Hengari saga: Geingob to meet with journalists

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK



The presidency has informed the media that President Hage Geingob is ready to meet with journalists to discuss concerns raised about press secretary Alfredo Hengari.

The concerns include Hengari's alleged undermining of the media and his nonchalant attitude towards journalists.

A group of 60 journalists last week wrote to the head of state that Hengari disrespects the sacrosanct values of the press corps and the president's pursuit of ensuring media freedom in Namibia.

“Press secretary Dr Alfredo Hengari has since 2018 continued to use tactics that bluntly undermine the role of the press. His lack of humility and continued attacks on the role of the media using his opinion pieces and presidency statements have clearly created a sour relationship between the media and your office,” the group said.



'Committed to addressing challenges'

The minister in the presidency, Christine /Hoebes, responded that the journalists would be afforded an opportunity to meet with the president at an opportune time.

“The president is on record that when diplomacy fails, people go to war, therefore the president is committed to address challenges in the Namibian house with the objective of ensuring that no one is left out.

“In this context, the president is bound to protect freedom of expression, including freedom of the press,” she said.

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