By Staff Reporter
The National Planning Commission (NPC) has called for strengthened support for community media as a vital driver of inclusivity, empowerment, and national development.
This message was delivered during the opening of the Community Media Policy Framework Alignment Workshop held at the UN House in Windhoek on Monday.
Speaking on behalf of NPC Executive Director Mr. Iben Nashandi, was Mr. Ned Sibeya, Deputy Chief Advisor for National Development who emphasized that the workshop represents a key milestone in aligning Namibia’s Community Media Policy Framework (CMPF) with national development priorities.
“This is more than just a meeting,” Sibeya said. “It is a collaborative effort to prepare a framework that amplifies the voices of the marginalized, fosters dialogue, and ensures community media contributes meaningfully to national progress.”
The event was held in partnership with UNESCO, represented by Ms. Eunice Smith, and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT). It brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, the diplomatic corps, and the media sector.
The draft CMPF seeks to strengthen the role of community media in both urban and rural areas through improved governance, institutional support, and alignment with development goals such as Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan 6 (NDP6). These national strategies emphasize social equity, education, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Mr. Sibeya urged participants to actively contribute to the policy dialogue, stating: “Let us embrace the spirit of partnership and innovation. Community media must thrive as a tool for empowerment and a bridge to a sustainable future.”
The outcomes of the workshop are expected to feed into the final policy proposal for Cabinet endorsement, setting the stage for a more inclusive and resilient media landscape in Namibia.
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