The incidents involving veterans of the liberation struggle and employees of the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) earlier this week compelled society to pause and reflect on how journalists continue to be treated. What unfolded was not merely an isolated confrontation. It was a troubling reminder of the fragile relationship between the media and sections of the society it serves.
In Oshiwambo, there is a powerful idiom: ‘Piilonga ta mu tumbula Mbangula, piikulya ta mu ti edhila lyelungu ele’. Roughly translated as: ‘Woodpecker is called upon when there is work to be done, but when it is time to eat, it is verbally abuse and chased away’.
Mbangula, the woodpecker, is an industrious bird with a long beak. It tirelessly drills holes into tree trunks, creating spaces that later become homes for other birds, squirrels, snakes and forest creatures. Yet, once its labour is complete, it is often driven away — sometimes even killed — so others may enjoy the fruits of its work.
This metaphor aptly describes the role journalists play in this society.
The media is often the first port of call when communities face injustice, neglect or suffering. Journalists are summoned to amplify voices that would otherwise go unheard — to expose wrongdoing, demand accountability and shine a light where darkness thrives. However, once the story is told, the grievance aired and the desired attention achieved, the journalist is swiftly turned into Mbangula —physical and verbally abused unwanted, criticised and discarded.
This treatment becomes even more severe when reporting does not align with how individuals or groups expect their stories to be told.
Suddenly, the media is labelled biased, unpatriotic or malicious. Journalists are insulted, threatened and, in extreme cases, physically attacked or killed. The messenger becomes the enemy.
Events like what took place on Tuesday at the Swapo Party headquarters in Windhoek, where journalists were verbally abused and threatened by members of the Former Refugees Repatriation Association of Namibia (FRRAN) are disheartening.
This is because it involved veterans of the liberation struggle — individuals who once sacrificed their safety and freedom for the very rights enshrined in Namibia’s Constitution, including press freedom. It is deeply ironic, and indeed painful, that those who fought oppression now appear intolerant of scrutiny and questioning.
What was wrong with simply declining to comment?
Journalists have long accepted that not everyone wishes to engage with the media. Saying “no comment” is a legitimate and respected response. Verbal abuse, intimidation and harassment are not.
The incident, widely circulated on social media, showed reporters being shouted at and humiliated for doing their job. Such scenes are unbecoming of a democratic society that prides itself on respect for human rights and freedom of expression.
As the chairperson of the Editors’ Forum of Namibia, Toivo Ndjebela rightly noted that actions of this nature do not only endanger media workers, but they weaken the role of the media in a democratic society. When journalists are intimidated, it is not the media that suffers alone — it is the public’s right to information that is undermined.
Namibia has long enjoyed recognition as one of Africa’s leading countries in terms of press freedom.
This standing was hard-earned through decades of struggle and sacrifice.
However, such gains should never be taken for granted. Press freedom is not protected by rankings or accolades. It is sustained through everyday respect for journalists and their work.
Journalists are not enemies of the people. They are not opposition activists, nor are they obstacles to progress.
They are facilitators of dialogue, accountability and transparency. Like Mbangula, they do the hard, often thankless work that benefits the society as a whole.
If Namibia is to remain a democracy worthy of its name, society must stop treating journalists as disposable tools — useful only when convenient. Respect for the media must extend beyond moments of personal gain and favourable coverage.
Mbangula deserves better. So do journalists.
