Complaint against Dr Alfredo Hengari
Your Excellency,
President Hage Geingob:
We are a group of diverse Namibian media professionals who have decided to write this letter for your urgent attention.
We begin this letter on a hopeful note. You have, since taking office five years ago, reassured the public that you value freedom of the press. Namibia continues to be the flag-bearer in Africa when it comes to press freedom. There is no doubt that this makes you as proud as we are.
However, your pledge to ensure press freedom is being eroded in broad daylight by your press secretary who is supposed to create a better working environment with the media.
Press secretary Dr Alfredo Hengari has, since 2018, used tactics that bluntly undermine the role of the press. His lack of humility and continued attacks on the role of the media through his opinion pieces and presidency statements have clearly created a sour relationship between the media and your office.
Dr Hengari does not seem to respect the sacrosanct values of the press corps or the president's pursuit of ensuring media freedom in Namibia. It is either he is deliberate or does not understand how the media environment works. Either way, his actions are causing damage that could take years to repair.
Anti-media freedom actions
Here are some examples of his anti-media freedom actions:
Members of the press corps have on several occasions experienced direct conflict with Dr Hengari regarding the manner in which the presidential press office actively resists media freedom. This includes dictating questions that reporters should ask the president at a press conference. He did this last year. He is also known to continuously interfere in the editorial independence of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) television news editorial staff by pressuring them into running specific soundbites, not editing soundbites of the president and attempting to force stories onto the 20:00 news bulletin, regardless of what time information was made available.
Dr Hengari has on a number of occasions placed undue influence on the NBC to broadcast news items featuring himself. The latest attempt took place on 30 August. On this day, Dr Hengari uploaded a media statement to the Namibian presidency's Facebook page, creating the impression the statement was shared with all media houses, when in fact it was sent to NBC exclusively.
It was only posted after some of our colleagues questioned why the statement was only sent to NBC.
Thankfully, the NBC team refused to run the story because it came in about two hours before the 20:00 news bulletin, hence there was not sufficient time to put it together.
To add insult to injury, this statement was an attempt to sugar-coat Dr Hengari's role in the unfortunate Covid-19 briefing at State House on 28 August when no media was allowed.
Dr Hengari on several occasions pressured NBC to influence the structure of reports
involving State House. This significantly compromises media professionalism and independence, which are key to being an objective, rational voice, and crucial to the ability to operate without fear or favour.
Absence of media
Lastly, Your Excellency, you had to, on two occasions, ask for clarity regarding the absence of the media at two separate Covid-19 briefings. The one occasion was when you asked why the press secretary was asking questions on behalf of the media, and it was clear that you did not know that the press secretary decided on his own, without consultation, to not have media at the briefings and for journalists to rather ask questions through him.
Dr Hengari on that day used his own discretion on what questions to ask and what questions to simply leave out.
Dr Hengari on Friday, 28 August, failed to truthfully disclose to you why the media was not present at the scheduled Covid-19 media briefing - a situation which clearly sought to undermine the president. This episode exposed how Dr Hengari fails to consult with stakeholders before making last-minute decisions that affect our operations.
The press has previously opposed numerous media policies and strategies influenced by Dr Hengari. This includes his decision to selectively issue media statements to some news organisations.
He may view his actions as a way to hold the media to account, but the truth is, these actions do not reflect well on press freedom in Namibia.
Not beyond reproach
We know, Mr President, that our letter will be misconstrued by some as a tactic to resist any form of criticism towards the media, but we can assure you that as media practitioners, we are well aware that we are not beyond reproach. We accept criticism when warranted and subsequently take corrective measures when called upon to do so.
As press secretary, Dr Hengari is supposed to create better working relations with the media. He, of all people, should understand the dynamics of the media and how best to effectively push your message to the public.
Finding middle ground
What we have done so far to find middle ground. The media has on numerous occasions tried to engage Dr Hengari to iron out the differences between the presidency and the media. These efforts were, however, always met with sarcasm and condescension.
In the past, NBC's senior management also had official engagements with the press secretary to discuss issues around the operations of the broadcaster. Those in attendance have narrated how evasive and abrasive Dr Hengari was towards criticism.
The most recent incident was right after the latest Covid-19 briefing, when the media asked Dr Hengari, on the official Namibian presidency WhatsApp group, why the media was excluded from the briefing and why he claimed the media was consulted and consensus was reached that the media would follow a livestream.
