Issues discussed  included the need for an access to Information policies and how MISA Namibia could contribute to the development of these policies and other developmental issues in Namibia in the area of media and communication. MISA also informed the President of current activities to establish a voluntary media council, the training of journalists, and the transformation of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation to a Public Broadcaster.
 
On his part, the President noted that although he was worried about what was happening on national radio with regards to people insulting each other on air. He said that he cannot make his opinions now as he was yet to talk to the responsible Minister. 
The President said he was aware that MISA Namibia had met with Information and Communications Minister Joel Kaapanda, but is yet to receive feedback from the Minister. However, he said, he knew that Kaapanda was working on new policies on communications. The President also acknowledged that he was open to the idea of the establishment of a voluntary media regulatory body.
 
In the same vein, President Hifikepunye Pohamba urged journalists to verify their facts, and speak to the respective sources to get the correct information, before publishing anything. He emphasized that getting both sides of the story is important before the media published anything.
 
While welcoming the need to improve the operations of the NBC the President said that in his view the NBC is already a public broadcaster as it is being run by elected representatives of the people. MISA took time to explain its position on what constitutes a true public broadcaster.
The President said he was happy by the visit from MISA and encouraged much closer relationship between government and the media institutions.

Rashweat Mukundu
Programme Specialist: Media Monitoring and Research
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Regional Secretariat
Private Bag 13386
21 Johann Albrecht Street
Windhoek
Tel: +264 61 232975
Mobile: + 264 81 367 5362

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