Staff Reporter
THE Namibian Presidency has refuted misleading information published by Jonathan Beukes, former Managing Editor of New Era newspaper, in a widely circulated WhatsApp message in which he alleges a purported deterioration in press freedom in Namibia since President Hage G. Geingob’s passing on 4 February 2024.
Dr. Alfredo Hengari, Press Secretary in the Office of the Presidency, explained that Beukes falsely implies that President Nangolo Mbumba has not been a custodian of press freedom in the country since assuming office.
“This implicit, if not explicit, claim is entirely false. Namibia remains widely respected and lauded for press freedom in Africa and globally. President Mbumba will continue to champion our cause as a leading nation in press freedom. Since assuming the Presidency on 4 February 2024, President Mbumba has upheld a commitment to freedom of speech and expression, including press freedom, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia,” Dr. Hengari said.
He added that President Mbumba has pledged to govern by the Constitution, a pledge he fulfills daily in words and actions that advance the public interest.
“President Mbumba has continued Namibia’s tradition of open meetings in the Presidency that are accessible to the media. Moreover, the President emphasizes availability and access to the press. In that sense, he has been an exemplary custodian of press freedom,” the press secretary said.
He further said that President Mbumba and his administration remain firmly anchored in the values of the Constitution, where freedom of speech is a fundamental human right.
“Should there be any instances where press freedom is undermined, grievances must be channeled through the relevant institutions of the state, including the Office of the Media Ombudsman. The Presidency encourages individuals not to fall for generalizations and urges the Namibian public not to be swayed by unsubstantiated allegations made by individuals with agendas known only to themselves. In that vein, the Presidency states that Mr. Beukes’ generalizations about the President’s commitment to press freedom are misplaced, misrepresent facts, and lack substantiation. President Nangolo Mbumba has been an exemplary steward of our democracy and will continue to uphold our democratic values, including press freedom, especially during this critical election period and beyond,” Dr. Hengari concluded.