Politicians’ chronic lateness to events piles pressure on newsrooms

A growing trend of politicians and government officials arriving late to public events is disrupting tight newsroom schedules, straining resources and affecting the quality of information reaching the public.

In an industry governed by strict deadlines, particularly in print, every minute counts.

Last week, local newspaper editor Edward Mumbuu described time as journalism’s most valuable commodity.

“Time is of the essence, the greatest commodity we have, and it must count for something,” Mumbuu told Namibian Sun.

In fast-paced newsrooms, delays add pressure on teams already stretched by limited staff and budgets.

He urged organisers, including government offices and political leaders, to start events on time so journalists can cover proceedings thoroughly, ask follow-up questions and engage meaningfully.

“When events start late, journalists are left rushing to compile reports merely to meet publication deadlines, instead of ensuring that all elements of a story are covered,” he said.

Selective delays frustrate journalists

Mumbuu also raised concern about what he called selective treatment of media houses. In some cases, events are delayed while organisers wait for representatives of certain outlets perceived as more important.

“While certain journalists arrive on time, they are forced to wait for representatives of specific media houses before the event kicks off. But if tables should turn, the same courtesy is never extended,” he said.

He warned that when journalists later skip such events due to repeated delays or perceived disrespect, they are accused of bias or boycotting.

“All media houses and journalists are equal and respect must be evenly distributed,” he added, while emphasising that journalists themselves must also uphold punctuality and professionalism.

Race against the clock

The issue has also drawn attention from the Namibia Media Professionals Union (Nampu). Its president, Tileni Mongudhi, said the frequent late start and extended duration of government events place further strain on understaffed newsrooms.

“The many, especially government, events that start late and drag on are becoming a problem for thinly skilled and capacitated newsrooms to manage,” Mongudhi said.

He cited parliamentary sittings as an example. “We see how parliament starts late, takes long breaks and insists on finishing on time while not having done much."

For Mongudhi, the concern goes beyond media inconvenience to public accountability.

“Do the public get their money’s worth? And currently, we can’t say that,” he asked.

He also questioned whether political leaders make themselves sufficiently available for critical engagement.

“This administration has been accused of being everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It likes a photo opportunity but remains vague or nonresponsive when probed on topical issues,” he said.

Setting a bad example

Mongudhi noted that keeping journalists waiting for hours prevents them from covering other engagements, weakening overall news output. He urged media workers to stand together, especially when colleagues face harassment or disrespect at official events.

Journalist Shelleygan Peterson said punctual leadership sets the tone. She noted that during the tenure of the late president, official events were widely known for starting on time, influencing broader government conduct.

“The presidency does not always arrive on time and events don’t always start on time,” Peterson said of the current administration, though she acknowledged that some ministries have maintained punctuality.

For print outlets, late events have tangible consequences. Most newsrooms have hard cut-off times around 16:00 or 17:00. Stories must be written, edited and ready for print by then.

“If you are going to start your event at 3 p.m., it’s not going to be in tomorrow’s paper. Newspapers barely stop the press,” she said.

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