We wanted to engage in an honest conversation on how these sessions can be better carried out in the future. This was, however, met by a supercilious Dr Hengari who turned the entire discussion into a mockery and accused journalists of being “WhatsApp Warriors”.
Instead of apologising for being untruthful regarding the absence of the media at last week's briefing, and accepting proposals on how to improve the situation, the calls to do better were met with facetious humour.
Take action
We, the undersigned press corps of Namibia, therefore, resolve that:
You as the appointing authority take remedial actions, as you deem fit, to ensure that Dr Hengari respects and upholds press freedom as guaranteed in Chapter 3 (Article 21) of the Namibian Constitution. We also expect his nonchalant attitude towards the media to be addressed and that he be reminded of his duties as press secretary.
Any delay to rein him in will be perceived as an endorsement of his deceitful acts and failure to protect media freedom and the reputation of the highest office in the country.
A great Namibian house depends on having sunlight on its leaders.
Concerned journalists:
Jemima Beukes, Mathias Haufiku, Tileni Mongudhi, Helvy Shaanika, Ndapewoshali Shapwanale, Charmaine Ngatjiheue, Da'oud Vries, Edward Mumbuu, Sakeus Iikela, Shinovene Immanuel, Tiri Masawi, Timo Shihepo, Augetto Graig, Johnathan Beukes, Lee Garises, Ester Mbathera, Rochelle Cornelius, Marco Ndlovu, Rudi Bowe, Robert Maseka, Donald Matthys, Kenya Kambowe, Hesron Kapanga, Jeaneth Haipare, Clifton Movirongo, Lydia Pitiri, Okeri Ngutjinazo, Yokany Oliveira, Arlana Shikongo, Karin Eloff, Denver Kisting, Emil Seibeb, Shelleygan Petersen, Timo Andreas, Clemans Miyanicwe, Nandigolo Nakambale, July Nafuka, Kaipaherue Kandjii, Daniel Nadunya, Isidor Shafovino Shilongo, Mericah Maekopo, Elmarie Kapunda, Andrew Kathindi, Frances Shahaama, Elifas Bonifatius, Jonas Mbambo, Brigitte Weidlich, Luqman Cloete, Jo-Maré Duddy, Selima Henock, Floris Steenkamp, Justicia Shipena, Francoise Steynberg, Hileni Nembwaya, Charlotte Nambadja and Limba Mupetami.
President Hage Geingob:
We are a group of diverse Namibian media professionals who have decided to write this letter for your urgent attention.
We begin this letter on a hopeful note. You have, since taking office five years ago, reassured the public that you value freedom of the press. Namibia continues to be the flag-bearer in Africa when it comes to press freedom. There is no doubt that this makes you as proud as we are.
However, your pledge to ensure press freedom is being eroded in broad daylight by your press secretary who is supposed to create a better working environment with the media.
Press secretary Dr Alfredo Hengari has, since 2018, used tactics that bluntly undermine the role of the press. His lack of humility and continued attacks on the role of the media through his opinion pieces and presidency statements have clearly created a sour relationship between the media and your office.
Dr Hengari does not seem to respect the sacrosanct values of the press corps or the president's pursuit of ensuring media freedom in Namibia. It is either he is deliberate or does not understand how the media environment works. Either way, his actions are causing damage that could take years to repair.
Anti-media freedom actions
Here are some examples of his anti-media freedom actions:
Members of the press corps have on several occasions experienced direct conflict with Dr Hengari regarding the manner in which the presidential press office actively resists media freedom. This includes dictating questions that reporters should ask the president at a press conference. He did this last year. He is also known to continuously interfere in the editorial independence of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) television news editorial staff by pressuring them into running specific soundbites, not editing soundbites of the president and attempting to force stories onto the 20:00 news bulletin, regardless of what time information was made available.
Dr Hengari has on a number of occasions placed undue influence on the NBC to broadcast news items featuring himself. The latest attempt took place on 30 August. On this day, Dr Hengari uploaded a media statement to the Namibian presidency's Facebook page, creating the impression the statement was shared with all media houses, when in fact it was sent to NBC exclusively.
It was only posted after some of our colleagues questioned why the statement was only sent to NBC.
Thankfully, the NBC team refused to run the story because it came in about two hours before the 20:00 news bulletin, hence there was not sufficient time to put it together.
To add insult to injury, this statement was an attempt to sugar-coat Dr Hengari's role in the unfortunate Covid-19 briefing at State House on 28 August when no media was allowed.
Dr Hengari on several occasions pressured NBC to influence the structure of reports
involving State House. This significantly compromises media professionalism and independence, which are key to being an objective, rational voice, and crucial to the ability to operate without fear or favour.
