Eswatini ICT Minister calls for media integrity and digital adaptation amid evolving information landscape

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

The Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Senator Savannah Maziya, has called on media practitioners to uphold truth, integrity, and ethical reporting as the media industry continues to evolve under increasing digital disruption.

She made the remarks during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day held at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, where stakeholders gathered to reflect on the role of the media in strengthening democracy, promoting transparency, and supporting informed public discourse.

The Minister noted that the global media environment is undergoing rapid transformation, driven largely by the rise of digital platforms and alternative sources of information. She stressed that traditional media institutions must adapt to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive information ecosystem.

A key theme highlighted during the event was the intersection between media development and digital infrastructure, including the growing relevance of satellite-based communication systems. Satellite technologies were identified as critical enablers for expanding broadcast coverage, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas where terrestrial networks remain limited. Such systems, she noted, continue to play an important role in ensuring universal access to reliable information and strengthening national communication resilience.

Senator Maziya further emphasized that the sustainability of the media sector depends on its commitment to professional standards, warning that credibility remains its most valuable asset in a fast-changing digital age.

The commemoration brought together media professionals, policymakers, and development partners to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, with particular attention to innovation, press freedom, and the future of information dissemination in a digitally connected world.