Niël Terblanché
The recent dismissal of New Era Publication Corporation’s (NEPC) Managing Editor, Johnathan Beukes, has sparked widespread public debate on press freedom and government transparency in Namibia.
Amid public outcry, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has issued a statement clarifying its role in NEPC’s internal affairs while also stressing that it is committed to press freedom despite allegations of political interference.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the MICT addressed concerns over its involvement in NEPC’s internal matters.
The ministry stressed that, as a shareholder, its engagement with public enterprises like NEPC is limited to policy-level interactions and communications with the board.
“There are processes, systems, and procedures that are followed, and authorities vested with these powers. The Ministry would like to make it clear that it does not interfere in the internal affairs of NEPC,” the statement reads.
The MICT also pointed out that government-funded media houses, such as NEPC, operate with a level of self-regulation akin to privately owned media, in line with Namibia’s commitment to press freedom principles.
The Ministry cited the Windhoek +30 Declaration, a set of principles promoting press freedom, as an affirmation of the government’s respect for editorial independence.
As a result of the Windhoek +30 Declaration, Namibia ranks second in Africa and 34th globally in the Press Freedom Index and takes pride in its longstanding reputation for supporting journalistic freedom.
However, the Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU) has voiced scepticism over the MICT’s stance.
Jemima Beukes, Acting Secretary-General of NAMPU, praised the Ministry for addressing the public’s concerns but questioned the transparency of the dismissal process.
“The Ministry’s admission that Beukes was dismissed for practising true journalism is a stark reminder of the political interference that continues to undermine press freedom in Namibia,” she stated while pointing out inconsistencies between the Ministry’s statements and Beukes’s account.
In his departure statement, Beukes described his exit as a “mutual separation,” a term that raises questions about the nature of his dismissal.
He further added that his agreement restricts him from discussing the details, fuelling suspicions that political forces may have influenced his departure.
NAMPU argued that the Ministry’s role “ending at policy level” is a convenient excuse for avoiding accountability, stating that true self-regulation should protect editorial independence rather than facilitate unchecked decisions.
Despite the Ministry’s reassurances and the new leadership arrangement, concerns over editorial independence persist.
NAMPU warned that citing Namibia’s high Press Freedom Index ranking does not fully reflect the current challenges faced by state-funded media, hinting that recent events could erode public trust.
“If the Ministry truly values a free press, it must start with clear, transparent oversight and genuine independence. Press freedom cannot thrive under a system where government influence hides behind a mask of ‘non-interference,” Beukes stated.
Sha also called for stronger safeguards to uphold press freedom and maintain public confidence in media institutions.
The controversy has emerged amid structural changes in Namibia’s state-owned media landscape.
As part of a Cabinet directive aimed at reducing operational redundancies, a merger between NEPC and the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA) is currently underway.
In line with this transition, NAMPA’s Head of Commercial Services, Confidence Musariri, has been seconded to NEPC to fill the position of Managing Editor following Beukes’s departure.
According to Linus Chata, NAMPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Musariri’s secondment was necessary to meet NEPC’s immediate editorial leadership needs.
“While the merger is not complete, there is an urgent need at New Era that requires Musariri’s services,” Chata explained.
He added that Musariri will remain involved in NAMPA’s strategic programmes while supporting NEPC’s operational continuity.
“This arrangement will smooth out operations into our shared future,” Chata said.
He also expressed optimism about the merger’s potential to streamline government media efforts.