Africa-Press – Namibia. Namibia recently joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day.
In light of this, the outgoing Media Ombudsman John Nakuta (JN) sat with New Era Journalist Lahja Nashuuta (LN) to reflect on the country’s media landscape, challenges to press freedom and the road ahead.
LN: What is the role of the Media Ombudsman, and why is it important in a democracy?
JN: The Office of the Media Ombudsman, created by the Editors’ Forum of Namibia (EFN), is an independent, voluntary body – not a government institution. Many wrongly assume it’s State-run, but it’s completely separate.
Its purpose is to uphold media freedom while ensuring ethical journalism. Think of it as a public protector for media issues. Over my seven years in office, I’ve handled complaints from high-ranking officials, MPs and the public, all concerned with journalistic ethics under our code of conduct. It’s an accountability mechanism that balances media freedom with public trust.
LN: Global reports indicate a steady decline in press freedom worldwide. While Namibia continues to perform well compared to many African countries, it has recently lost its top spot to South Africa. What are the key factors or challenges that may have contributed to this decline?
JN: Reporters Without Borders uses five indicators: political context, legal framework, economic environment, socio-cultural factors and journalist safety.
Namibia hasn’t progressed much in key areas. Our legal framework is lacking despite Parliament passing the Access to Information Act in 2022. It hasn’t been implemented. Similarly, the Whistleblower Protection Act passed in 2018 remains inactive. Without enforcement, laws are meaningless.
Politically, we’re stable, but censorship is creeping in, especially within State-owned media.
Recently, a freelance journalist from Lüderitz contacted me after being told by a deputy minister’s team to submit his story for approval before publishing, an outright violation of press freedom. After releasing the story, he received threats. I advised him to stand firm and direct complaints through proper channels. Eventually, those threatening him backed down.
Journalists must be free to report without political interference or fear. These subtle forms of pressure like threats or economic retaliation are what drag us down in the rankings.
LN: Talking about deep pockets, there are growing concerns about media conglomerates and commercial interests undermining press freedom and editorial independence. In your view, can truly independent and investigative journalism survive without a sustainable and independent business model?
JN: Let me respond to that in two parts. First, the issue of conglomerates. I’ve been deliberate in raising concerns about ‘deep pockets’ because journalists today are being harassed, intimidated – and in some cases – silenced. Sadly, this isn’t limited to private conglomerates. It also involves State media institutions like NBC. Take NBC’s decision to take the Media Ombudsman to court. Let me be clear: they are within their legal rights to do so. But the precedent is dangerous.
In that case, not only was I cited in my official capacity, but also in my personal capacity. The complainants who initially approached the office were also cited, and a cost order was issued against them. What message does that send? It discourages people from lodging complaints about biased or unethical reporting. It renders the Ombudsman’s office redundant if complainants are afraid of facing legal costs.
Conglomerates with deep pockets use similar tactics. Rather than seeking cost-free, efficient resolution through our office, they prefer to go to court to silence dissent especially from activists or whistleblowers. It’s a strategy to suppress criticism and discourage open scrutiny.
LN: Is independent journalism sustainable in Namibia’s economic environment?
JN: Financial sustainability is a major issue. Most outlets rely heavily on advertising. When the founding president banned state ads in The Namibian, it crippled the paper. These are public – not government – funds, and should be distributed fairly.
If we value media diversity, then State advertising should support both public and independent media. The EFN could propose legal reforms to regulate fair media funding. The rise of social media is also pulling audiences and ad money away from traditional outlets. Without financial support, independent journalism may not survive.
LN: How severe are the challenges journalists face today internally and externally?
JN: Externally, lawsuits from powerful entities are weaponised to control narratives. Internally, journalists face job insecurity, censorship and retaliation for being critical.
Take the journalist reportedly removed after critical reporting – and if true, it exposes the fragility of press freedom in our newsrooms.
Access to information is another problem. The Access to Information Act is law but still unsigned. Without an Information Commissioner, it’s useless. The Whistleblower Protection Act is similarly in limbo. These delays severely limit investigative reporting.
LN: What protection does the Ombudsman offer journalists facing such pressures?
JN: That’s an important distinction to make. The Media Ombudsman’s mandate is to adjudicate media content complaints – not workplace grievances. Issues like poor working conditions, unfair dismissal or salary disputes fall under the Labour Commissioner, possibly through a union like the Namibia Media Professionals Union.
As someone with a trade union background myself, I deeply understand those concerns. But our office’s legal jurisdiction is limited. Moreover, there’s a legitimate question about independence. The Ombudsman is appointed by editors who are also the employers of journalists. That might create a perception of bias. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider the structure. Should we move toward an independent Media Council like in South Africa outside the Editors’ Forum? That’s a question I’ll raise in my exit report.
Still, even such a council would only handle content-related complaints – not employment issues. We need stronger unions to protect journalists on workplace matters.
LN: What must stakeholders do to restore Namibia’s top position in press freedom?
JN: I want to speak directly to the President. We appreciate your “business unusual” approach. But in the media sector, we’ve become stagnant. Your “business unusual” approach must extend to media reform. Namibia is number two in Africa, but we must ask why we’re not number one.
Let’s convene a national dialogue. Let government, civil society, the media and Parliament assess our shortcomings based on the five global ranking indicators. Let’s adopt real reforms to support a pluralistic, independent and sustainable media.
Source: neweralive
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