Development of Communication structures a challenge for govt – WINDHOEK OBSERVER

Hertta-Maria Amutenja

Despite the legal and institutional frameworks put in place by the government to guide the operations of the media sector in the country, there is still a need for the development and establishment of Communication structures and a function and accountability mechanism.

This is according to the Communicating for Effective Government Communication Strategy for 2022 to 2027.

It is stated in the strategy that: “Although the above legal and institutional framework exists, there are obvious challenges in the way Government handles the Communication function. During the Communication Needs Assessment, it was demonstrated that there was a need for the development and establishment of Communication structures and a function and accountability mechanism. The absence of a clear structure and accountability mechanism for the Communication function in the Government has resulted in the poor coordination of information flow within and out of the Government.”

The strategy has resulted in a multiplicity of responsibility centres and a slow response by the government to issues that arise.

This undermines the government’s image and successful implementation of Government policies, programs, and projects.

“Besides the considerable need for government to immerse itself with new media, there still exists a need to consider information dissemination through the use of non-conventional media such as drama, rural video or film shows, popular traditional media, poetry, songs, non-conventional media are often used in rural, illiterate, and poor communities,” the document reads. The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Peya Mushelenga reiterated that the government understands the critical role of the media, in that it must and should play a role in holding public representatives to account.

“This is what makes the media a channel of public investigation on public issues. In that spirit, we welcome constructive engagement and open dialogue to strengthen the fabric of our nation. A vibrant democracy such as ours thrives on diverse perspectives,” he said yesterday at a breakfast with local News Editors.

He added that the government remains committed to maintaining media freedom, protecting journalists’ rights, and ensuring their safety and is currently finalizing two critical bills.

“The Data Protection Bill seeks to prevent the unlawful use, collection, processing, and storage of personal information of identifiable persons and to regulate data protection. Whereas, the Cybercrime Bill plans to provide for the investigation, prosecution, and sentencing of cybercrime offenders in the country,” he added.