25 Feb 2018

The African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), a professional body composed of national radio and television stations of African states has commended Botswana for being a member in good standing.

The organisation’s chief executive officer, Grégoire Ndjaka, who was in Botswana for a working visit last week, stated that in addition to the country paying its subscription fees, the quality of participation by its delegates during AUB meetings had always been outstanding.

Ndjaka, who was speaking during a media briefing on February 23, explained that it was for this that he had decided to visit Botswana to salute the country for the good work it continued to do.He said while it was common for CEOs to visit only during times of trouble, the outstanding work by Botswana had compelled him to visit so as to make his acknowledgement and commendation.

The AUB boss, who stated that his visit also accorded him the opportunity to meet Botswana’s leadership, further said during his interactions with the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Eric Molale, he had come to realise that Botswana and the AUB shared the same views on key issues such as digital migration and the welfare of journalists.

Ndjaka said the other purpose of his visit was to invite minister Molale to the AUB general assembly in Kigali, Rwanda, next month.

He said the decision to have ministers responsible for broadcasting at the meeting was an acknowledgement of their role  as decision-makers regarding issues pertaining to broadcasting.

On other issues, he said the organisation played a critical role in promoting democracy and gender equality. He also said it provided training for journalists from member countries to enhance their reporting.

He said journalists were watchdogs for democracy and that for democracy to thrive, there was need for good journalism.

On gender, he said AUB had  a gender and media programme through which it helped women journalists to grow and advance in their careers, adding that women journalists were one of the organisation’s biggest targets and that many had benefited from their gender and media training programme.  

Ndjaka thanked President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for ensuring that Botswana continued to have freedom of speech. He further stated that the organisation was looking forward to working with Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi once he had assumed the presidency. ENDS