EFN appoints new media ombudsman, elects executive committee
Dr Sadrag Panduleni Shihomeka has been appointed as the new media ombudsman for a three-year term, effective 23 July.
He succeeds Dr John Nakuta, whose nearly eight-year tenure ended on 30 June.
Dr Shihomeka is a senior lecturer in journalism and media technology at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), where he also teaches corporate public relations.
At the same time, Toivo Ndjebela, editor of Namibian Sun, was elected chairperson of the EFN, succeeding Frank Steffen.
Ndjebela brings 19 years of experience in journalism to the role and will be supported by Ester Mbathera, news editor at The Namibian, who was elected deputy chairperson.
The EFN’s new executive committee, set to serve from 23 July to 22 July 2027, includes Jeaneth Haipare, digital news editor at NBC, who was elected treasurer, and Gerald Johr, general manager of Energy 100 FM, who joins as an additional executive member.
Selma Ikela continues in her role as secretary general, providing strategic and administrative support to the forum, while Elizabeth Kalambo M’ule remains as EFN coordinator.
Public representation
During a special general meeting held on 18 July, following the EFN’s annual general meeting on 27 June, the forum also announced the appointment of eight panellists to the media complaints committee (MCC).
The committee, which adjudicates public complaints against the media, includes an equal number of public and media sector representatives.
Representing the public are Maria Uushona, Professor Johan Coetzee, Naita Hishoono and Shoki Kandjimi. These panellists bring diverse expertise from civil society, academia and public service.
Representing the media are Lazarus Amukeshe, Lischen Khachas, Shelleygan Petersen, and Penda Jonas Hashoongo – all seasoned professionals with strong backgrounds in journalism and media practice. Their participation ensures the industry’s perspective is represented in the committee’s work.
The newly appointed media ombudsman and MCC panellists will serve from 23 July to 22 July 2028.
He succeeds Dr John Nakuta, whose nearly eight-year tenure ended on 30 June.
Dr Shihomeka is a senior lecturer in journalism and media technology at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), where he also teaches corporate public relations.
At the same time, Toivo Ndjebela, editor of Namibian Sun, was elected chairperson of the EFN, succeeding Frank Steffen.
Ndjebela brings 19 years of experience in journalism to the role and will be supported by Ester Mbathera, news editor at The Namibian, who was elected deputy chairperson.
The EFN’s new executive committee, set to serve from 23 July to 22 July 2027, includes Jeaneth Haipare, digital news editor at NBC, who was elected treasurer, and Gerald Johr, general manager of Energy 100 FM, who joins as an additional executive member.
Selma Ikela continues in her role as secretary general, providing strategic and administrative support to the forum, while Elizabeth Kalambo M’ule remains as EFN coordinator.
Public representation
During a special general meeting held on 18 July, following the EFN’s annual general meeting on 27 June, the forum also announced the appointment of eight panellists to the media complaints committee (MCC).
The committee, which adjudicates public complaints against the media, includes an equal number of public and media sector representatives.
Representing the public are Maria Uushona, Professor Johan Coetzee, Naita Hishoono and Shoki Kandjimi. These panellists bring diverse expertise from civil society, academia and public service.
Representing the media are Lazarus Amukeshe, Lischen Khachas, Shelleygan Petersen, and Penda Jonas Hashoongo – all seasoned professionals with strong backgrounds in journalism and media practice. Their participation ensures the industry’s perspective is represented in the committee’s work.
The newly appointed media ombudsman and MCC panellists will serve from 23 July to 22 July 2028.
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