9th Edition of SABA Kicks Off in Victoria Falls

Posted by admin on 2025-10-28 18:01:43 |

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By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA

 The 9th edition of the Broadcasters Convention – Southern Africa (SABA) 2025 has officially commenced in Victoria Falls, drawing broadcasters, media leaders, policy makers, and innovators from across the region to discuss emerging trends, explore opportunities, and shape the future of broadcasting and media in the digital age.

Hosted by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and jointly convened by the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA) and Broadcast Media Africa, this year’s convention runs under the theme, “Content, Connectivity, Collaboration – Transforming Africa's Broadcast Media Landscape in the AI Era.” The three-day event provides a critical platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the rapidly evolving broadcast and digital media landscape.

ZBC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sugar Changonda, opened the convention with a call for unity and creativity among industry stakeholders. “Our success depends on our unity, creativity, and innovation. I am hopeful that over the next three days we will exchange ideas, forge strategic partnerships, and build a broadcasting future that is strong, inclusive, and true to the African spirit,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Omphile Marupi, highlighted the transformative impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the media industry, driven largely by technological innovation. He explained that the Ministry has developed a forward-looking media policy designed to both cushion and support these rapid changes, ensuring the industry remains adaptive and resilient.

Stanley B. Similo, President of SABA and representing Namibia, urged broadcasters to embrace the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) while maintaining the human element in journalism. “AI offers transformative possibilities, but it should not replace humanity in our work,” he said.

Benjamin Pius, CEO of Broadcast Media Africa, emphasized AI’s role in reshaping content production, distribution, and consumption. He called on media organizations to strategically respond to AI’s evolving influence in order to remain competitive and relevant.

Over its eight previous editions, the Broadcasters Convention has rotated across Southern Africa, visiting countries including South Africa, Lesotho, Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, and Namibia, with Zimbabwe now taking the turn to host the landmark 9th edition.

As the convention progresses, participants are expected to explore innovative solutions to industry challenges, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration across the region, ensuring that Africa’s broadcasting landscape thrives in the era of AI and digital transformation.