New Era journalist Loide Jason (LJ) yesterday sat with Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Modestus Tshitumbe Amutse (MA) to learn more about his political journey, the transition from journalism to politics and his views on current national issues.
LJ: Congratulations on your recent appointment as deputy minister and for being one of the top male candidates in the recently concluded Swapo electoral college. Could you start by telling us a bit about who Modestus Amutse is beyond the public eye?
MA: Thank you very much. My name is Modestus Tshitumbe Amutse, but my family and friends often refer to me as Tshitumbe, which I like. Publicly, though, I’m known as Modestus. I don’t really know the meaning behind the name ‘Modestus’—it’s a biblical name my father likely chose because he had a friend named Modestus, a successful businessman. If I had the chance to name myself, I would probably choose something more African. However, I’m content with the name because it reflects a respected figure in society, and as I grew up, I wanted to live up to the success of my namesake. When I was born, my mother told me I had an umbilical cord wrapped around my neck, which is traditionally seen as a sign of a good life ahead. Growing up, people often asked me about my white beard, which I found interesting because the white hair appeared before the black hair. As a boy, I had three or four white hairs on my chin, and my friends would tease me, saying it made me look old. Even though I didn’t like it at the time, I realised that the more I trimmed them, the more they grew.
An interesting thing happened when I was growing body hair—it started with a stripe of white hair running down my back, which made me self-conscious. My friends would joke about it, but my parents said it was a sign of leadership and a good life. Whether that’s true or not, it became part of my identity.
I was born in Oshikuku to Omungandjela mother from Etunda, and Omukwambi father. I started my education in Oshikuku, back when we had standards instead of grades. After my father passed away when I was about seven or eight, I moved to live with my mother’s family in Ongandjela, and later, I attended school in Usakos. From there, I moved to Windhoek, where I attended Namutoni Primary School and Katutura Senior Secondary School.
My first qualification was a diploma in administration, which I earned while still in secondary school through correspondence. I later pursued personnel and management training. While growing up, I developed a deep interest in communication. I used to assemble objects and call them radios. Eventually, I started writing plays and books. Although I never formally learned how to write scripts, I educated myself through reading magazines and reaching out to publishing houses for guidance.
I started writing dramas for radio and, as a teenager, won prizes for my work. Later, I wrote books for schools, some of which are still in use, such as ‘Iikangwa’ and ‘Iitapati’, both prescribed for grades seven to nine. One of my more well-known books narrates the relationship between the living and the dead, exploring ancestral powers. At the age of 17, I wrote a book called ‘Eedume Domomufitu’, which roughly translates to ‘Men of the Jungle.’ The book was meant to counter a narrative that supported South African territorial forces during Namibia’s liberation struggle.
Although I knew it would stir controversy, I submitted it to the language committee, but they were reluctant to review it, fearing the content was too politically sensitive.
Eventually, I sought help from the ELCIN Church at Oniipa to have it published. It was finally printed in 1989, just before Namibia transitioned to independence under Resolution 435. I faced some backlashes because of the book. While working at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as a presenter, I was interrogated after someone found the manuscript in my drawer. I defended the book and the Swapo Party because of the unjust portrayal of our freedom fighters.
After independence, I became Namibia’s first television reporter not based in Windhoek, covering the four northern regions and parts of the Kavango, Zambezi, and Otjozondjupa regions. This is where my journalism career truly began, and it equipped me with the skills to handle cameras, edit, and compile scripts. I was trusted to cover events with the founding president, which helped foster my passion for politics.
This trust, both from the government and the Swapo party, allowed me to grow in my political career. Spending so much time around politicians inspired me to want to do what they do and to be like them.
LJ: Could you briefly tell us about your transition from journalism to politics?
MA: Yes, but before that, I want to encourage other journalists to do as I did. Number one, I was driven by the interest, and patriotic philosophy that I should, number one, have love for my country and my people. I should serve the interest of my people in my reporting. And that is what I have been doing. And I still believe it is the best thing to do for those who are now in the field of journalism.
