Press Release

Five Eswatini Journalists Nominated for Prestigious UN Training on Sustainable Development Goals Reportage

30 July 2024

Five journalists from Eswatini newsrooms have been nominated to participate in an esteemed online training hosted by the United Nations Development Coordination Office's Africa Regional Headquarters on July 30, 2024.

The training will focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to enhance journalists' skills in reporting on SDGs, emphasizing Africa's progress on the 2030 Agenda and the urgency of accelerating SDG efforts.

The journalists selected are Ms. Nokuphila Haji from Eswatini Observer, Ms. Samkelisiwe Khoza from Eswatini TV, Ms. Khanyisile Mabuza from Channel YemaSwati, Mr. Bongani Bobo Dlamini from Eswatini Radio, and Ms. Sthembile Hlatshwayo from Times of Eswatini.

Profiles of the Nominees:
1. Ms. Nokuphila Haji – Reporter at Eswatini Observer, known for her impactful reporting on social and environmental issues.
2. Ms. Samkelisiwe Khoza – Reporter at Eswatini TV, noted for her investigative journalism and high-quality news pieces.
3. Ms. Khanyisile Mabuza – News Editor at Channel YemaSwati, respected for her editorial leadership and commitment to journalistic excellence.
4. Mr. Bongani Bobo Dlamini – Reporter at Eswatini Radio, recognized for his dedication to covering community issues.
5. Ms. Sthembile Hlatshwayo – Reporter at Times of Eswatini, acclaimed for her thorough and engaging news stories.

Training Details:
Date: July 30, 2024
Duration: Four hours

Key Topics:
- Africa’s progress on the 2030 Agenda
- The urgency of SDG acceleration
- Effective SDG reporting techniques

Key Speakers:
- Ronald David Kayanja: Experienced UN official with extensive expertise in communication and media relations.
Antonio Pedro: Senior UN executive with a focus on economic development and sustainability.
Lerato Mbele: Renowned journalist and broadcaster, known for her work with major international media outlets.
Yacoub Ali El-Hillo: The Regional Director, United Nations (UN) Development Coordination Office (UN DCO) Regional Office for Africa, will address the topic, ‘The Urgency of SDGs Acceleration and Media’s Role.’
Sandra Macharia: Director, United Nations (UN) Information Service (UNIS) in Nairobi, will discuss ‘The Summit of the Future: A once-in-a-generation Opportunity.’
Tarek Cheniti: Senior Regional Coordination Officer, United Nations (UN) Development Coordination Office (DCO) Africa, will cover ‘Driving SDG Acceleration in Africa: Insights on Key Transitions.’
Melissa Fleming: United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Department of Global Communications (DGC), United Nations, will give the closing remarks.

The training will cover crucial aspects of SDG reporting, including the current state of Africa's progress towards the 2030 Agenda, strategies for accelerating efforts to meet the SDGs, and innovative techniques for effective and engaging reportage on sustainable development topics. Additionally, there will be practical sessions on crafting impactful SDG stories and tools for effective SDG reporting.

"We are thrilled to see these talented journalists from Eswatini being recognized and given the opportunity to enhance their skills. Their participation in this training is a testament to the importance of media in driving sustainable development. I look forward to engaging with them in pursuit of Eswatini's sustainable development after their training." – George Wachira, UN Resident Coordinator in Eswatini.

"We are proud of our journalists' achievements and are confident that this training will enable them to bring more insightful and impactful stories to our audience, fostering a greater understanding of sustainable development within our communities." – Mbongeni Mbingo, Chairperson, Eswatini Editors Forum

For more information, please contact:
Sibusiso Mngadi
Coordination Officer- Programme Communication and Advocacy, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office
Phone: 2409 6615