An experience I’m proud of… and a trust I value.

By\ Mukhtar Al-Yafei
SMA NEWS – ADEN THE CAPITAL
With the conclusion of one of the most prominent milestones in my professional career, and the beginning of another equally important one, I find it my duty to pause and express, with transparency and gratitude, my experience in establishing and chairing the Radio and Television Sector of the Southern Transitional Council, and in contributing to the establishment of the National Authority for Southern Media. These are tasks I was honored to undertake with complete sincerity and responsibility, despite the difficulties and complexities that accompanied them.

It was a rich experience, full of challenges and ambitions. It required exceptional efforts, day and night, to build southern media institutions that express the concerns of our people with justice and professionalism, and champion their identity and belonging. The journey was not easy, but it was full of lessons and experiences that gave me an experience I cherish. Regardless of our disagreements or agreements, I was keen to deal with them with honesty, national responsibility, and constant respect for all.

I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to His Excellency President Aidroos Al-Zubaidi – may God protect him and preserve him – for his precious trust and unlimited support throughout all stages of this experience. This trust has been the cornerstone of everything we have achieved.

I also extend my thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Hani bin Braik, the man who made the first contribution to establishing the Southern Media, as well as to my dear Ali Al Kathiri, the first president of the Southern National Media Authority, and to my dear friend, Habib Salem Thabet Al Awlaqi, the former president of the Authority, as well as to all the members of the Authority, and to all the colleagues who shared our early days, offered us advice and counsel, and were a true supporter of our journey of construction and establishment. Their noble stances and sincere motivations were a strong incentive to continue despite the difficult road ahead.

I cannot fail to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to the work team, who were truly the backbone of every achievement and the cornerstone of every success. They shouldered the burdens with a united team spirit, believing in the mission of the national media, and gave their time, effort, and dedication beyond words. Without them, much of what has been achieved would not have been possible.

In this context, I renew my deep gratitude to His Excellency the President, may God protect him, for renewing his generous trust in appointing me as Chairman of the Social Affairs Authority. This is a great national responsibility that I place before my eyes, and I promise to live up to it, devoting all my efforts to serving our southern people and their just cause.

I also extend my thanks and appreciation to all the heads of the agencies and departments that have been merged into the Social Affairs Authority for their sincere efforts in serving the southern community. Together, with God’s help, we will work to continue and develop these efforts to meet the aspirations of our people and keep pace with the demands of this moment.

At the same time, I congratulate the dear members of the Information and Culture Authority on their new assignments, wishing them every success in fulfilling their mission. I emphasize the importance of integration and cooperation among the various agencies to serve the south and its national cause at this critical juncture.

If I have wronged anyone at any stage, unintentionally, or if I have been negligent in a particular situation or moment, I sincerely apologize. This was not due to ill intentions, but rather the nature of the work and the pressures of responsibility.

In conclusion, I wish every success and guidance to my beloved companion and struggler, Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Information and Culture Authority, and his deputy, the esteemed educator and generous mentor, Dr. Abdullah Al-Haw, in continuing this blessed journey.

I ask Allah to grant us all success in what is best for our southern homeland and its steadfast people.

Together, we move steadily toward building strong southern institutions that reflect the aspirations of our people and serve their legitimate goals.