Govt extends ‘hand of friendship’ to media

A MEDIA Room was officially opened at Parliament in Windhoek yesterday.

The aim is to create a friendly environment where the media and Government can interact, according to Minister of Information and Broadcasting Nangolo Mbumba. Mbumba said his Ministry realised the important role the media can play in helping promote strategies on various developmental issues.These include poverty reduction, decentralisation, HIV-AIDS awareness campaigns, gender equality as well as the training of a “new breed” of media practitioners.The Ministry renovated its old boardroom, now the Media Room, and the visitor’s room at a cost of N$1,1 million.The Media Room boasts hi-tech audio and visual equipment.”We have decided to call this new revamped room the Media Room which should give an indication that we are stretching our hands of friendship out to the media in order to cement our willingness to form a partnership,” Mbumba said.He added that there was an essential need for co-operation between the media and Government towards the common goal of democracy.Mbumba urged Namibians to uphold and promote democracy during the forthcoming elections.”Don’t allow others to make decisions for you.You must rush to register and let the election polls be the places to go to during November – regard this as a date,” he said.Mbumba said his Ministry realised the important role the media can play in helping promote strategies on various developmental issues.These include poverty reduction, decentralisation, HIV-AIDS awareness campaigns, gender equality as well as the training of a “new breed” of media practitioners.The Ministry renovated its old boardroom, now the Media Room, and the visitor’s room at a cost of N$1,1 million.The Media Room boasts hi-tech audio and visual equipment.”We have decided to call this new revamped room the Media Room which should give an indication that we are stretching our hands of friendship out to the media in order to cement our willingness to form a partnership,” Mbumba said.He added that there was an essential need for co-operation between the media and Government towards the common goal of democracy.Mbumba urged Namibians to uphold and promote democracy during the forthcoming elections.”Don’t allow others to make decisions for you.You must rush to register and let the election polls be the places to go to during November – regard this as a date,” he said.