Namibia first, above all other things, I never allowed myself to be influenced by foreign interventions or policies of reporting, because I knew who I was and I knew what I had to say. That is in the best interest of my people, which is Namibia, as much as other people, may also benefit from my reporting and the content of my reporting. So during that time, I received awards such as Best Journalist of the Year, for instance at NBC and awards of excellence and bravery. That was when I decided to go to Situngo Island, Zoti and the famous Kasikili Island.
So, I was the first journalist to probably enter those areas and the circumstances were not friendly, could risk lives but I was ready to work for my country in whatever condition it was. I covered stories involving war. But I was never scared. I was ever ready to the extent that I would do it, whether it was nighttime or even if it meant I would be caught.
When soldiers move, I join them, including training our forces in the DRC. I have been working with them and was ready to serve my country. So, that was me as a journalist before I decided to further my studies.
Furthering my studies, I wanted to become a chartered administrator because I thought I must do business and accounting to assist people with their financial statements. I realised that many business people needed help when it came to compiling their financial statements. I chose a field that would equip me with that knowledge and certification. After I completed the study, I became an FCIS, that is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Corporate Governance. This is a fellowship that I’m still holding and licensed thereafter to practice as an accountant and chartered company secretary or administrator.
When I quit that work, the community of Omusati in general and Oshikuku in particular threw me into active politics. If you go on social media, maybe Google or something, you may spot me with cameras, but you may still see that this person is saving, which is not a good thing to do and I’m not encouraging you to do it. If you’re a journalist, don’t act on behalf of political parties, you must be neutral so that you can create credible content for all users irrespective of their political affiliation.
Maybe that was anger from my past that I continued to just be with Swapo and I was lucky also during that era not to have associated my life with any forces of the colonial regime. There were a lot of them. I wanted to focus on politics, politics, politics and journalism. I joined the rank of district mobiliser and first district treasurer. I was first branch information officer, district treasurer, and then district mobiliser. I then grew through those structures to become a regional councillor for Oshikuku constituency.
During that time, I was lucky to serve on the management committee for five years and then became the chairperson of the Omusati Regional Council after my reelection. After that, I became a member of Parliament.
LJ: You were a regional councillor for 10 years? What did you achieve?
MA: I visited households with orphaned children and those where foster children were responsible for managing their own lives. In some cases, these children were caring for themselves because their parents were either too old or had other challenges that prevented them from providing support. I realised there was a clear need for government intervention.
I remember submitting a proposal to the government to establish a programme to assist vulnerable children through a grant. One senior official called me, questioning the feasibility of such an initiative. He asked, “Where will the government find money to assist vulnerable children with a grant when we’re already supporting the elderly and people living with disabilities?” We had a long discussion, and I suggested that we at least give it a try.
Sometime later, the same official called me back to say, “Congratulations, honourable. I have a letter to present to the Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare to begin registering vulnerable children for grants.” While Swapo operates collectively and no one person owns any single initiative, I believe that contribution played a role in today’s children’s grant system. I received a call informing me that my idea would be tested, and later, I learned that the Cabinet had approved it. Now, thousands of Namibian children receive grants, not just because of me, but because of the party’s policies and government strategies. I take pride in having made my contribution toward that achievement.
Another significant accomplishment relates to the Regional Councils Act, No. 22 of 1992, specifically Section 28, Paragraph G, which empowers regional councils to plan and budget for regional needs. When I was chairperson of the regional council, we decided that each year’s budget should allocate resources to address the needs of our 12 constituencies. Given our limited resources, we divided the year so that six months focused on one set of constituencies, and the other six months on the rest. This approach helped with the distribution of water and the electrification of growth points. Today, many growth points in Omusati are electrified, and numerous villages have access to clean water, thanks to this programme. I understood that this law allowed us to take action rather than relying solely on central government.
That achievement is one many councillors today praise me for. I also served as the chairperson of the Nored board of directors, elected by regional councillors from various regions. Additionally, I was chairperson of the National Development Fund, based in the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, and I served as an executive member of the Association of Regional Councils. Furthermore, I was identified to be a member of NIPAM’s executive board, likely the only and last councillor to hold that position due to changes in the law.
I’m also a founding member of the African Parliamentary Internet Governance Forum, which represents Africa’s interests in internet governance policy, cross-border regulations, and cybersecurity. I was recently re-elected to represent Southern Africa on the executive committee of that body.
