Fesmedia Africa, NAMPU, and the NMT Media Foundation held a conference focused on media rights, freedom of expression and access to information.
Namibia has been lauded as one of Africa's most democratic nations.
The 2023 Reporters Without Borders' "The World Press Freedom Index ranks" Namibia is rated 24th globally, reaffirming its status as a leader in press freedom in Africa.
The nation's political and legislative frameworks are said to have remained conducive to the unhindered practice of of the media.
However, press freedom is said to have seen a marked decline, with journalists noting a significant downturn over the past three to five years.
Zoe Titus, Director of NMT Media Foundation, accentuated the vital intersection between human rights and media freedom.
"When we look closer at the data, it shows an actual decline over the few years; I think in 2002, the country was about 84, and in 2003, 81, and now in 2024, at 74, and the reasons largely given for that assessment are based on the perception by those made in political interference, issues around a lack of support for investigative journalists, and also issues around our capacity of the media, because we also have to acknowledge that right now the media is facing an absolute challenge in terms of viability."
Media Ombudsman John Nakuta commended the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation for maintaining its radio programming.
"One of my favourite radio programs is in the evening on NBC radio from 19:00 to 20:00. It's called the People's Parliament, and there anyone can call in and discuss any topic of whatever nature, and you can criticise the government, and that for me is the evidence that we enjoy a civil and political landscape."
The Namibia Media Professionals Union, Secretary General Jemima Beukes, shed light on the welfare and working conditions of journalists in the country.
"Journalists do not have the luxury to think about politics when they are underpaid, when they are violated, when they are arrested when they don't have taxi money; these are realities. I know I always sound like a broken record, but this is reality, and journalists come to conferences because they haven't had food last night. Journalists, at times, have to sleep somewhere else or on someone's couch because they get thrown out because they haven't paid rent for 2-3 months."
The Chief Advocate from the Office of the Ombudsman, Ingrid Husselmann, expressed appreciation to media personnel,
"To the media personnel, you are so valued, and you are so important. Please keep on using the platforms to tell stories about resilience and hold the government accountable."
[14:37, 12/12/2024] Urii: Despite facing challenges, Namibia has achieved remarkable progress in governance, economic advancement, and international relations.