KEETMANSHOOP – The New Era Publication Corporation exists to publish issues of importance to rural Namibia, national interest and government-related matters that may concern the community.
To spread this gospel and build bridges, New Era CEO Christof Maletsky and acting managing editor Charles Tjatindi held stakeholders’ engagements with leaders in the //Kharas region this week.
The duo held talks with the //Kharas Regional Council chairperson, Keetmanshoop deputy mayor and regional governor yesterday in Keetmanshoop.
“Seen in the light of our mandate – being that of informing as many citizens at the furthest points possible in the country – it is rather imperative that we report more on news in the region and the country as a whole. Hence, our stakeholders’ engagements serve in efforts to fulfil it accordingly,” Maletsky said.
The CEO continued: “Whilst these government institutions mainly report back to citizens on their websites, they can now, by allowing NEPC to report more on their activities, ensure that an audience of 850 000 viewers has access to it on our different social media platforms”.
The manager said these entities and New Era should build a trust relationship in sharing information so that it can be obtained from authoritative, instead of third-party, sources.
In his contribution, regional chairperson Joseph Isaacks said he is a firm believer that information in the interest of citizens should be disseminated to all corners of the region.
“It is also important that all the media houses should put their heads together on how to converge coverage if, for example, three different events are taking place on the same day, in order to ensure residents are well-informed accordingly,” he stated.
Also shedding more light, Tjatindi said politics should, when having projects, explain their purpose and background to take the media along all the way through to their conclusions.
“When you need support from the business fraternity, we can also amplify it on your behalf in reporting on it,” he added.
Deputy mayor McDonald Hanse and regional governor Aletha Frederick welcomed the engagement.
Hanse assured that the town council, through its spokesperson, will work more closely with New Era to ensure credible and reliable information is made available to the public.
Frederick said her office takes cognisance of the importance of cementing such partnerships.
She added that she will, if not reappointed as regional governor, ensure that the message filters through to her successor.
Photo: Steven Klukowski