Lusaka – Eswatini Editors Forum Chairperson Mbongeni Mbingo has been elected Deputy Chairperson of the newly formed Southern African Press Councils during a regional launch held in Lusaka, Zambia on Wednesday.
Mbingo joins Zimbabwean media leader Loughty Dube, who was elected the inaugural Chairperson, and South Africa’s Phathiswa Magopeni, who also serves as Deputy Chairperson. The trio will lead the new regional body tasked with strengthening ethical journalism, accountability and media self regulation across Southern Africa.
The Southern African Press Councils was established following the adoption of the Zambia Declaration, a framework that sets out the organisation’s vision and operational direction. The association brings together press councils and media regulatory bodies from across the region, including representatives from Eswatini, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and Malawi. 
Mbingo’s election places Eswatini at the centre of regional media developments at a time when the industry is facing growing pressure from misinformation, declining public trust and threats to press freedom. The new body is expected to promote professional standards, encourage responsible reporting and create platforms for collaboration among member states.
The Southern African Editors Forum has welcomed Mbingo’s appointment, describing it as a significant development for both the country and the region. The forum’s Executive Director Willie Mponda said Mbingo’s leadership within Eswatini’s media space has been notable and his elevation to the regional structure reflects confidence in his experience.
Mponda said the formation of the Southern African Press Councils comes at a critical time when media institutions across the SADC region must work together to safeguard democratic values, transparency and accountability.
The association is also expected to work closely with regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community and the African Union, alongside civil society organisations and international partners, to advance media development initiatives.
Meanwhile, Dube’s election as Chairperson has been described by the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe as a milestone for Zimbabwe’s media sector. The council noted that his leadership will guide efforts to strengthen collaboration among member institutions and address emerging challenges affecting journalism in the region.
The inaugural meeting and launch of the Southern African Press Councils took place on March 18, 2026 in Lusaka.
