She yearned to be the Anna Nicodemus of local television and was equally captivated by broadcaster Tonateni Shidhudhu’s confidence and on-camera presentations, whose delivery left a lasting impression.
These are the words of Josephina Simeon, an audio-visual journalist at the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa), where her passion for production truly came alive, working under the guidance of the Executive Producer George Hendricks and News Editor Maggy Thomas.
“Growing up, I used to listen to a lot of radio with my parents, and every evening at 20h00, we would watch NBC News. One show that was especially close to my heart was Open File. I fell in love with Anna Nicodemus’s reporting style and the way she tackled different issues,” she recalled.
One of her favourite episodes was when Nicodemus covered a story about a woman
suffering from a medical condition that caused her buttocks to hang due to an infection.
Simeon said that piece stuck with her as it was raw, real, and eye-opening, and from that moment on, every Sunday evening, Open File became her go-to show.
“I would imitate news anchors from both TV and Oshiwambo radio, not realising that those small acts were the early signs of a long-term dream, a growing spark for journalism. I wanted to become one of those people. I wanted to be Anna Nicodemus. I dreamed of appearing on NBC TV,” said the bubbly media personality.
She added: “Once I entered the field, I realised that journalism is much deeper than just reading a news script on camera. Behind every story is a team, a process, and a vision. I found my place in the control room where the magic truly happens. It’s where content comes to life, and I discovered a whole new appreciation for production.”
In 2019, she joined Nampa, tasked with handling everything TV, from outside broadcast productions and documentaries to short clips and promotional content.
Simeon worked closely with several government ministries, producing a range of audiovisual marketing materials, including promo videos and documentaries.
“My experience in television production has been profoundly shaped by my time at both NBC and Nampa. These institutions have not only nurtured my skills but have also brought me closer to the dream I had as a child,” she said.
Simeon is currently based in Berlin as part of the International Journalists German-Southern African Fellowship Programme.
The International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP) is a prestigious fellowship for young journalists from around the world, including Africa, the U.S., Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
Its core aim is to promote international understanding and foster exchange in the field of journalism.
Fellows spend approximately two months in Germany or a partner country, working with a local media outlet. The experience offers valuable cross-cultural and professional exposure, along with the opportunity to report from a new region.
“I aim to reintroduce and strengthen expertise in storytelling, with a particular focus on data journalism as a foundational element for educational content. This is especially crucial for complex topics such as climate change or any subject involving numerical data. By making data-driven stories accessible and engaging, I hope to enhance public understanding and awareness,” she confidently stated.
Simeon said that Namibian media professionals are not behind because, while first-world countries may have more advanced technology, greater resources, larger teams, and a wider global reach, that does not diminish the value or strength of their work.
“We may operate under different circumstances, often with fewer tools and tighter budgets, but we continue to demonstrate ingenuity, resilience, and excellence. We have the know-how, the cultural depth, and the storytelling power that make our journalism not only relevant but impactful. Our creativity reflects our realities, and our ability to connect with our communities is something money can’t buy,” she said.
Simeon added, “We are living proof that impactful journalism is not determined by how big your newsroom is, but by how deep your voice reaches. We are navigating challenges while staying true to the values of the profession: truth, accountability, public service, and above all, integrity.”
She said that Namibian journalists are fulfilling their role as the fourth estate while also playing the crucial role of watchdog over power.
“We are questioning, investigating, highlighting injustice, and celebrating progress. We are contributing to democracy and civic life in a meaningful way, every single day,” she ended.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na