By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, August 17, Mana: A Photojournalist from Malawi News Agency (MANA), Lisa Kadango Malango has won the Sothern Africa Development Community (SADC) Media award after emerging the runner-up in the photography category of SADC Regional Competition Awards.
The winners have been announced at the 43rd Ordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government which is currently underway in Luanda, Angola in which President Dr Lazarus Chakwera is in attendance.
Her pictorial focus entry in the awards was published in the Nation Newspaper and depicted the official launch of Mwami One Stop Border Post which was graced by the President Chakwera and his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema.
The facility which is in Mchinji, among others, was constructed to improve the efficiency of border operations and contribute towards improving economies of both Zambia and Malawi.
In an interview, Kadango Malango was thankful for the award saying it is a great motivation in as far as her career is concerned.
“The award goes to my country and MANA as a whole. It is a great motivation and milestone to my life career. I would also like to thank National Newspaper and Times for always featuring my work,” said Malango.
SADC National Media Coordinator for Malawi, and Director of Information, Chikumbutso Mtumodzi said the aim of the competition is to promote integration among SADC countries.
“We are proud because Malawi has still emerged second in the photography category and this fits well with the vision of the President Chakwera of putting Malawi on the map. I encourage more journalists to participate in the competition,” said Mtumodzi.
The first prize winner in each category of photography, print, radio and television receives US$2,500and a certificate and runner up receives US$1,000 and a certificate.
Thomson Keobatswe of Botswana emerged first winner in the photo category.
The SADC Media awards were established in 1996 to recognize best media work in disseminating information on SADC to support the process of regional corporation and integration in the region.
