Malawi News Agency (Mana)  photojournalist Lisa Kadango Malango has won the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) media award after emerging the runner-up in the photography category of Sadc Annual Media Awards.

The winners were announced at the 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Sadc Heads of State and Government underway in Luanda, Angola where President Lazarus Chakwera is in attendance.

Kadango Malango displays her trophy

Her pictorial focus entry in the awards was published in The Nation and depicted the official launch of Mchinji-Mwami One Stop Border Post which was graced by President Chakwera and his Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema.

The facility in Mchinji was, among others, constructed to improve the efficiency of border operations and contribute towards improving the economies of both Zambia and Malawi. 

In an interview, Kadango Malango said she was pleased with the award.

“The award goes to my country and Mana as a whole. It is a great motivation and milestone in my career. I also thank Nation Publications Limited and Times Group for publishing my work,” she said.

Sadc national media coordinator for Malawi, Chikumbutso Mtumodzi, who is also director of information, said the competition’s objectives are to promote integration among Sadc countries.

“We are proud because Malawi has emerged second in the photography category and this fits well with President Chakwera’s vision of putting Malawi on the map. I encourage more journalists to participate in the competition,” he said.

The first prize winner in each category of photography, print, radio and television receives $2 500 and a certificate while the  runner-up receives $1 000 and a certificate.  

Thomson Keobatswe of Botswana emerged first winner in the photo category.