President Nandi-Ndaitwah lauds journalists, urges responsibility

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has praised journalists, editors and media practitioners in Namibia for their “dedication, courage and integrity” in keeping the nation informed, while calling for even stronger commitment to ethical journalism in the fast-changing digital media environment.

Her remarks were contained in her World Press Freedom Day 2026 message delivered on 3 May, in which she reflected on the role of the media in strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and safeguarding the public interest in an increasingly complex global information environment.

The president said the work of journalists remains central to Namibia’s democratic fabric, noting that media professionals continue to serve the nation by reporting on events, exposing wrongdoing, facilitating public debate, and ensuring that citizens remain informed about matters affecting their lives.

She highlighted that this contribution is especially important in a time when societies are facing heightened exposure to fast-moving and often unverified information through digital platforms, social media networks, and online news channels.

According to her, the transformation of the media environment has brought both opportunities and challenges. While digital platforms have expanded access to information and broadened the reach of journalism, they have also created conditions in which misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly, often undermining public trust and distorting facts.

It is within this context, she said, that the principles of ethical journalism become even more critical. She emphasised that accuracy, fairness, balance and verification must remain the cornerstone of all journalistic work, regardless of the platform through which information is disseminated.

The president cautioned that the speed at which information is now shared online should never come at the expense of truth. She urged media practitioners to resist the temptation of sensationalism and to remain anchored in professional standards that protect the credibility of journalism.

At the same time, she acknowledged the pressures faced by journalists in the digital era, where competition for attention, audience engagement metrics, and the 24-hour news cycle can place strain on traditional editorial processes. Despite these pressures, she said Namibian media workers have continued to demonstrate resilience and commitment to their profession.

She further noted that the integrity of journalism is not only essential for the media industry itself, but also for the broader health of democracy. Informed citizens, she said, are better equipped to participate in national discourse, hold leaders accountable, and contribute meaningfully to development processes.

In her message, the president also reaffirmed that press freedom remains a cornerstone of Namibia’s constitutional order, and that government continues to recognise and respect the role of a free and independent media in society.

However, she underscored that freedom of the press must go hand in hand with responsibility, particularly in an era where digital content can reach large audiences within seconds, regardless of its accuracy.