The Executive Director of the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM), Heroldt Murangi, has called on public institutions and state-owned enterprises to improve their communication with the media.

Speaking at a media breakfast, Dr. Murangi said journalists are often criticised for their work but are not always praised when they do a good job.

The meeting discussed ways of improving communication between the media and the public institutions to improve service delivery.

"You are key in terms of education and the nation. You are key in terms of asking us questions. You are key in terms of scrutinising information. You are key in terms of giving the citizens a platform to engage with issues affecting their lives. In a democracy like ours, professional and independent media plays an essential role in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse."

He further explained that takeholder engagement is a key goal in NIPAM's strategic plan. 

"We need to provide the information that is required to the media timely, accurately, and relevantly, and let's make sure that the information is accessible. We must communicate not only what we are doing but also why we are doing it and what impact it's supposed to have. And our role, although we talk about training, consultancy services, research, and capacity evaluation, is to improve service delivery. That's our role."

NIPAM offers short protocol training for media practitioners to equip them with practical knowledge and skills in diplomacy, protocol and professional etiquette to enhance effective communication, representation and conduct in the public sector.