By Tubaleye Lichipisa
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) in conjunction with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held its celebration- World Press Freedom Day, under the theme Journalism Under Digital Siege.
“Namibia continues to play a leading role in advocating for free and independent media on a global level, the World Press Freedom Day affords us an opportunity to voice our support for journalist who continues to provide the public with reliable and timely information, a task that has not only become more important, especially at a time where misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms hamper the good work done by journalist,” said Hon Dr. Peya Mushelenga The Minister of Information Communication and Technology.
Mushelenga further spoke on free informatics and alliterated on protected speech, he therefore praised the journalistic view on efforts on how Namibia has moved up on the world press freedom index, from the 25th spot to the 18th.
He further outlined the reaffirming of the access to information bill has been passed, as it was referred to the parliamentary standing committee.
“The disastrous effort of news and information caries, the effect of a globalized and undereducated online information space that encourages fake news and propaganda, and observe that in fact, all this is continuing,” said UNESCO Secretary-General Mr. Rod April.
April urged on doing more when addressing the risk and seizing the opportunity of the digital age, and in joining the debate to one that develops the digital configuration mostly one that protects journalism and the free press.
The event was held at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), with aim of commemorating the rising of journalists and that of the fallen/killed journalist in the past 5 years.
Email: lichipisa.tubaleye@newswave.com.na