The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation is exploring a partnership with the Zambezi Regional Council to strengthen cooperation and promote development initiatives in the region.

Speaking during a visit to the region, NBC Director-General Menesia Muinjo, who is leading a delegation of management staff and members of the Board, said the broadcaster intends to strengthen its relationship with the region and create an environment of open communication.

Muinjo said the broadcaster also wants to make regional leaders and communities more aware of the services and opportunities offered by NBC, particularly in the area of commercial advertising.

She said that while NBC is mandated to provide free public broadcasting services, including news and programmes, its mandate also has a commercial component.

She added that NBC is considering a memorandum of understanding with the Regional Council and other local authorities to promote their work and ensure that development initiatives receive wider public exposure.

"So one of the reasons for this third point is to come up with a memorandum of understanding with the Zambezi Regional Council, where we can then see how we highlight the operations and the good work that the various town councils have been doing but are not fully well articulated to the larger public. So we can see how we can work well together. It's just the understanding that is created, and when there's something that has to be done, then it becomes specific; it becomes a project, and we go into that…"

Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula highlighted the region's uniqueness, stating it presents opportunities to partner with the national broadcaster to showcase its potential. Her message was delivered by Kabbe North Councillor Bernard Sisamu.

"Our traditional authorities remain critical and key partners, given their role in community leadership, land management and the sustainable use of natural resources. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable…"

The NBC delegation will engage with the business community, as well as the content and creative sectors, and visit all four of the region's traditional authorities as part of its planned engagements.