Media Ombudsman to be announced soon
The Editors’ Forum of Namibia (EFN) will announce the new Media Ombudsman on 18 July 2025, following the official end of John Nakuta’s term on 30 June.
During his seven years and 10 months as Namibia’s Media Ombudsman, Nakuta heard 282 complaints related to the country’s media, including issues involving the Office of the President and the judiciary, according to the EFN.
At the same time, the Forum will also announce a new chairperson, as Frank Steffen, editor of the German-language daily Allgemeine Zeitung, concludes two full two-year terms plus an additional year and six months. He will continue to lead the EFN until the special meeting on 18 July.
Meanwhile, interviews are underway with shortlisted candidates for the Media Ombudsman position, as well as for potential new members of the Forum’s leadership. The EFN last year saw the departure of three of its top leaders.
Accomplished Republikein news editor Ronelle Rademeyer passed away last year after a battle with cancer. Before her illness made it impossible, Rademeyer had served as EFN Secretary-General since 2019 and was responsible for establishing the EFN Journalism Awards.
David Bishop, former news manager at Namibia Future Media Holdings, stepped down as the Forum’s deputy chair in March 2024 after leaving the newsroom to pursue private business opportunities. Similarly, Ashley Smith, the EFN’s former treasurer, left the role after parting ways in 2024 with The Namibian, where he had served as news editor.
Currently, Selma Ikela serves as Secretary-General, with Toivo Ndjebela as treasurer. Other office bearers include Peter Denk and Elizabeth Kalambo M’ule, who serve as EFN coordinators.
In his farewell report, Nakuta called for a redesign of the Media Ombudsman’s office, given its important oversight role in constitutional matters such as freedom of speech and media freedom. He stressed the need for the EFN to explore different funding models to ensure the office can function effectively while remaining autonomous and independent. Nakuta cited Germany as an example, where the Media Ombudsman’s office is funded by the government.
During his seven years and 10 months as Namibia’s Media Ombudsman, Nakuta heard 282 complaints related to the country’s media, including issues involving the Office of the President and the judiciary, according to the EFN.
At the same time, the Forum will also announce a new chairperson, as Frank Steffen, editor of the German-language daily Allgemeine Zeitung, concludes two full two-year terms plus an additional year and six months. He will continue to lead the EFN until the special meeting on 18 July.
Meanwhile, interviews are underway with shortlisted candidates for the Media Ombudsman position, as well as for potential new members of the Forum’s leadership. The EFN last year saw the departure of three of its top leaders.
Accomplished Republikein news editor Ronelle Rademeyer passed away last year after a battle with cancer. Before her illness made it impossible, Rademeyer had served as EFN Secretary-General since 2019 and was responsible for establishing the EFN Journalism Awards.
David Bishop, former news manager at Namibia Future Media Holdings, stepped down as the Forum’s deputy chair in March 2024 after leaving the newsroom to pursue private business opportunities. Similarly, Ashley Smith, the EFN’s former treasurer, left the role after parting ways in 2024 with The Namibian, where he had served as news editor.
Currently, Selma Ikela serves as Secretary-General, with Toivo Ndjebela as treasurer. Other office bearers include Peter Denk and Elizabeth Kalambo M’ule, who serve as EFN coordinators.
In his farewell report, Nakuta called for a redesign of the Media Ombudsman’s office, given its important oversight role in constitutional matters such as freedom of speech and media freedom. He stressed the need for the EFN to explore different funding models to ensure the office can function effectively while remaining autonomous and independent. Nakuta cited Germany as an example, where the Media Ombudsman’s office is funded by the government.
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