The Namibian government has strengthened its commitment to encouraging responsible digital interaction by acknowledging and providing financial incentives to social media influencers who promote ethical online conduct.
As part of the Ethical Use of Social Media Challenge, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) honoured content creators who actively promote safe, respectful, and responsible communication in digital spaces.
The awards, presented by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus, were part of national efforts to curb misinformation, disinformation, and online abuse.
In addition to recognition, the competition also carried cash prizes, highlighting the growing institutional appreciation of content creation as meaningful work.
The overall winner, Ester Ndapewa Nghipandulwa, received N$15 000, while other top-performing influencers were also awarded monetary prizes for their contribution to ethical digital communication.
One of the award recipients, Rauha Severus, who emerged as the second runner-up, described the recognition as both humbling and empowering.
“I am beyond grateful and honoured to have won the Ethical Use of Social Media Competition as a second runner-up,” Severus said in a social media post.
She credited public support for her achievement, emphasising the role of engagement in uplifting digital creators.
“Thank you to every single person who liked, commented, shared, and supported my video. Your engagement, encouragement, and belief in me truly mean more than you know,” she said. Severus further noted that initiatives such as these enable content creators to play a meaningful role in shaping online discourse.
“I’m deeply grateful to simply have my work seen, appreciated, and valued. This is only the beginning,” she added.
The Ethical Use of Social Media Challenge was spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology in partnership with Club de Madrid and JCI Namibia. The initiative called on influencers to serve as ethical leaders in the digital space and to use their platforms responsibly.
MICT has stressed that the campaign responds to the increasing influence of social media in shaping public opinion, particularly among young people. The ministry noted that ethical online engagement is vital for safeguarding democratic values, protecting vulnerable groups, and fostering respectful digital communities.
The recognition of influencers through this initiative also reflects a broader shift in Namibia towards acknowledging digital content creation as an important and impactful sector.
Last year, MTC similarly recognised local content creators for their contribution to the digital ecosystem, signaling growing corporate and institutional support for influencers who drive positive narratives online.
As Namibia continues to expand its digital footprint, initiatives like the Ethical Use of Social Media Challenge underline the importance of responsible online conduct while affirming that ethical content creation deserves both recognition and financial value.
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