African Media Barometer Namibia 2026
2026-06-02
The 2026 AMB finds that Namibia continues to benefit from constitutional protection of freedom of expression, an open environment for media establishment, broad public access to information sources, and the absence of systematic state violence against journalists. However, many reforms remain incomplete and key institutions are not functioning as intended.
Explainer: African Media Barometer Namibia 2026
2026-06-02
Namibia has a strong legal foundation for media freedom. The challenge, as the African Media Barometer Namibia 2026 makes clear, is no longer building that foundation - it is making it work. This two-page infographic offers a concise visual summary of the AMB's key findings across freedom of expression, access to information, digital rights and broadcasting, journalism and safety, and broadcasting governance. It also sets out seven priority recommendations for government, regulators, media institutions, and civil society. Download the full report for the complete analysis and sector-by-sector findings.
Young Voices, Real Power: Launch of the Youth Civic Action Playbook
2026-03-19
The Youth Civic Action Playbook equips young people with practical tools to engage in public life. It builds civic knowledge, strengthens media literacy, and supports informed participation. The playbook guides users to access information, engage decision makers, and develop realistic actions that promote accountability, inclusion, and responsive governance in their communities.
Media Landscape & Digital Safety: An analysis of LGBTI inclusion & representation in Namibia
2026-03-08
This report examines how media representation, digital platforms, and legal and regulatory frameworks shape the visibility, safety, and participation of LGBTI communities in Namibia. Drawing on media analysis, policy review, and research on online harm, it argues that exclusion is sustained through the interaction of conflict-driven media narratives, engagement-based platform amplification, and gaps in legal protection. The report highlights how these dynamics affect freedom of expression, access to information, and meaningful participation in public life, while identifying practical opportunities for reform across media practice, platform governance, and policy development.
NMT Media Foundation Submission: draft Cybercrime Bill 2026
2026-02-20
The NMT Media Foundation has submitted detailed recommendations on Namibia’s draft Cybercrime Bill. We recognise the urgent need to address cybercrime, strengthen cybersecurity, and protect people from genuine online harm. However, these objectives must be pursued within the limits of the Namibian Constitution.
Namibia’s Youth and Political Participation in the 2024 Presidential and National Elections
2025-08-11
This research report, Namibia’s Youth and Political Participation in the 2024 Presidential and National Elections, offers an in-depth look at how young Namibians are engaging with democracy in both traditional and emerging spaces. Drawing on fresh data and analysis by political scientist Dr Christiaan Keulder, it examines voting patterns, digital activism, and the socio-economic and institutional barriers that shape youth participation. The report highlights encouraging signs of renewed engagement in the 2024 elections, alongside persistent challenges such as high unemployment, limited access to decision-making, and the need for stronger media and civic literacy. It provides evidence-based insights to guide policymakers, civil society, and youth leaders in building a more inclusive and participatory democratic future.
Namibia 2024 General Elections: Media Monitoring Report 1 (20 June - 21 July)
2025-06-27
Media Monitoring Report (20 June to 20 July)From Headlines to Hashtags: Tracking Media Coverage of Namibia’s 2024 Elections The project, undertaken by the Media Ombudsman, Dr John Nakuta, aimed to assess how legacy and online media covered key issues during the election period and ensure adherence to ethical obligations in promoting a healthy democracy.
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Namibia 2024 General Elections: Media Monitoring Report 2 (21 July - 20 August)
2025-06-27
This report presents a comprehensive analysis of media coverage during the 2024 Namibian Presidential and National Assembly elections, conducted by the Media Ombudsman of Namibia. Spanning the period from July 21 to August 20, 2024, the report evaluates media sentiment, issue diversity, and political party representation across legacy and online platforms.
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Namibia 2024 General Elections: Media Monitoring Report 3 (21 August - 20 September)
2025-06-27
This media monitoring report provides a comprehensive analysis of election coverage in Namibia from 21 August to 20 September 2024, focusing on both legacy and online media. The report highlights the media’s role in shaping public perception and electoral outcomes, emphasizing the importance of impartial and balanced reporting in a democratic society.
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Namibia 2024 General Elections: Media Monitoring Report 4 (20 September - 20 October)
2025-06-27
The report, covering the period from 20 September to 20 October (and drawing on data from earlier months, specifically June/July, July/August, and August/September for trends), presents a comprehensive media monitoring project focused on the 2024 National Assembly and Presidential elections in Namibia.
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Namibia 2024 General Elections: Media Monitoring Report 5 (20 October - 20 November)
2025-06-27
This report presents findings from the Election Media Monitoring (EMM) initiative for the period 20 October to 20 November 2024. Conducted under the mandate of the Media Ombudsman of Namibia, the monitoring project assessed how political parties and presidential candidates were portrayed across state, private, and online media platforms in the lead-up to the national elections. The data reveals that SWAPO received the highest volume of coverage, with notable bias in its favour on state-owned platforms, particularly the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). While private media offered comparatively more balanced coverage, smaller and emerging parties such as IPC, AR, and LPM struggled to maintain consistent visibility. Sentiment analysis showed fluctuating portrayals across parties, often linked to specific events rather than sustained narratives.
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Namibia 2024 General Elections: Media Monitoring Report 6 (20 November - 20 December)
2025-06-27
The Media and Election Monitoring Report (20 November – 20 December 2024) evaluates how Namibian media covered the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Led by the Media Ombudsman, the project aimed to promote fair, ethical journalism and ensure voters had access to accurate information. It examined both traditional and online media using content analysis tools like the Statement-to-Size Ratio (SSR), Positive-to-Negative Ratio (PNR), Neutral-to-Total Ratio (NTR), and the Issue Diversity Index (IDI).
Namibia 2024 General Elections: Media Monitoring Report 7 (Final, consolidated report)
2025-06-27
This report presents the findings of a comprehensive media monitoring project conducted during Namibia’s 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Commissioned by the Office of the Media Ombudsman, the project sought to assess the impartiality, tone, volume, and strategic dynamics of political coverage across print, broadcast, and online platforms from June to December 2024. By employing a robust content analysis methodology and a range of analytical metrics - including sentiment ratios, frequency indexes, and statement-to-size ratios - the study provides a holistic overview of how parties and candidates were portrayed in Namibia’s media landscape.
Guidance Note for Media: Reporting on Namibia's 2024 General Elections
2025-06-27
The Guidance Note seeks to encourage balance and impartial reporting during elections as required by the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Namibian Media (the Code). Specifically, that the media afford reasonable opportunities for the discussion of conflicting views and treat all political parties and candidates equitably.
Untapped Potential: Reclaiming Youth Agency in Namibia's Democratic Future
2025-06-24
With a large proportion of Namibia’s population under 35, the country holds a powerful demographic advantage. Yet youth engagement in civic and political processes remains low—only 42% of registered voters in the 2024 elections were youth, and their presence in decision-making remains limited. This disengagement is not due to apathy, but to structural barriers such as economic exclusion, weak civic education, limited institutional access, and negative media portrayals. The paper argues that sustained youth disengagement threatens Namibia’s democratic legitimacy, economic progress, and social stability, and proposes an evidence-based reform agenda aligned with the new administration’s ‘business unusual’ approach. The NMT Media Foundation served on the reference group and provided financial support for the 2024 media monitoring project, which assessed the media’s role in fostering informed electoral participation.
Strong Institute & Democratic Governance in Namibia: The case of the Electoral Commission of Nam
2025-06-24
The paper analyses the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), a critical democratic institution responsible for managing elections, through the lens of SDG 16.6, which calls for effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. It also uses the International IDEA framework on Electoral Management Body (EMB) independence, which includes institutional, administrative, and financial dimensions, as an analytical tool. The goal is to assess the extent to which the ECN's constitutional independence translates into tangible autonomy and strength. The analysis reveals that while the ECN is constitutionally established as an independent body, practical and structural challenges compromise its de facto autonomy and effectiveness, creating significant gaps between the legal framework and practical implementation across the dimensions of SDG 16.6.
Mis - and disinformation in the run-up to Namibia's 2024 elections
2025-06-24
Namibia’s 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections unfolded in a politically charged digital environment where the spread of mis- and disinformation posed a serious threat to democratic integrity. Despite the country’s strong constitutional protections and a relatively free media landscape, the rise of social media - especially WhatsApp and Facebook - created fertile ground for the rapid circulation of false or misleading content. This was particularly concerning given that nearly two-thirds of registered voters were young people, many of whom rely heavily on these platforms for political information but often lack the media literacy to critically assess what they encounter. The briefing paper highlights that misinformation, often unintentional, and disinformation, which is deliberately deceptive, were both used to manipulate public perception and influence voter behavior.
Gender, Governance, and Sustainable Development in Namibia
2025-06-23
This briefing paper explores the intersections of gender, governance, and sustainable development in Namibia, offering a critical analysis of how inclusive governance frameworks can advance national development goals. It highlights persistent gender disparities in political representation, economic participation, and access to decision-making structures, while also recognizing progress made through constitutional guarantees and legislative reforms. Drawing on current data and policy frameworks, the paper argues for a more deliberate, gender-responsive approach to governance - emphasizing accountability, intersectionality, and institutional transformation as essential to achieving Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The NMT Media Foundation served on the reference group and provided financial support for the 2024 media monitoring project, which assessed the media’s role in fostering informed electoral participation.
Media Accountability Mechanisms: A Namibian Case Study
2025-06-20
This briefing paper explores the state of media self-regulation in Namibia, focusing on the Media Ombudsman and the national Code of Ethics. Authored by Dr. Taryn de Vega, the study examines the effectiveness of current mechanisms in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Drawing on regional comparisons and stakeholder insights, it highlights the need to strengthen and modernise media accountability systems to uphold journalistic integrity and public trust.
Ten Years of Building a Movement for Digital Rights in Africa
2025-02-07
The 21-page report chronicles the journey and achievements of the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms (AfDec) Coalition over the past decade and captures its advocacy efforts, partnerships, and impact in shaping a more inclusive and rights-respecting digital environment in Africa. Edited by Zoe Titus, Executive Director, NMT Media Foundation
Emerging Issues in Digital Rights in Africa
2025-02-07
The 19-page publication explores the rapidly evolving landscape of digital rights on the continent, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities as Africa embraces digital transformation. It highlights a wide range of emerging digital rights issues with both global significance and specific relevance to Africa, identified by stakeholders within and outside the digital rights community on the continent, which the African Declaration needs to address in order to maintain its relevance in continent’s dynamic digital environment. Edited by Zoe Titus, Executive Director, NMT Media Foundation
The Digital Closet: Online Hate Speech and Its Impact on Namibia’s LGBT+ Community
2024-12-10
This study presents the first comprehensive evidence of how online hate speech affects Namibia’s LGBT+ community, with over 94 percent of respondents reporting exposure and significant emotional and mental health impacts. It highlights gaps in protection, low awareness of reporting mechanisms, and calls for stronger policy, media, and platform responses to uphold digital rights and human dignity.
3rd Briefing Paper on Digital Inclusion for Youth Democratic Participation in Namibia
2024-02-12
It is no secret that the Namibian political landscape has long faced persistent criticism for its noticeable absence of youthful voices in crucial political and decision-making bodies. In recent years, however, there has been a noteworthy transformation in the Namibian political space, not only have the youth become more civically engaged, but the political space is absorbing more youth. This shift is evident in the increased involvement of young individuals in key decision-making processes, marked by the rise of youth-led advocacy groups addressing diverse social and political concerns. This brief has been put together following the 5th #YouthQuake Namibia conference in 2023, in response to these evolving dynamics. As we head towards National elections, this briefing paper will explore youth inclusion within the digital sphere and its role in enhancing their democratic participation. The paper also seeks to understand the impact of the digital divide on youth engagement in Namibia's democratic processes.
Thoughts About the State of the Media ... Freest Press, Best Journalism?
2024-01-19
NMT chairperson, Gwen Lister, spoke at the Awards Ceremony of the inaugural #BreakFree Media Awards. The One Economy Foundation, as part of its #BreakFree Anti-Violence campaign, convened a summit at The Weinberg Hotel on January 19, 2024, bringing together 50 media practitioners to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Femicide, and Reproductive Health Rights. The purpose of this gathering was to provide comprehensive training, equipping media professionals with the essential knowledge, skills, and ethical framework required for proficient reporting and heightened awareness on crucial issues pertaining to GBV, Femicide, and Reproductive Health Rights. The summit culminated in the inaugural #BreakFree Media Awards Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in recognizing and celebrating impactful media contributions in these critical areas. Pictured is Selma Iyambo, a fellow of the NMT's Podcast Bootcamp, who was the runner-up and winner in the Digital Media category for her podcast, Sex Talks.
Media Viability: A Discussion Paper for Namibian Media
2023-11-30
This discussion paper examines the structural and economic pressures undermining media viability in Namibia, including declining traditional revenue models, digital disruption, and shifting audience behaviour, while situating these trends within regional and global contexts. It outlines practical pathways for sustainability, including diversified revenue models, digital adaptation strategies, and coordinated sector responses to strengthen independent, high quality journalism.
Empowering persons with disabilities
2023-07-31
The Namibia Media Trust (NMT) has launched a project to empower persons with disabilities in Namibia. The project aims to help enable them to actively participate in democratic processes and develop critical media production and literacy skills for self-advocacy. The NMT believes that decisions concerning persons with disabilities are legitimate only if those affected by them have an equal opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. The project will establish an inclusive and accessible information-sharing platform to help beneficiaries exercise their rights to access information. Over three months, the NMT plans to create a newsletter run by persons with disabilities, in which they can share multimedia content, address relevant issues, and advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Namibian society. The project focuses on skills development and aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the platform for promoting access to information and self-advocacy.
Access to Information Act, 2022
2022-12-29
The Access to Information Act 8 of 2022 (Act), was passed by Parliament and signed by the President of the Republic of Namibia on 29 November 2022, but has however, not yet been brought into force. The law arguably premised on the right to freedom of expression enshrined in Article 21 of the Namibian Constitution.
Access to Information Act, 2022 (Act No. 8 of 2022)
2022-12-28
This law establishes the legal right to access information held by public and private entities in Namibia, with clear procedures for requesting, reviewing, and appealing access decisions. It also creates an independent Information Commissioner and sets obligations for transparency, proactive disclosure, and accountability across institutions.
Submission on Data Protection Draft Bill - 2022
2022-11-16
This paper sets out Namibia Media Trust’s position on the Draft Data Protection Bill, 2021, and outlines its implications for media freedom, journalism, and the protection of personal data.
2nd Briefing Paper on Transforming Quality and Reliable ATI into Reality for Youth with Disabilities
2022-10-24
Access to Information (ATI) is an essential tool for youth, who are one of the biggest population groups in Namibia. It is a critical aspect in empowering youth with disabilities as a vulnerable and marginalised community. The discrimination and denial of access to information rights for youth with disabilities can be found globally. But, developing countries like Namibia face more challenges such as severe resource constraints, making it more difficult to provide for access to information needs. This is in addition to numerous other contributing factors ranging from a lack of limited interest from the youth themselves to engage in law reform and consultation processes, a weak reading culture and a lack of reasonable accommodation among others. In this paper, we look at how ATI can become a collective reality for Namibia’s diverse youth demographic.
YOUTH - Youth economic emancipation in post independent Namibia (Edition 16)
2022-08-03
IN his book ‘How Nations Rise’ renowned author, Manjari Chaterjee Miller, highlights that the development of a country’s economic power is probably the fastest way to achieve this. This development needs to ensure that economic resources are in the hands of the citizens, and now more importantly the youth. Presidential advisor, Daisry Mathias, says resources alone will not raise the nation and the youth, but the development of the young people’s capacity and capabilities to lead, manage and implement effectively, and in line with the development agenda, will be what will have Namibia rise. “This requires the full commitment and participation of young people, as they are sup- ported to realise their potential,” she said. Namibia has a high unemployment rate, and despite Namibia, having one of the youngest populations in Africa, fears early this year were that it could breach over 50 % youth un- employment rate.
Journalism For Democracy in Southern Africa
2022-06-23
Veteran journalist and founder of The Namibian Gwen Lister was awarded the German Africa Foundation's 'Honorary Award' on June 1, 2022. The Namibia Media Trust's board chairperson received the award to recognise her courageous and critical reporting on South Africa's apartheid policies in Namibia, and her exceptional commitment to press freedom.
Lister, in her acceptance speech, thanked the German Africa Foundation for recognising journalism's essential role in building better societies.
YOUTH - The Dreams project gives young women a fresh start in Zambezi region (Edition 15)
2022-06-15
TEN young women from the Zambezi region will benefit from Dreams Namibia’s donation of dishwashing liquid production kits, which will help them get their businesses off the ground. These beneficiaries from disadvantaged backgrounds completed a three- month course with the assistance of Dreams and can become self-sufficient. Dreams, is a Project Hope sub-project aimed at empowering adolescent girls and young women aged 10 to 24 to achieve their full potential. The project is funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) through the US Agency for Inter- national Development (USAID) and sup- ported by the Peace Corps. The beneficiaries, who are mostly young mothers, noted that they see this as a second chance at life, as they had lost hope of bettering their lives in the past be- cause of poverty.
