The NBC's Director General, Menesia Muinjo, has urged the leadership of the Kavango East Region to become the national broadcaster's ambassadors.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Kavango East Governor's office, Muinjo also requested the leadership to encourage residents to pay their TV licenses.
“Just to see how the leadership can also help us find our footing with the various clients of the NBC, whether it's TV licenses or something else, because we have businesses, we have households, and we have individuals at home. How can we ensure that the individuals at home understand the legal obligation, whether it's for our seniors to pay their N$60 are there impediments, maybe?"
Muinjo explained that disconnecting non-paid up viewers is also almost impossible because of the national broadcaster's mandate.
“While that can be great, it also has challenges, so sometimes we have key messages that have to go out immediately, emergency messages, whether it's a flood or the time we had COVID.”
Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka pledged to mobilise the residents to fulfill their obligation.
“The leadership here relies on us. At some events, you may be given a speech to deliver, but you can set it aside and tell them what we want for the region.”
The governor applauded the NBC leadership for its commitment to broadcast news in indigenous languages.
”So far, especially the indigenous languages used in news and other broadcasts. When you follow the programmes, you enjoy them and feel that you are truly in Africa. The line-up is fine, and I have no complaints. However, I believe our local people also enjoy hearing their languages on television. When they hear Rumanyo, Thimbukushu, or Rukwangali, they come back and say, ‘Oh, I even heard our language!"
Radio coverage, however, in the southern part of the region and the southeast needs improvement.
Hambyuka also wants to see wider coverage of events in the region.
Rundu Deputy Mayor Regina Nekare urged the NBC to introduce more soap operas to encourage people to pay their TV licenses.