Eswatini journalists honoured at World Press Freedom Day 2024

The United Nations in Eswatini, led by UNESCO and in partnership with the Eswatini Editors Forum, commemorated World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2024, at the UN House in Mbabane. This year's theme, "A Press for the Planet," underscored the essential role of the media in addressing global challenges such as the climate crisis and emphasized the importance of safeguarding press freedom.

The event featured influential speeches from key figures, including Mr. George Wachira, UN Resident Coordinator; Hon. Savannah Maziya, Minister of ICT (who was represented by the Principal Secretary, Mr.Phesheya Dube); H.E. Caitlin Piper, U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires; and H.E. Dessislava Choumelova, EU Ambassador to Eswatini. Each speaker highlighted the indispensable role of the media in advancing public knowledge and democracy.

H.E. Caitlin Piper from the U.S. Embassy emphasized the vital need to protect press freedom, noting, “Trust between a government and its people can only be gained through the independent lens of a free press. A media constrained, controlled, and limited by government threatens the very core of society and undermines the trust we need now more than ever.”

EU Ambassador H.E. Dessislava Choumelova also stressed the importance of a robust press, stating, "Free, independent, and pluralistic media is vital for resilient and healthy democracies. The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to protect media freedom and pluralism across the world."

During a special ceremony, the Eswatini Editors Forum, supported by the UN, the US Embassy, the British High Commission in Eswatini, and the EU Embassy, honored veteran journalists who have made significant contributions to the journalism profession in Eswatini. The British High Commission sponsored the evening cocktail, adding a note of gratitude for the journalists’ dedication.

Journalists Awarded:

1. Bheki Makhubu
2. Ncamisile Matsebula
3. Vusi Sibisi
4. Welile Dlamini
5. Bongiwe Dlamini
6. Qedusizi Ndlovu
7. Lucky Simelane
8. Nimrod Mabuza
9. Qhawe Mamba
10. Martin Dlamini
11. Mbongeni Mbingo
12. Jabu Matsebula
13. Ackel Zwane
14. Lunga Masuku
15. Simon Shabangu
16. Mduduzi Mngomezulu
17. Oscar Mabusela
18. 18. Phephisa Khoza
19. Lwazi Dlamini
20. Bongiwe Zwane

Posthumously Honored Journalists:

1. Felix Simelane
2. Thulani Thwala
3. Musa Magagula
4. George Mabuza
5. Vusi Gamedze
6. James Dlamini
7. Martin Matse
8. Tim Shongwe
9. Mandla Tiger Magagula
10. Raphael Mhlanga
11. Sabelo Mamba
12. Phiwokwakhe Ngidi
13. Zweli Mpungose
14. Nhlanhla Zwane
15. Sonnyboy Fakudze
16. Donny Nxumalo
17. Kenneth Dlamini
18. Phinda Zwane
19. Leon Maber
20. Jizah Shongwe
21. Setsabile Sibisi
22. Vukani Maziya
23. Parks Mangena
24. Mashumi Thwala
25. Vusi Ginindza
26. Cynthia Simelane
27. Jackie Mavuso
28. Cyril Dlamini
29. Pat Jele
30. Sabelo Mamba
31. Abner Tembe

The ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to those who have upheld journalistic standards and integrity, with special remembrance for those who have passed away. Their enduring legacies were celebrated as beacons of truth and resilience in the face of adversity.

UN Eswatini and its partners remain committed to supporting press freedom and fostering a media environment that promotes transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse. This event not only honored the past contributions of Eswatini's journalists but also reinforced the ongoing commitment to protecting and promoting press freedom in the Kingdom.

Click to view the photos from the event: