When Power Targets a Journalist, Safety and Accountability Are at Stake
2026-01-29
The NMT Media Foundation has issued a public statement expressing grave concern over sustained online attacks, threats, and xenophobic abuse directed at journalist Tracy Tafirenyika of The Namibian newspaper.
The harassment followed her recent public interest reporting and remarks made by Minister James Sankwasa, and has since escalated into personal attacks, which place the journalist’s safety at risk.
The reporting in question focused on public accountability by a public official. Rather than engaging the substance or accuracy of the reporting through facts, right of reply, or lawful processes, the response shifted toward personalisation and identity-based attacks. NMT Media Foundation has spoken directly with the journalist, who has expressed fear for her safety and that of her family. The volume and tone of the abuse reflect a wider pattern where online harassment escalates into real-world threats.
The Foundation is particularly concerned by the gendered and xenophobic nature of the attacks. Women journalists face heightened risks, including sexualised abuse and intimidation designed to silence, isolate, and force withdrawal from public debate. Nationality and belonging have been weaponised to discredit journalism and divert attention away from the issues raised by the reporting, undermining media freedom and democratic accountability.
NMT Media Foundation has called on Minister Sankwasa to refrain from personalising criticism of journalists, to affirm respect for media freedom, and to address any dispute with reporting through factual and lawful means, including recourse to the Office of the Media Ombudsman. The Foundation has also urged Namibian newsrooms to strengthen safety protocols, particularly for women journalists who are disproportionately targeted. A link to the full statement is available here.
See the full statement here.