The Namibian @40: Max Hamata

Max Hamata was a freelancer for The Namibian before officially joining the team.

He says he and other journalists used to compete, and probe as much as possible to get their headlines on the front page.

Speaking to Desert FM, Hamata says the paper was the most influential brand in the country, influencing international communities such as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 435 to bring about Namibia’s independence.

He says The Namibian was different from other newspapers because it was investigative, more insightful and research based which helped sharpen his investigative skills.

Hamata says the paper faced different attacks from the apartheid regime, and apartheid propaganda newspapers due to its free speech for ordinary Namibians.

“The Namibian weathered the storm despite all those challenges. It was the only newspaper other than Windhoek Observer that shaped and represented the voice of the voiceless,” he says.

Despite the challenges print and digital media come with, he says the paper has advantages as it gives readers a sense of trustworthiness.

He says he had many stories he worked on as a young reporter, however, one particular moment he remembers is when then editor Jean Sutherland sent him to cover the farm eviction at Kalkverde at Gobabis, where he took his girlfriend along.

However, Hamata says he didn’t disclose what he had done because his actions could have gotten him fired.

He thus urges fellow journalists to always practice honesty.

– Compiled by Dolly Menas.

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.