secretariat.
