![\"AI](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775686753_375_nambian-ai-article-placeholder.png\")
<\/p>\nMinister 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.<\/p>\n
She warns that delayed communication fuels misinformation in an era where news spreads rapidly.<\/p>\n
Steenkamp made the remarks during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day in Windhoek on Friday.<\/p>\n
Namibia is currently ranked 23rd globally and second in Africa for press freedom. This year\u2019s commemoration was held under the theme \u2018Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
She said the Windhoek Declaration remains a landmark symbol of the importance of journalism, freedom of expression and democratic accountability.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Editor\u2019s Forum of Namibia chairperson Toivo Ndjebela says the bar was set high on press freedom during the tenure of former president Hage Geingob.<\/p>\n
Ndjebela urges institutions to cooperate with journalists, saying withholding information keeps the public in the dark and contributes to misinformation.<\/p>\n
He commends the government\u2019s commitment towards press freedom.<\/p>\n
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian\u2019s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday
\n\t\t\t\tto Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours \u2013 occasionally with
\n\t\t\t\ta light, witty touch.
\n\t\t\t\tIt\u2019s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\twhile
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tmaintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.<\/p>\n