The Information, Communication and Technology Minister has commended the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) for its continued support of the creative industry.

Emma Theofelus said the national broadcaster's drive reflects the government's commitment to nurturing and empowering creatives through financial assistance to freelancers, skills development initiatives, and the payment of royalties to artists.

Addressing ministry staff, Theofelus said the national broadcaster continues to play a key role in strengthening the creative sector through targeted interventions.

NBC has disbursed funds to freelancers within the broadcasting industry during the first two quarters of the financial year. 

The beneficiaries provided specialised services, including voice-over work, translations, scriptwriting, creative direction, fashion design, performance artistry and makeup artistry.

The Minister highlighted skills development initiatives such as the introduction of NBC's Drama School.

In its current intake, the school enrolled 25 aspiring filmmakers and launched localised documentary content focused on entrepreneurial and vocational success stories.

It has further fulfilled its obligation to compensate artists through payment of N$1.4 million in royalties to the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music.

"The government recognises the culture and creative industry as one of the key sectors requiring concerted development and investment, as it has potential for meaningful contribution to the Namibian economy. We also want to see creators receive maximum benefits out of their talents and intellectual property. Therefore, skills development and the provision of facilities for creatives are pertinent to ensure that they can thrive."

MICT Executive Director Linda Nakale urged staff members to deliver their work with impact.

"What impact are you striving to make in the future? So, productivity is very, very key; we need to be productive. The quality of our work must not compromise productivity. I know we can do better than that. We are all capable, we are all willing, and we are all able."

Theofelus thanked the Fourth Estate for keeping Namibians informed and urged them to continue acting as watchdogs, partnering with the government to promote transparency, public awareness, and democracy.