Barbara Lopi Highlights Journalism’s Role in Advancing SADC Regional Integration

23 June 2026.

Remarks by Barbara Lopi at the 31st SADC Regional Adjudication Committee Virtual Meeting for the 2026 SADC Media Awards, chaired by the Republic of South Africa.

Honourable Kenny Morolong, Deputy Minister in the Presidency of the Republic of

South Africa,

Mr. William Baloyi, Chief Director for Media Engagement at the Government

Communication and Information System in the Republic of South Africa, and SADC

National Media Coordinator for the Republic of South Africa, and Chairperson of

the 31st SADC Regional Adjudication Committee,

SADC National Media Coordinators,

Members of the SADC Regional Adjudication Committee representing SADC

Member States present here,

Senior Government Officials and Chief Executive Officers from the Media

Institutions in the Government of the Republic of South Africa,

Colleagues from the SADC Secretariat,