"The Republic of Angola was declared this Wednesday, August 17, during the 42nd Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community, which takes place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, champion of the SADC Journalism Award 2022, in the Radio and Television categories and runner-up in the Press", can be read in a statement from the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication, to which VerAngola had access.
According to the note, the country won first place in the Radio category with the work of journalist Aristides Kito, from Rádio Nacional de Angola in Cuando-Cubango province. The paper, entitled "Impacto da praga de gafanhotos na segurança alimentar da SADC", averaged 74.06 points on a scale of 100.
The first place in Television was won with the work of journalist Cândido Calombe, from the Public Television of Angola in the province of Zaire. The work, designated "Importância do Rio Zaire na SADC" averaged 71.62 points out of 100.
In the Press category, the work of journalist Jaquelino Figueiredo (from Jornal de Angola) was considered, entitled "omércio transfronteiriço entre Angola e RDC/Uma rota comercial procurada, mas que precisa de remover obstáculos", which came in second with a average of 70.06 points on a scale of 100.
In the Photojournalism category there was no participation of Angolans.
The note reveals that "the two Angolan champions will be awarded certificates" as well as an amount of 2500 dollars, while the runner-up will receive 1000 dollars.
Regarding this achievement, the Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication, Manuel Homem, said that it was "with great joy that the Angolan Executive learned of the unprecedented victory of the Republic of Angola in the SADC Journalism Award 2022".
In his congratulatory message, he highlighted the fact that the country was crowned champion in the Radio and Television categories and runner-up in the Press.
"An unprecedented event in the country's media history, fills Angolan professionals and others with pride, for the recognition and appreciation of the best that is done in the SADC region, in this chapter", reads the message.
The three journalists "have just demonstrated, once again, that the quality of the Angolan media is an exemplary reference throughout the southern African region, where each member state deliberated, through its free and conscious vote", he said, adding that on behalf of the Government, expresses "the warmest recognition to all Angolan journalists who have participated in the different editions of the SADC Journalism Award".
"I urge all Angolan journalists to continue to participate, through their reports, chronicles, analysis texts, programmes, interviews, photographs and other journalistic genres, in this important competition, which has lasted since 1996, helping, at their level, the public authorities for a better integration of Angola in the region, in all its facets", he said.
