The new PSAf Strategic Plan (2012 to 2016) is now complete and ready to be launched in February 2012, positioning the organisation for an exciting five years. The document, which provides a framework for the organisation’s interventions over the next five years, will be officially launched by PSAf Patron and First Republican President of Zambia, His Excellency Dr Kenneth Kaunda on 17 February.

 The proliferation of radio across Southern Africa has not necessarily translated to increased communication of key development issues among marginalised communities. To address this challenge, PSAf has partnered with its two African sister institutes – Panos Institute West Africa (PIWA) and Panos East Africa (PEA) in the implementation of a continental pilot project, the Pan Africa Radio Platform.

 On 19th December 2011, different stakeholders gathered in Maputo, Mozambique to celebrate the organisation’s achievements in that country. The gathering brought together direct beneficiaries of the organisation’s activities, namely editors and reporters/producers, as well as representatives of donors and implementing partners.

Maputo-based PSAf Board Member, Ms. Julieta Langa, and PSAf Executive Director, Lilian Chigona also participated at the event, which was held at the National Union of Journalists headquarters in Maputo.

Under the Governance and Development programme, PSAf carried out a number of initiatives to enhance the ability and capacity of citizens, media, civil society organisations and elected representatives to use evidence-based approaches to engage with state actors on governance issues.

The ultimate goal of these interventions is to promote transparent, responsive, accountable and effective governance. 

On 17 November, PSAf organised a half day consultative forum for Zambian Members of Parliament and implementing partners for the Governance and Transparency Fund (GTF)’s Atwaambe project.

The meeting was attended by five Members of the National Assembly of Zambia (NAZ) and representatives of organisations that are involved in the GTF activities in Zambia. Journalists from selected national and community media institutions across the country also participated in the consultations. 

 There is growing media interest in covering issues around sexual minorities and multiple concurrent partnerships following the training of journalists under the Communicating HIV and AIDS Prevention in Southern Africa project.