Media ombudsman John Nakuta, whose term is set to lapse in March, has lauded the government for its recognition of the work done at the media ombudsman’s office.
Speaking to The Namibian on Monday, Nakuta said the ombudsman’s office has not received any threats from the government to try and intervene or try and arrest the office.
“For that, one can take our hats off to the government, for their willingness – not even willingness – for their realisation of the importance of this very important office,” they said.
Nakuta was first appointed in 2017 and their term was extended for another three years in 2020.
They did not comment on the lapsing of their term but said a lot could happen between now and the end of the term.
According to Nakuta, the media ombudsman plays an important role in adjudicating media complaints outside normal court processes.
Nakuta made reference to the 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections where security was a major concern.
“The media ombudsman is important because whatever complaint someone may be having against a media house, there’s a cheaper option that you can go to, an approach which would adjudicate over your complaint,” Nakuta said.
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