Two veteran sports journalists were awarded honorary life membership of AIPS Africa at the official opening ceremony of the continental body’s congress, at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Bamako, Mali.
Kasonga Tshilunde of Congo and Mamadou Koume of Senegal were both honoured by AIPS Africa.
As a veteran who has mentored many young African reporters, 66-year-old Tshilunde, on receiving his award from the Malian Sports Minister, advised young journalists to work by the principles that govern the trade and continue to uphold to the developments of AIPS and AIPS Africa.
On his part, Mamadou Koume, who is also the President of the Senegalese Sports Journalists Association (ANPS), was emotional as he accepted the award.
Koume, who has spent over 35 years in the profession, recalled his ups and downs as a journalist, while reminding journalists to always uphold the ethics of the profession.
Source: Ida Bah, SJAG Exco Member