The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) topped all Government Ministries and scooped the first prize during the Swaziland International Trade Fair (SITF) 2013 Stand Exhibition Awards. “SIKANYEKANYE” which means ‘together’ was the ministry’s theme for this year’s Trade Fair as a local content initiative to create local television programs as the country transits toward the 2015 digital terrestrial television migration deadline, when all broadcasting members of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) are expected to cease analogue transmissions.

 

                   

During the exhibition aspiring actors, presenters, producers and the general public were taken through the various phases of producing television inside Pavillion Hall 2 which had six stations including, scriptwriting, acting, shooting, video editing, sound editing and broadcasting & distribution. These were managed by experienced TV, film, and audio experts, and they attracted great interest during the exhibition. Digital migration also aims to create multi-platforms for local content and programs. The Ministry of ICT took the initiative to educate and empower the general public as part of its outreach programme aimed at readying the nation for the transition as well as to sensitize on how ordinary citizens can influence the creation of local programming. Last July the Minister of ICT, Senator Winnie Magagula officially launched the first stakeholder policy drafting workshop for the Film and New Media sector.

 

               

 

The Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (SPTC), which is also a parastatal under the Ministry of ICT, also took overall top position as the most attractive exhibition stand overall, through public voting. Swazi TV topped the parastatal category and Swaziland Broadcasting and Information (SBIS) clinched second place in the Department category. Both are under the Ministry of ICT. SITF Manager, Sibusiso Mnisi said, “the ministry received the award for following the set criteria for this year’s Trade Fair’’.

 

The Stand Excellence Awards for 2013 judging criteria were as follows:

 

CRITERION

FOCAL ELEMENTS

Appearance

  • Attractiveness of display
  • Quality of products
  • Originality of designs
  • Cleanliness of stands
  • Presentations of stand directors

Marketability

  • Relevance of business stands to the SITF 2013
  • Ability to explain unique/ peculiar features of product/ service
  • Customer care
  • Potential for sustainability of venture
  • Ability to create jobs
  • Potential to create industrial linkages and reduce capital

 

 

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