Hidipo Hamata
In Namibia, the right to information is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, which ensures freedom of expression and the press. Likewise, many newspapers, including The Namibian, Namibian Sun, and Confidénte, struggle to report from rural areas due to limited resources. Covering town councils, urban crime, and government announcements is far cheaper than sending reporters hundreds of kilometres to remote communities, where roads are poor, fuel is expensive, and audiences are small. Consequently, rural issues remain underreported, investigative journalism suffers, and newsrooms increasingly rely on press statements, Facebook posts, WhatsApp messages, or court documents instead of original reporting.
These financial constraints have real consequences for journalism, jobs, and community access to information. Print runs are reduced to match urban demand, unsold copies cut into revenue, and many newspapers have closed regional bureaus or retrenched reporters. Rural graduates miss job advertisements, teachers are often unaware of educational developments, municipal tenders and scholarship opportunities pass unnoticed, and traditional leaders are excluded from national debates. Heavy reliance on NAMPA and state broadcasters narrows the flow of independent information and limits pluralism, weakening democracy.
Namibia would greatly benefit from a transparent Media Support Fund to assist newspapers and community publications in covering rural constituencies. Such a fund could cover fuel, travel, and distribution costs, strengthen reporting, and ensure editorial independence. An independent oversight board, clear eligibility criteria, audited disbursements, and full transparency are essential. Lessons from South Africa’s Media Development and Diversity Agency and Nordic countries show that targeted support stabilises small publishers, preserves local reporting, and strengthens democratic participation without compromising editorial freedom.
It is in this spirit that I respectfully implore the Honorable Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, to look into the possibility of tabling a bill in Parliament establishing a transparent Media Support Fund. Print media should no longer struggle to survive in a small advertising market nor be forced to rely heavily on government advertising. A carefully structured fund would ensure newspapers can report across the country while safeguarding editorial freedom. Supporting rural reporting is not charity — it is sound public policy, essential for inclusive democracy and a well-informed citizenry, enabling graduates, teachers, and traditional leaders to access timely news and opportunities.
Disclaimer: These words are mine and not affiliated with any political party or organisation.
*Hidipo Hamata is a former member of parliament.
