SACOD seeks to affect change in society by advocating for reforms through appeals to individuals about their behaviour, organisations and companies about their rules, and government about its laws.

Through its lobbying efforts, SACOD hopes to influence lawmakers for appropriate legislation in support of developmental issues through the use of audiovisual platforms.

It is the goal of SACOD to lobby effectively for the development of a thriving community of independent producers in Southern African. The producers participate in development through the use of audio-visual media and their programmes are broadcast on Southern African broadcasters' networks as part of an overall increase in local content quotas and a social contract in broadcasting.

The same programmes also reach a wider audience though other distribution mechanisms such as mobile units, churches, NGO or civil society organisations, or school audiovisual screenings.

SACOD works in partnership with other organisations in the media sector to ensure that the media environment in Southern Africa allows media freedom and diversity.

SACOD aims to form coalitions with organized, informed, and dedicated partners to effectively communicate the importance of their common efforts.

SACOD makes available training opportunities for its members and other interested parties.

SACOD shall engage in ground-breaking programmes under its training projects; all designed to run under world-class professional conditions and guidance.

Standards in the audiovisual industry and information on new technologies are being advanced for the benefit of the SACOD members and their audiences.

To ensure that training is effectively constructed and undertaken and that the transfer of knowledge is aligned to the outcomes-based principles, professionals with experience shall be engaged.

The main annual platform for training is the SACOD Forum. There are currently 75 members of SACOD from SADC region.

The SACOD Forum is a unique event initiated eleven years ago in order to create a meeting place where audiovisual practitioners from the region get together to screen and debate audiovisual content. (See The Forum)

SACOD’s core activity is the networking service that it provides to its members and interest groups both locally and internationally.

SACOD encourages regional co-productions, networking within the film and television industry and developing links with other regional and international networks. Information and communication networks can substantially scale up the effectiveness audiovisual initiatives of SACOD members.

SACOD shall enhance existing partnerships and engage new ones with an objective to supporting its members to generate viable quality programmes as saleable and exportable commodities.

We also provide an information service to our members and partners by disseminating news on developments in the industry.

Other information around training, funding opportunities, festivals and markets is also distributed to the membership.

The SACOD head office houses a resource centre with a wide variety of videos and other reading material on the industry and this is available for use by both SACOD members and non-members. NGOs working in development can have access to a wide range of video material that they can use as part of their programme/workshop/ conferences.

Should you have information you want forwarded to the member or the network, please contact: projects@sacod.org.za.