YOUTH - Young Namibian journalists uncertain about their future (Edition 14)
2022-05-18
YOUNG journalists in the country are unsure of their future in the industry citing toxic newsroom cultures and dissatisfaction with working environments as reasons to leave. With World Press Freedom Day celebrated under the theme ‘Journalism under siege’, young writers reflect on their time in the industry and how long they will stay. Studies have shown that dissatisfaction with pay, job demands and high levels of stress are whittling away at the commitment of young journalists. They have expressed uncertainty about how long they will hold on to their passion in spite of the challenges in journalism. Radio journalist Justicia Shipena, who has been in the industry for five years, says she’s uncertain about her future in journalism
YOUTH - Education remains essential to development (Edition 13)
2022-04-20
GROWING up in a society where you are bound to work very hard to reach your goals and objectives, many of us draw inspiration from those who have made it through the academic journey. Most young people can relate to this as the basis of their inspiration. The aim is to be- come somebody in society through a career path of your choice. It is how the channel has been: school, graduation and employment and eventually family to marriage.
YOUTH - A space to explore new media ideas and concepts (Edition 12)
2022-03-16
THE Namibia Media Trust (NMT) is offering a group of journalists and media professionals in Namibia a unique opportunity to develop ideas and concepts that will benefit the news media sector, and audiences, through its training programme, the NXT Journalism HUB. This NMT training programme is based on trying out new forms, ideas, and concepts in the media space, and is funded by the Dual, a vocational training programme for journalists between DW Akademie and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
YOUTH - No radio for San community since independence (Edition 11)
2022-02-16
IT may be difficult for any Namibian to believe that there are still people who cannot listen to the radio, but this is the truth for the San community living in western Zambezi. The San tribe is a minority ethnic group recognised as a marginalised population due to their disproportionate poverty. Sonner Geria, a community member, told The Quake that they had not enjoyed access to information since independence because there is no transmission in their area, and pleaded with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) to provide it. Despite this hurdle, the people of Cheto have created an online-based radio station that will promote their language and cultural values in the meanwhile, thanks to sponsorship. “We might not be able to know what is happening in the world but we would like the world to know about us through this radio station,” said Geria.
Saving Journalism and Engendering Trust through Activism
2022-01-31
NMT Chairperson Gwen Lister delivered the 2022 Barry Streek Memorial Lecture at the Cape Town Press Club on Wednesday, January 22, 2022. She spoke about the complicated relationship between journalism and activism.
YOUTH - A new safe haven for street children (Edition 10)
2022-01-19
FARM Kaukurus is set to become the new haven for children living and working on the streets. In November last year, the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare announced plans to con- struct a farm in Omaheke region to create a safe space where the children can be part of programmes and activities needed for rehabilitation. The farm will also have children with “problem behaviours as well as children in conflict with the law especially if one considers that the problem of street children might not be countless”. The gender ministry plans to work with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture to administer all matters related to learning activities at the centre. Over the last year, 154 children living and working on the streets have been taken back to the classroom.
1st Briefing Paper on Youth Participation in National Agenda Through Mass Media
2021-12-17
The Namibia Media Trust (NMT) has released its first briefing paper as part of its youth development project, #YouthQuakeNamibia. Namibia's youth are accused of not being active enough in the country's post-colonial dispensation, as is the case elsewhere in Africa. As a result, they are excluded from policy and legislative decision-making, resulting in policies that are not focused on the needs of youth. This paper begins with a definition of "youth" and proceeds to analyse ageism in the democratic system of the country. It further compares and contrasts the attitudes and behaviours of younger and older generations on key political attributes such as democracy, preference and satisfaction, civic and political participation, government performance views, trust in political institutions, and public policy preferences.
YOUTH - Youth, national affairs and mass media (Edition 9)
2021-12-15
THE Namibia Media Trust (NMT), through its youth development initiative #YouthQuakeNam, has launched its first briefing paper, which pertains to youth participation in Namibia’s national and civic affairs through mass media. As is the case elsewhere in Africa, Namibia’s youth are accused of not being active enough in the country’s post-colonial dispensation. This is due to their exclusion from policy and legislative decision making, which results in a policy that is not focused on the youth and their agenda. The launch of the briefing paper titled: Youth Participation in National Agenda Through Mass Media was facilitated in a vodcast format, discussing the concept of youth, how the youth has no distinct agenda for public policy, as well as how their participation in public affairs is the lowest of all generations so far.
