Sawi Hausiku
MURURANI – Information minister Emma Theofelus has bemoaned the reality that the Kavango West region, which was established in 2013, does not have a single community or commercial radio station, which she says limits the residents’ access to locally-produced content.
The minister made the remarks on Saturday during the joint commemoration of International Safer Internet Day and World Radio Day at Mururani Combined School sports field in the Mankumpi constituency.
She noted that Namibia’s radio sector comprises 19 commercial radio stations, seven community stations and nine public service stations under the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, broadcasting in multiple languages across the country.
“While the sector remains resilient and influential, Kavango West does not have a single community or commercial radio station, limiting access to locally produced content,” Theofelus said.
She urged stakeholders to prioritise the expansion of community broadcasting services to ensure inclusive access to information. According to the minister, the absence of a regional station presents both a challenge in amplifying community voices and an opportunity for collaboration to ensure no voice is left behind.
Theofelus also addressed the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI), while cautioning against its risks, particularly the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
“AI can be used to produce convincing but false content that travels quickly across digital platforms and even radio channels if not carefully monitored. This is why ethical use of AI must be paired with strong human oversight in broadcast centres to ensure that every piece of information that reaches our audiences has been carefully verified and grounded in truth before it is shared,” she said.
Speaking on International Safer Internet Day, Theofelus said the occasion provides an opportunity to promote online safety awareness, digital citizenship and responsible internet use, particularly among young people, in line with global efforts to create a safer digital environment.
She added that Namibia is taking firm steps to combat child online exploitation, highlighting the unveiling of a billboard at the Mururani Veterinary Gate addressing Online Child Sexual Exploitation Activity, as well as the launch of the National Child Online Protection initiative.
-Nampa