Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Peya Mushelenga, has called on public media houses to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
Dr. Mushelenga, who inaugurated the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation's office in Swakopmund, has emphasised the need for public media to remain impartial and prioritise public interest above all else.
The story of the nbc Swakopmund office starts with humble beginnings.
In 1999, the headquarters sent a news crew, including a reporter and cameraman, to set up a small office at the coast.
As Director General Stanley Similo explains, the number of staff members grew while services diversified over the years.
TV and radio programming,TV licences, sales and commercials, and specialised content production are among the services offered to the public.
"As the needs were growing, we were forced to grow it up to the point that the office that we had just before this one became too congested just for our operation, so we had to look for another venue. We currently have about four stations and radios that are relaying from here; we can do news from here; and it also serves as a redundancy element. But for today, it is really just to tell the people of Erongo that, look, we are here. We have arrived. We're going nowhere. Whether you like it or not, we are joined at the hip."
Erongo Governor Neville Andre commended the public broadcaster for being a trustworthy source of news for decades.
"The nbc regional office should ensure that the voices of the people in the Erongo Region are heard. It should enable individuals, communities, and organisations to share their stories, concerns, and aspirations with a wider audience. It should further create platforms for dialogue and engagement, leading to a more inclusive and participatory society. For sure, it has been doing that; it's just to enhance what you're already doing."
In his key note address, the ICT Minister commended nbc for being the voice of Namibia and urged the public media to uphold accurate, unbiased, and ethical reporting standards.
"In an era where information spreads rapidly through various channels, the responsibility of public media in shaping a well-informed and cohesive society cannot be overstated. It is a duty that requires unwavering commitment, ethical conduct, and a profound understanding of the profound impact media can have on the course of our nation. We must always be vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of our public media institutions, ensuring they continue to serve as beacons of truth and pillars of democracy for the benefit of all Namibians."
Dr. Mushelenga and the Botswana Minister of Communications, Knowledge, and Technology, Thulagano Segokgo,toured the new offices with the hope that the nbc would be able to provide an even better level of public service.