YOUTH - We can’t imagine life without fishing (Edition 8)
2021-11-17
FISHING is the primary means of income and a food source for many villagers of Zambezi region. These villagers make a living on the banks of the Zambezi, Chobe, Linyanti and Kwando rivers, as well as at Lake Liambezi. Zambezi region is famously known for the tilapia (Zambezi bream), though the rivers are also home to other species such as tiger fish, catfish, African pike, and nembwe to mention a few. The Quake caught up with George Mafwila (33), a fisherman living in Kasika village of Kabbe South constituency, who noted that he has been fishing on the Chobe river since he was 12 years old. “Fishing is our way of living, I cannot imagine my life without it,” he said.
YOUTH - Tulonga Foundation looks out for young girls with special needs (Edition 7)
2021-10-20
AROUND 26 young girls with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds are due to go for a six-month mentorship programme sponsored by the Tulonga Foundation. This was announced in the capital earlier this month after the foundation graduated its former scholars, and introduced a new cohort. (A cohort is a group of people sharing a particular characteristic.Tulonga Foundation is a welfare organisation that provides tutoring, counselling, mentorship and coaching programmes to pupils with disabilities and young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Founder, Hilya Mwatiledu, said the organisation, started in 2019, aims to help and equip young people from marginalised communities.
YOUTH - Learners’ experience of Covid-19 (Edition 6)
2021-09-21
AFTER losing almost 54% of their school year, high school learners feel displaced returning to the classrooms especially with their friendships. The surge of Covid-19 infections has led to classes opening and closing more than four times in the last 18 months. Paulus Kueyo, the head boy of Ella du Plessis Secondary School, said the first few days after returning to class were difficult, especially reconnecting with his friends. “Going back to school, I saw things change. My friends who were girls became distant and later I realised they were pregnant or something else happened. I felt bad. I felt very bad. I saw how Covid-19 forced my friends to drop out of school.
NMT submission on Namibia’s National Cybersecurity & Awareness Plan (2022–20
2021-09-16
In September 2021, the Namibia Media Trust reviewed the Namibia National Cybersecurity Strategy & Awareness Raising Plan 2022-2027: A Step towards Cyber Resilience & Digital Security for its compliance with regional and international human rights standards.
YOUTH - Activist urges women to speak up against sexual abuse (Edition 5)
2021-08-18
WOMEN and the girl-child are mostly at the receiving end of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) on a daily basis in Zambezi region and the nation at large. As such Tebogo Nyama, 21, has decided to take a stand against SGBV by empowering women and girls to get back their voices and not suffer in silence. Nyama was raised by her mother, as her father passed away, and being brought up alone by her mother made her realise how strong women are and what an important role they play in society. “I am passionate about being a voice of hope for adolescent girls and young women who have lost their self-worth. From a very young age, even in school, I participated in clubs that brought awareness to issues facing young women in society.
YOUTH - Covid shuts down youth-owned businesses (Edition 4)
2021-07-21
HAVING the courage to open a business as a youth is tough on its own, but keeping it open proved to be difficult for many youth in the Zambezi region after the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. Since the outbreak in March 2020 in Namibia, all businesses across the board were affected. However, the pressure was felt mostly by those deemed non-essential which had to be shut down in accordance with the Covid-19 regulations. Samuel Thapelo (32), who spoke to The Quake, noted that he opened his restaurant and boutique businesses in 2018, and things were moving smoothly until the pandemic hit and he had to shut down.
YOUTH - Namibia’s youngest electric rocket scientist shares his stellar dream (Edition 3)
2021-06-16
SENIOR Shimhanda, 27, is not only the youngest, if not the first electric rocket scientist in Namibia, but the first native Namibian to graduate with a master’s degree in space engineering. Last year alone, Shimhanda graduated from two universities in different countries, earning a masters’ in space engineering from the Japanese Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) in Japan, and another in environmental engineering at Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust). This made him one of the youngest lecturers in Namibia, taking up a post at Nust to lecture ‘Energy Conversion’.
Training Needs Assessment for Namibian Journalists
2020-09-20
Our programmes, including the NXT Journalism Hub, provide tailored training, resources, and policy engagement to strengthen the sustainability and impact of public interest media. With a focus on innovation, ethical journalism, and social justice, we strive to build a resilient and well-informed media ecosystem. This study was undertaken to provide evidence-based, contextual insights into the training needs of Namibia’s media sector.
