WINDHOEK – Biased media in Namibia is one of the key stumbling blocks hampering the success of the ‘Nationhood and National Pride’ (NHNP) campaign, according to a booklet published by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT).
The report, which lays out the NHNP Strategic Plan 2012-2017, stressed that media are often not sensitive or sympathetic to aspirations of the people and often sensationalise news, which results in “unsupported negative publicity, which influences cultures and mindset(s)”.
Another key concern raised in the report is language barrier, especially the English language, which according to the report inhibits many citizens to participate (in programmes) because it is not the mother tongue of the majority.
The report further states that a lack of recreational and sports facilities and a lack of arts and culture in mainstream education lead to alcohol abuse, recreational sex and health issues as well lack of appreciation of self and others, respectively.
The MICT report also classified poverty, misuse of state property, unemployment, corruption, foreign culture influence and defacing or destroying national symbols as some of the other issues that impede the success of the campaign.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba launched the NHNP campaign in 2011 with the theme, ‘My Namibia, My Country, My Pride’ to enhance the sense of nationhood and national pride among Namibian citizens.
The intitiative is the result of a Cabinet directive in 2006 and 2007 to tackle issues related to vandalism, crime, violence and poor sanitation.
The MICT in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and other strategic partners and stakeholders have compiled a concept paper to help facilitate behavioural change, improve interpersonal communications, values and relationships.
Last month, MICT held a five-day training workshop on the NHNP campaign in Swakopmund to train and educate stakeholders on the contents of the strategic plan and to establish NHNP regional and constituency structures.
By Magreth Nunuhe