Editorial

Today , August 21, 2026, marks 26 years since the establishment of the Caprivi Vision newspaper. The newspaper was registered as a print media outlet in Namibia on August 21, 2000, by the then Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, in terms of Section 4 of the Newspaper and Imprint Registration Act, 1971 (Act No. 63 of 1971).

April 30, 2002, marked another significant milestone: the birth and official launch of Caprivi Vision as the first independent community newspaper. Its inaugural edition was widely distributed through shops and on the streets of Katima Mulilo and Windhoek.

This year, we proudly celebrate 26 years since our establishment and 24 years of active publication, guided by our enduring commitment to keeping watch over the nation and our motto: “Our Eyes Still Open, Watching the Nation.”

Despite numerous challenges over the years, corporate advertising has enabled companies and organisations to market their products and services while also providing the revenue necessary for us to continue printing and distributing the newspaper.

Since its inception, Caprivi Vision has remained highly vocal in publishing articles of public interest and addressing issues relating to nation-building. We have consistently pursued investigative journalism on pertinent matters affecting local communities, national development and the strengthening of our democracy. Our work has been made possible by the freedom of the press and media enshrined in Chapter 3 of the Constitution of Namibia.

We strongly believe that our perseverance has made a tangible difference. We are particularly proud that rural communities have had direct access to information presented in languages they understand, enabling them to make informed decisions about issues affecting their lives. We have also provided communities with opportunities to write, express their concerns and participate in public discourse in the true spirit of democracy.

Since day one, the newspaper has strived to provide a platform for the voiceless. Through Caprivi Vision, we have worked consistently to cultivate a strong reading culture among people of all ages. We have also provided a vital platform for local businesses to promote and showcase their products and services to potential customers.

Through this platform, we have been able to demand answers on behalf of communities regarding issues affecting them, seeking responses directly from those entrusted with governing and administering the great Zambezi Region and the country as a whole.

Today, in the new age of information and communication technology, online media has placed information in the hands of almost everyone through smartphones and social media. This technological transformation has further strengthened the culture of reading, information sharing and public participation.

Our media house has also contributed to skills development by hosting internship and work-integrated learning programmes in partnership with institutions of higher learning in Namibia. Students have received practical training in areas such as graphic design, marketing and news production. We are proud that some of these former interns have gone on to secure permanent employment in the public service and corporate entities.

We are equally proud of our contribution to the broader community-media landscape. Through networking with other community media houses in Namibia, sharing ideas and working alongside government and development partners, we welcome the Government of the Republic of Namibia’s Community Media Policy 2026–2030.

We believe this policy can serve as an important driving force in recognising and strengthening the voices of grassroots communities. It can help ensure greater access to information through the establishment and development of new community media outlets that can operate independently and sustainably, while further strengthening the principles of the Windhoek Declaration on Press Freedom.

We are also thankful for being recognised by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) for achieving Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) certification, placing Caprivi Vision among African media outlets strengthening transparency, editorial standards and public trust despite challenging media conditions. We are particularly proud to be recognised as the first independent community media outlet in Namibia to achieve JTI certification.

As Caprivi Vision enters another year of service, we remain committed to responsible journalism, community empowerment, freedom of expression and the pursuit of truth. Our journey has never been without challenges, but the continued support of our readers, advertisers, communities, partners and stakeholders has kept the vision alive.

We therefore celebrate not merely the passage of time, but 26 years of service, resilience, community journalism and commitment to the people of Namibia.

Long live Caprivi Vision Newspaper!

“OUR EYES STILL OPEN, WATCHING THE NATION.”

The Management & Editorial Team
Caprivi Vision Newspaper
“Watching the Nation”

Ends…