Timely boost for Misa journalism awards

MOSA MAOENG

MASERU – In a significant stride towards fostering journalistic excellence and recognising the pivotal role of media in societal development, the Network of Early Childhood Development of Lesotho (NECDOL) has pledged its support to the MISA-Lesotho Journalism Excellence Awards.

This commitment, announced by MISA-Lesotho Chairperson Kananelo Boloetse during a press conference earlier this week, marks a new chapter in Lesotho’s media landscape.

The announcement ceremony, held against a backdrop of anticipation and enthusiasm, underscored NECDOL’s dedication to advancing the cause of early childhood development through media advocacy.

With an initial pledge of M20,000 for the inaugural year, NECDOL’s sponsorship is set to bolster the newly introduced Early Childhood Development category of the awards over the next three years.

Boloetse, in his address, hailed journalism as a beacon of truth, accountability, and democracy in today’s information-driven world. He emphasised the awards’ mission to honour journalists who exemplify the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and integrity. These awards, he stated, are not merely about recognising excellence but about reaffirming journalism’s crucial role in safeguarding the public’s right to information.

The MISA-Lesotho Journalism Excellence Awards, an annual affair to celebrate outstanding journalism across all media platforms in Lesotho, will shine a spotlight on journalists whose work informs, inspires, and empowers communities.

From hard-hitting investigative pieces uncovering corruption to engaging feature articles that educate and captivate, each award category reflects the diverse talents driving positive societal change.

Boloetse also highlighted the addition of new award categories to address emerging societal challenges. These include the Rising Star of the Year Award, recognising promising young journalists, and the Visual Journalism Award, honouring excellence in visual storytelling.

Additionally, the Water and Environment Journalism Award aims to spotlight exceptional reporting on critical environmental issues affecting Lesotho.

Shoeshoe Mofokeng, National Coordinator of NECDOL, spoke passionately about the organisation’s advocacy for children aged 0 to eight years old.

NECDOL champions issues such as health, education, and social development, recognising the pivotal role of early childhood care and development (ECCD) centres in shaping young lives.

She emphasised the crucial role journalists play in advocating for children’s rights and the importance of ECCD centres in nurturing developmental milestones often overlooked by the public.

“We have seen first-hand the impact journalists can have when they shed light on children’s issues. Our commitment to sponsoring the early childhood development category of these awards for the next three years is a testament to our belief in the power of media advocacy,” Mofokeng also said.

As MISA-Lesotho extends invitations for individuals and organisations to support this ground-breaking initiative, the proverbial Sesotho saying, ‘Motho ke motho ka batho’ — a person is a person because of other people — resonates deeply. The success of these awards hinges on collective effort and commitment to nurturing journalistic talent and integrity in Lesotho.