At a time when the lines between professionalism and press freedom, journalism and activism, media and State protocol, and etiquette and anarchy are increasingly becoming blurred and contentious, experts have called for a structured and respectful working relationship.
This is particularly between journalists and security authorities, especially when covering the President and other high-level national events.
This is so because, armed with a pen, notebook, camera or cellular phone and accreditation from the information ministry, almost anyone can call themselves or masquerade as a journalist, even in the absence of basic journalistic training.
On the end are those hellbent to protect their assigned official against perceived threats, even if it means disregarding press freedom, which is enshrined in the supreme law of the land.
There are also concerns about security overreach, raising calls that security teams should establish safe, designated and advantageous areas for media to work from, rather than restricting access entirely.
To unpack this dilemma, New Era solicited views from several experts, both on security matters and the media industry.
They walked a tightrope, striking a delicate balance.
VVIPs vs Journalists
The call comes as discussions intensify around how journalists should conduct themselves at sensitive venues such as the State House, where strict security protocols are enforced to protect the President and other Very Important Persons (VVIPs).
Retired Namibia Police Force (NamPol) Major General James Tjivikua, a criminal intelligence analyst, said journalists covering Presidential events must balance scrutiny with respect for security protocols.
“Journalists covering the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and State House events are expected to adhere to high professional and ethical standards, balancing the need for scrutiny with respect for, and adherence to, security protocols,” he said.
He stressed that professional conduct is not optional in such environments.
“Professional conduct is essential, as any behaviour deemed disruptive or unsafe may be addressed by security and, in some cases, lead to denied access. Journalists must therefore maintain a calm, professional and non-confrontational attitude, even under pressure or when asking tough questions,” he explained.
Tjivikua said journalists must be brave, but responsible. “When asking questions, they must be brave and diligent in holding power accountable but focus on substance rather than being argumentative for its own sake,” he said.
Ethical conduct
Veteran journalist Festus Nakatana said ethical conduct must guide journalists at all times, especially at sensitive locations.
“Journalists are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, especially when operating in sensitive environments such as State House, where security protocols and Presidential boundaries are strictly enforced,” Nakatana said.
He said journalists’ conduct must show respect for procedures and authority. “Their conduct should reflect respect for established procedures, cooperation with security personnel, and a commitment to orderly engagement. This includes adhering to access controls, following designated movement areas, and avoiding behaviour that may disrupt official proceedings,” the communication practitioner said. Nakatana said the pursuit of information must not compromise safety or dignity.
“At all times, journalists should ensure that their pursuit of information does not compromise safety, decorum, or the dignity of the office they are covering,” he cautioned. On ethical and legal standards, he pointed to the national code of ethics.
“The Code of Ethics for Namibian Media provides the foundational principles for responsible journalism, including accuracy, fairness, integrity and accountability,” said Nakatana.
He said journalists must balance rights with responsibility. “While journalists are entitled to pursue information in the public interest, they are equally obliged to act responsibly, avoid interference with security operations, and demonstrate respect for the law and institutional authority,” he said.
Nakatana said cooperation between security and the media is essential for democracy. “A constructive and collaborative relationship between journalists and security authorities is vital. Media practitioners play an essential watchdog role, promoting transparency and ensuring that democratic processes are open to public scrutiny,” he said.
Access
On matters of access, movement, filming and photography, he said journalists are expected to respect established security boundaries.
“They should also respect established security boundaries and avoid intentionally placing themselves or their equipment in positions that create immediate danger or obstruct security operations, and where appropriate, follow dispersal orders,” the criminal intelligence analyst said.
“However, those security measures should be reasonable and tailored to the actual risk, avoiding the ‘catch-all’ security laws that restrict freedom of expression,” he said. Tjivikua said striking a fair balance requires cooperation and structured engagement.
“Balancing the protection of Very Important Persons (VIPs) with upholding media freedom or the public’s rights to information requires a collaborative approach based on mutual respect, clear communication and defined protocols,” he said.
He added that security authorities must not use intimidation against journalists. “Security agencies and media outlets should establish working groups comprising senior editors and security officials to meet regularly. These groups can develop mutual trust and discuss potential issues before they arise,” Tjivikua said.
Cooperation
What is more, Inspector General of Police Joseph Shikongo also emphasised respect and cooperation between the two groups. “We need to work together in a manner of respect and also act responsibly in all situations,” Shikongo said.
He stressed that the Namibian Police Force are proponents of press freedom. “I think the Namibian Police Force is associating itself with that statement made by the president, that the media is actually a very important component of our society,” he said. Shikongo said conflict can be avoided if both sides show courtesy.
“The underpinning point here is that we need to work together in a manner of respect and also act responsibly in all situations,” the police supremo said.
On the issue of self-styled journalists, vloggers, podcasters and content creators attending national events, he said exclusion is not the solution. “We don’t want exclusion, because exclusion, as we said, spells conflict, but inclusion spells harmony. So we want everybody to be included,” Shikongo continued.
However, he stressed the importance of credentials and proper conduct.
“If they are coming to an event where the media are invited, it’s just that, okay, first of all, they need to show, indeed, their credentials, number one. Number two, it’s actually to behave in a respectful manner,” he continued.
He added that isolated incidents should not define the broader relationship between security and the media.
“Those we call them isolated the incident. Whether it’s the commander who does not talk to the media or somebody who insults the media in a position of authority, it’s not a government policy; they are doing it individually,” Shikongo said.
Discipline
Veteran media expert Ben Mulongeni also urged journalists to conduct themselves with discipline and dignity at high-level events.
“You must dress almost like you are going to a wedding because that is an official, if not even ceremonial, event. It’s not like going to cover a soccer match or a music concert,” he said. He cautioned against aggressive journalism.
“We say in the West, my colleague in the West, they term them as a watchdog. But I have discovered that some media become attacking dogs.
And then others also go as far as biting dogs. Are we really a biting dog, as the media claims? It’s not our business to fight with politicians.”
He added, “We are in the business to reflect accurately and professionally what is being said and what is happening. Not what we think is not happening, but what is actually happening.”