Steenkamp demands faster response from government PR officers

Minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp urges in ministry, organisation and agency public relations officers to improve their responsiveness to media enquiries.

She warns that delayed communication fuels misinformation in an era where news spreads rapidly.

Steenkamp made the remarks during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day in Windhoek on Friday.

Namibia is currently ranked 23rd globally and second in Africa for press freedom. This year’s commemoration was held under the theme ‘Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security’.

“Our public relations officers must step up to respond and reach out to the various directorates and departments to get the correct information. As a government, we will respond, and as a ministry, we will respond. I give you that pledge,” she said.

Steenkamp, however, urged journalists to follow proper communication channels when sending questions, noting that officials are sometimes occupied in meetings and may not immediately check their phones.

She said the Windhoek Declaration remains a landmark symbol of the importance of journalism, freedom of expression and democratic accountability.

Meanwhile, Editor’s Forum of Namibia chairperson Toivo Ndjebela says the bar was set high on press freedom during the tenure of former president Hage Geingob.

Ndjebela urges institutions to cooperate with journalists, saying withholding information keeps the public in the dark and contributes to misinformation.

He commends the government’s commitment towards press freedom.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.