Absence of media
Lastly, Your Excellency, you had to, on two occasions, ask for clarity regarding the absence of the media at two separate Covid-19 briefings. The one occasion was when you asked why the press secretary was asking questions on behalf of the media, and it was clear that you did not know that the press secretary decided on his own, without consultation, to not have media at the briefings and for journalists to rather ask questions through him.
Dr Hengari on that day used his own discretion on what questions to ask and what questions to simply leave out.
Dr Hengari on Friday, 28 August, failed to truthfully disclose to you why the media was not present at the scheduled Covid-19 media briefing - a situation which clearly sought to undermine the president. This episode exposed how Dr Hengari fails to consult with stakeholders before making last-minute decisions that affect our operations.
The press has previously opposed numerous media policies and strategies influenced by Dr Hengari. This includes his decision to selectively issue media statements to some news organisations.
He may view his actions as a way to hold the media to account, but the truth is, these actions do not reflect well on press freedom in Namibia.
Not beyond reproach
We know, Mr President, that our letter will be misconstrued by some as a tactic to resist any form of criticism towards the media, but we can assure you that as media practitioners, we are well aware that we are not beyond reproach. We accept criticism when warranted and subsequently take corrective measures when called upon to do so.
As press secretary, Dr Hengari is supposed to create better working relations with the media. He, of all people, should understand the dynamics of the media and how best to effectively push your message to the public.
Finding middle ground
What we have done so far to find middle ground. The media has on numerous occasions tried to engage Dr Hengari to iron out the differences between the presidency and the media. These efforts were, however, always met with sarcasm and condescension.
In the past, NBC's senior management also had official engagements with the press secretary to discuss issues around the operations of the broadcaster. Those in attendance have narrated how evasive and abrasive Dr Hengari was towards criticism.
The most recent incident was right after the latest Covid-19 briefing, when the media asked Dr Hengari, on the official Namibian presidency WhatsApp group, why the media was excluded from the briefing and why he claimed the media was consulted and consensus was reached that the media would follow a livestream.
We wanted to engage in an honest conversation on how these sessions can be better carried out in the future. This was, however, met by a supercilious Dr Hengari who turned the entire discussion into a mockery and accused journalists of being “WhatsApp Warriors”.
Instead of apologising for being untruthful regarding the absence of the media at last week's briefing, and accepting proposals on how to improve the situation, the calls to do better were met with facetious humour.
Take action
We, the undersigned press corps of Namibia, therefore, resolve that:
You as the appointing authority take remedial actions, as you deem fit, to ensure that Dr Hengari respects and upholds press freedom as guaranteed in Chapter 3 (Article 21) of the Namibian Constitution. We also expect his nonchalant attitude towards the media to be addressed and that he be reminded of his duties as press secretary.
Any delay to rein him in will be perceived as an endorsement of his deceitful acts and failure to protect media freedom and the reputation of the highest office in the country.
A great Namibian house depends on having sunlight on its leaders.
Concerned journalists:
Jemima Beukes, Mathias Haufiku, Tileni Mongudhi, Helvy Shaanika, Ndapewoshali Shapwanale, Charmaine Ngatjiheue, Da'oud Vries, Edward Mumbuu, Sakeus Iikela, Shinovene Immanuel, Tiri Masawi, Timo Shihepo, Augetto Graig, Johnathan Beukes, Lee Garises, Ester Mbathera, Rochelle Cornelius, Marco Ndlovu, Rudi Bowe, Robert Maseka, Donald Matthys, Kenya Kambowe, Hesron Kapanga, Jeaneth Haipare, Clifton Movirongo, Lydia Pitiri, Okeri Ngutjinazo, Yokany Oliveira, Arlana Shikongo, Karin Eloff, Denver Kisting, Emil Seibeb, Shelleygan Petersen, Timo Andreas, Clemans Miyanicwe, Nandigolo Nakambale, July Nafuka, Kaipaherue Kandjii, Daniel Nadunya, Isidor Shafovino Shilongo, Mericah Maekopo, Elmarie Kapunda, Andrew Kathindi, Frances Shahaama, Elifas Bonifatius, Jonas Mbambo, Brigitte Weidlich, Luqman Cloete, Jo-Maré Duddy, Selima Henock, Floris Steenkamp, Justicia Shipena, Francoise Steynberg, Hileni Nembwaya, Charlotte Nambadja and Limba Mupetami.
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