Allexer Namundjembo
The Editors’ Forum of Namibia (EFN) has extended the term of media ombudsman John Nakuta by three months, from 1 April to 30 June.
The EFN said the extension will allow time for a proper call for nominations in line with the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Namibian Print, Broadcast, and Online Media.
Nakuta’s term ended on 31 March.
The nomination process was meant to start in February but was delayed due to the national mourning period following the death of Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Nujoma, on 8 February.
“This extension also provides Nakuta the opportunity to successfully conclude the 2024 Media Monitoring Project, which he initiated to evaluate media coverage, both traditional and online, of the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections,” reads the statement issued by the EFN executives.
The project, which ran for six months from July to December 2024 and included Election Day on November 27, is one of the first of its kind in Namibia and possibly in southern Africa.
It received support from the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung’s FES Media, the European Union, German Cooperation, DW Akademie, and the Namibia Media Trust (NMT).
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Namibia also supported the project, which produced four briefing papers on key topics: misinformation and disinformation, youth participation in governance, gender dynamics in democratic governance, and the role of strong institutions in supporting democracy.
Nakuta’s role as media ombudsman involved handling public complaints about media coverage and ensuring media outlets follow ethical standards.
The position is intended to promote accountability and fairness in the media.
The EFN said it will open nominations for the next term after June.
The role requires an independent and respected individual with experience in media, journalism, law, or public policy.