Democracy in the Post-Truth Era – a Namibian Case Study
2018-11-16
Figuratively speaking, we need to run onto a few more muddy rugby fields and make a united stand to rescue society from the destructive forces of disinformation, lies and propaganda. To continue to speak truth to power. To aim to build democracies through empowered citizens, because the poor, powerless, and humiliated masses are most susceptible to the appeal of populist demagogues and authoritarians ready to exploit their plight. The pursuit of truth comes at a price, and we must be willing to pay it in order to withstand the triumph of dishonesty.
NMT Submission - 2018 ICT Review
2018-11-09
The NMT has responded to the invitation of the Ministry of Communication and Technology (MICT) to study the existing Information and Community Technology (ICT) policies and make formal submissions of any possible sections of the Communications Act and other policies that need to be repealed, amended or reviewed.
The role of African media in promoting and entrenching the ethos of the SDGs
2017-12-10
WHAT we know or do NOT know determines our response to it, WHAT IS REPORTED reported and HOW it is reported goes some way in shaping the policy and State action agenda, and has implications for the millions of people whose lives are affected. In this statement, we have reinforced and acknowledged the importance of the mass media as key drivers for the spread of information.
The Guerrilla Typewriters - Liberation Through Information
2017-09-28
The guerilla typewriters of the 80s and 90s were voices of independent African journalism who were brave and ethical and served the public interest. Many of them were brought together – thanks to UNESCO - in the Namibian capital of Windhoek in 1991 to formulate a declaration which would go on to inspire the UN to declare May 3 World Press Freedom Day.
The Voice of the Youth and Ethical Challenges Using New Media For Dialogue
2017-07-25
Social media should be used as a tool to promote accountability rather than just for personal gratification, says Gwen Lister, executive chairperson of the Namibia Media Trust. She was speaking at the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement's critical consciousness dialogue on Tuesday. The dialogue aimed to sensitise the youth about ethical challenges related to using social media.
Government Channels & Information Flows
2017-04-04
It becomes increasingly apparent that there is a deteriorating media environment across the Commonwealth, with largely blocked government channels and impeded information flows, with few exceptions.
Fifth Gender and Media Summit - The Windhoek Declaration
2016-08-17
All too often, declarations remain simply pieces of paper filed away and forgotten. But the Windhoek Declaration is different, and its impact is still being felt today.
Fifth Gender and Media Summit - Freedom of Expression and Women in Media
2016-08-17
We are all aware that equal enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression is easier said than done. We also know this goal remains elusive, especially when it comes to historically disadvantaged groups, in particular women, but also others like refugees and indigenous and sexual minorities.
Namibia's Foreign Policy: Fit for the 21st Century?
2016-07-01
The realm of diplomacy ... is no longer an exclusive domain of governments. There are other actors on the national, regional and international scene. Public opinion is increasingly shaping foreign policy, hence the need for the Government of the Republic of Namibia to constantly communicate her position on domestic, regional and international issues.
What would an ATI law mean for Namibia? - Panel presentation
2016-06-13
Access to information is a cornerstone of democracy, and it is positive that Namibia is working on an ATI law, which once done, it is hoped, will be a ‘good’ law, appropriately implemented, fully enforced and user¬â€ÂÂfriendly.
UNESCO Blog contribution - Helsinki 2016
2016-05-03
A contribution to the official blog of Unesco for the 2016 global World Press Freedom Day celebrations.
Keynote Address - Helsinki 2016
2016-05-03
Keynote address by NMT Executive Chairperson, Gwen Lister, to the global World Press Freedom Day celebration in Helsinki, Finland, on May 3, 2016.
National Anti-Corruption Conference
2015-06-22
The more we shine a light on corruption, and if media is enabled to do so in an environment that encourages full exposure of the scourge, the less likely corruption will be able to flourish in dark places.
National Anti-Corruption Conference - Investigative Journalism can Shine a Light into Dark Places
2015-06-22
Good investigative journalism is essential in holding power accountable. Many have said this before, and many have said it better. Walter Lippman is one who, nearly a century ago, equated great journalism to the “beam of a searchlight that moves restlessly about, bringing one episode and then another, out of darkness and into vision”.
Launch of WordPress
2015-02-02
WordPress is a joint venture between the Namibia Media Trust (NMT), the owners of The Namibian and local businessman Wolfram Jauss. The company's total investment including print works, property and plant is N$69 million to date, part of which was financed by the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN).