Media release

With reference to the article that appeared in the New Era of 26th February 2008, I want to make it clear that I have not withdrawn from the NBC talk show on the subject of the establishment of the media council as reported.

I received a letter from NBC inviting me to participate in the show and at no time have I confirmed my participation.

When the invitation reached my desk, I directed the Director Media Affairs in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to inform NBC that as much as I am ready to discuss the matter with the public, time has not come, as I will do so when I have a working document that allows me to seek the input of the public.

Possibly not convinced, Ms Menesia Muinjo, General Manager Current Affairs phoned me on the matter and I communicated to her what has been said by the Director Media Affairs to NBC.

Government will establish a media council. In any case no one is opposing the idea of a media council, even the media in Namibia has been working on it albeit without success. I am aware of the sensitivity of the matter and as the government has done in the past on other issues, wider consultations will take place before the council is established. Similarly, the government will never do anything outside the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia.

May, I therefore, ask the public to be patient till the time I come to you for your input. However, should there be those who feel they have something to share with me on the subject matter, doors to my office are open. This invitation is also directed to media practitioners and professionals.


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Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
MINISTER