Saturday 10 October 2015

Take the CNN-Multi-Choice Africa Journalist 2016 event to Namibia - as the top ranked Press Freedom country on the continent

As the country with good record in Africa when it comes to Press Freedom, I advancing that we must find ways to bring the CNN-Multi-Choice Africa Journalist Awards 2016 to Namibia.

I witnessed Africa's most prestigious media event which ended in Nairobi, Kenya a while ago ( 10th Oct 2015) with keen interest, mostly the notable absence of all Southern African countries with the exception of South Africa. My own country Namibia was also not represented, and for a long time, Namibian journalists seemed not just to have made it to the top rank of this great event on the African calendar. And being a Namibia media personality, I am aware and indeed the country has seasoned journalists who can bring out winning stories. They just need a bit of motivation and boost to inspire them.
It's such an inspiring event in terms of the recognition of the journalists work of excellence in various categories - science and technology, infrastructure, health and medicine, climate change and media freedom to mention but some of them.
Bringing it home however also means that our journalists must entre their best stories --- I know that we have some of the best stories to offer - that I don't doubt - there is also nothing extra ordinary about telling the best story (in other words, nothing that some of our journalists are not aware of in terms of  story planning, writing and story packaging techniques) -- it's basically to bring out the message that must be told - the message that will bring change for the better for society and planet to mention but some of the considerations --- it must be creatively packaged, well writen and sequenced and with great visuals that tell a story. The stories not only recognize the work of particular journalists, they uplift the standard of life of various communities and countries and Africa as a continent.
For exampel, one journalist who won told the Kenya potential solution to its current transport problems with graphics ---a tram, subway, public buses etc... On one page he illustrated the potential solutions....this also brought out the story of improving infrastructure. No country can survive without proper infrastructure - business and investors hinge on such development prerequisites.
Another one from a South African Journalist told the story of the robotic system used by ships --- to improve the operations --- he brought out the technology part...the government plan -- to improve that sector. Again technology is key for every business sector and countries cannot afford to remain behind in terms of innovation. Why are you as a journalist not bringing out those technological efforts in your community or country through your story writing?

One journalists wrote about the e-waste which is a danger to many communities in Africa - e.g. dumping of old computers which have been replaced due to new technology - it touched on the fact that many countries are yet to have a plan on e-waste--and this was a challenge in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria - the specific reporter who won called on African leaders to stop the dumping of e-waste in Africa. Do we have e-waste in Namibia for example, what has been our plan to manage that? How can you as a journalist contribute to the solution to this problem?
One from East or West Africa referred to the Farmer who transport broke down along the way due to muddy or bad roads - which affected his produce -- again that pointed to the issue of how poor infrastructure can affect SME's and cause them to go bankrupt. SME's are engines of many economies, and if they are not nurtured well, they must just die a natural death. How is the situation in your own set up? What is your contribution to the growth of SME's by highlighting challenges that must be addressed?
One story on health and medicine brought to light the situation of some communities in Kenya who drank water with some chemical or contaminated which damaged their bones (ostoporosis) - parents, children - which caused them pain and some unable to walk - this reminded me of our own Leprosy story from the Kavango region by colleague Anna Nicodemus,
A political story from Cape Verde - in Portuguese highlighted the vandalised grave side and tomb stone of the founding father of that country. This apprently happened despite the fact that the military set up was only about 500 meters away. It called for those in power to be held accountable, and the good news was that after the story was covered, the government also renovated the said grave side.
And there were many other stories -- e.g. the case of Maiduguri murder in Nigeria where seven people lost their lives -- while some were injured... it looked at the fact those responsible were not brought to book --the reporter did follow up the story now and then - also calling on the leaders to be accountable ...
The African Journalist of the Year told a story of the political situation in Cameroon, how some under cover discussions took place in a hotel to plan for the incumbent leader to remain in power. This was an investigative peace. The journalist booked a hotel room and ended up among those planning this "undemocratic"thought.
It was such an empowring event with journalists felling so proud that someone recognized their work...
The winners and finalists got tropies, cash and they will also go to CNN Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia - for the Fellowship....
All Africa Journalists for the last 20 years were present --- Kenya's President blessed the occasion, Namibia's ICT Minister and his Zambian Counter parts also witnessed the event ...
You need to experience it to understand what I am saying in this post... let's bring it home ---and you will see how many of our journalists including studies will be inspired...

Yeah, there is so much one can talk about - it was moving yet entertaining ...

Let's join hands to bring the Award to Windhoek next year-----

I am sure we shall be very happy of its impact - on the economy, solutions to some social problems through reporting and leave a more inspired journalistic force.

I wrote this post as a passionate individual from the media profession, visualizing my experience of this year's event - I thought I must share this with the rest of those who might appreciate this.