Loughty Dube takes reins as SAPC chairperson, steers regional media regulation
By Kelvin Kutinyo
Zimbabwe’s veteran journalist Loughty Dube has taken the helm as the Chairperson for Southern African press councils (SAPC) following its establishment in Zambia, Lusaka.
Representatives from press councils and media self-regulatory bodies across Southern Africa gathered in Lusaka, marking a key milestone in promoting regional cooperation on press freedom, journalistic ethics, and accountability, with the aim of enhancing reporting accuracy.
The Southern African Press Councils’ newly appointed chairman will be supported by Dr Phathiswa Magopeni of South Africa’s Press Council and Mbongeni Mbingo of Eswatini, highlighting a landmark partnership across the region.
Southern African Press Council chairman, Loughty Dube emphasized that strengthening media self-regulation is the organisation’s primary focus, echoing Zimbabwe’s support for co-regulation, where self-regulation and statutory regulation work hand-in-hand.
“The aim of SAPC is to strengthen self-regulation through ethical journalism and I am happy that I will lead the process of establishing structures for SAPC and the vision of SAPC of strengthening media self-regulation in the region resonates with President Mnangagwas declared principle of co-regulation, which seeks to strengthen media self-regulation in the country,” Dube said.
The Zambian declaration, outlining the organisation’s mandate and vision, laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Southern African Press Councils.
The newly formed SAPC is prioritizing challenges like misinformation, eroding public trust, and threats from various groups and individuals, aiming to address these issues collectively and foster a more positive media landscape.
The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe congratulated Loughty Dube on his appointment, stating it’s a well-deserved recognition of his vast media experience, and encouraged members to take pride in his fitting appointment.
“We are confident that under his stewardship, SAPC will play a pivotal role in strengthening collaboration among member institutions, enhancing proffesional standards and addressing challenges such as threats to media freedom, declining public trust and misinformation.”
“His election is a testament to his extensive experience, leadership in media development and unwavering commitment to ethical journalism and self regulation. We encourage our members and partners to take pride in this achievement, said VMCZ in a statement.
The founding members of the Southern African press councils include Media Ombudsman of Namibia, Zambia Media Self-regulation Council, Media Council of Malawi, Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe, Press Council of South Africa among others.
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