EFN condemns verbal abuse of NBC journalists
The Editors Forum of Namibia (EFN) has condemned the threats and verbal abuse directed at a news crew from the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation during an assignment at the Swapo Party headquarters in Windhoek on Tuesday.
The NBC journalists were confronted by members of the Repatriated Refugees Association, a group of former Namibian refugees repatriated from exile in 1989, who have been camping at Swapo’s national headquarters while demanding payment of funds they claim are owed to them. During the confrontation, the group allegedly warned that should the NBC team return, their equipment would be confiscated.
The former refugees have occupied the Swapo premises since October 2025, citing a lack of transparency around monies they say were earmarked for their reintegration. In a video that has since circulated widely on social media, the NBC crew is seen packing up its equipment and withdrawing from the scene as shouting erupts around them.
In a statement issued yesterday, EFN chairperson Toivo Ndjebela said the forum viewed the incident with “grave concern”, describing the conduct as an attempt to intimidate journalists and obstruct them in the lawful execution of their duties.
“Such actions do not only threaten the safety and dignity of media workers, but also strike at the heart of the media’s role in a democratic society,” Ndjebela said. “Independent journalism is essential for informing citizens, holding power to account, and nurturing open and accountable governance.”
Vital role
The editors’ body stressed that Namibia’s media plays a vital role in public debate, civic participation and transparency, noting that freedom of the press allows journalists to gather and disseminate information without fear or favour — a principle that underpins democratic life.
EFN further pointed to constitutional protections that guarantee freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and other media, describing these rights as central pillars of Namibia’s democracy and a safeguard against censorship and the suppression of information.
Calling on political organisations, civil society and the public to respect the work of journalists, Ndjebela said disagreements with media coverage should be addressed through lawful and constructive engagement rather than threats or abuse.
The forum also urged authorities to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of journalists reporting on matters of public interest, warning that hostility towards media workers risks casting a chilling shadow over press freedom.
EFN reaffirmed its commitment to defending and strengthening media freedom in Namibia and expressed solidarity with the NBC news crew and journalists working under increasingly challenging conditions.
The NBC journalists were confronted by members of the Repatriated Refugees Association, a group of former Namibian refugees repatriated from exile in 1989, who have been camping at Swapo’s national headquarters while demanding payment of funds they claim are owed to them. During the confrontation, the group allegedly warned that should the NBC team return, their equipment would be confiscated.
The former refugees have occupied the Swapo premises since October 2025, citing a lack of transparency around monies they say were earmarked for their reintegration. In a video that has since circulated widely on social media, the NBC crew is seen packing up its equipment and withdrawing from the scene as shouting erupts around them.
In a statement issued yesterday, EFN chairperson Toivo Ndjebela said the forum viewed the incident with “grave concern”, describing the conduct as an attempt to intimidate journalists and obstruct them in the lawful execution of their duties.
“Such actions do not only threaten the safety and dignity of media workers, but also strike at the heart of the media’s role in a democratic society,” Ndjebela said. “Independent journalism is essential for informing citizens, holding power to account, and nurturing open and accountable governance.”
Vital role
The editors’ body stressed that Namibia’s media plays a vital role in public debate, civic participation and transparency, noting that freedom of the press allows journalists to gather and disseminate information without fear or favour — a principle that underpins democratic life.
EFN further pointed to constitutional protections that guarantee freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and other media, describing these rights as central pillars of Namibia’s democracy and a safeguard against censorship and the suppression of information.
Calling on political organisations, civil society and the public to respect the work of journalists, Ndjebela said disagreements with media coverage should be addressed through lawful and constructive engagement rather than threats or abuse.
The forum also urged authorities to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of journalists reporting on matters of public interest, warning that hostility towards media workers risks casting a chilling shadow over press freedom.
EFN reaffirmed its commitment to defending and strengthening media freedom in Namibia and expressed solidarity with the NBC news crew and journalists working under increasingly challenging conditions.
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