Before becoming deputy minister, I was chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on ICT and Innovation. These are just a few of the many milestones in my life. Of course, there are others, such as board memberships, but I’ll leave those stories for another time.
LJ: What do you enjoy doing outside of your political and professional life?
MA: I enjoy farming in communal areas. I don’t own a farm, but I have communal land rights where I farm livestock and crops. I enjoy it a lot, and I believe this will be my life after retirement from politics. I’ll likely return to my homestead and enjoy a peaceful rural life.
I also enjoy unity. I love seeing people happy, united and focused on helping one another. This is why, when I realised that many children in Namibia couldn’t afford data to access the internet, I proposed the idea of promoting free Wi-Fi in the country. Fortunately, Parliament approved it. The motivation behind this idea was to help children from vulnerable families access the internet for online studies and learning materials.
I understand the cost of owning a mobile phone, but technology continues to evolve. Today, we have affordable devices that can connect to the internet if access is available. I still stand by the belief that every Namibian child, whether from a vulnerable family or not, should have access to the internet. That’s who I am—I don’t like class distinctions in relationships.
I consider myself a simple person, approachable to anyone, regardless of their background or status. Most of my friends aren’t chosen based on class or status. I choose friends for who they are, whether they are unemployed or living in a village. To me, everyone is equal.
I don’t enjoy a life where some people are seen as better than others. That’s why I hope that, in the future, we can create systems to ensure that all Namibians, or at least most, can live a reasonable and decent life.
LJ: How do you see Namibia’s commitment to media freedom? Which steps is the government taking to address the decline in World Press Freedom Index?
When we were fighting as a party for the liberation of Namibia, we were also fighting for the rights of every Namibian, including the right to freedom of expression. This right is guaranteed by the Namibian Constitution, and as a government, we have always upheld it. We will continue to do so. To further strengthen this principle, we introduced the Access to Information Act.
The Access to Information Act was created to enhance democratic principles like freedom of expression and the protection of rights. Its purpose is to open up more opportunities for access to information, ensuring that journalists and the public can obtain information whenever needed. This law compels government officials to release information to journalists and the general public, which is a step forward.
I believe the recent drop in Namibia’s global media freedom ranking might be due to some individuals feeling excluded from accessing certain information. However, I don’t agree with the judgment behind Namibia’s ranking slipping from first to second place [in Africa]. If there were a platform to appeal, I would argue against that decision. That said, I believe the full implementation of the Access to Information Act will address the concerns that led to this ranking drop.
We’ve also been cautious about overregulation. Constantly creating new policies to address every issue isn’t always beneficial. That’s why we’ve developed a national digital strategy, which includes awareness campaigns to educate our people on how to release and use information. I believe we are on the right track as a country, but journalists must also do their part.
It’s not helpful when one side is doing its best, but the other is holding it back. Journalists are a crucial part of Namibian society, and I believe that together—government and individuals—we can work towards reclaiming Namibia’s position as the top country for freedom of expression.
LJ: Do you think media literacy can ensure that Namibia reclaims its position in this ranking?
MA: That’s a great question. Media literacy is extremely important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it equips people to differentiate between disinformation and misinformation and helps them avoid acting as journalists when they are not. This is crucial because the misuse of platforms or rights can create an environment that hinders progress rather than supporting it. We can only achieve our goals if we are responsible for what we do.
Today, many people, empowered by freedom, will take out their phones and film any sensational event or incident. This can cause harm. For example, imagine a family member receiving images of a relative who has passed away before they were even notified, simply because someone irresponsibly shared those images without consent. Media literacy teaches that certain actions, like sharing sensitive content, require consent and respect for privacy and human dignity.
You cannot invade someone’s privacy or undermine their integrity. It’s inhumane to film someone struggling to escape a car wreck and then distribute that footage, as it can cause significant psychological harm. We must avoid this, and it’s not only the government’s responsibility but also the role of all stakeholders to educate people on doing the right thing.
LJ: From your perspective, what are the main challenges that journalists or the media face today compared to when you were a journalist?
MA: Well, our democracy has grown, and that’s a good thing. In the past, people were more cautious and fearful due to the negative colonial administration, where freedoms were restricted. Now, people have fully embraced their rights and feel free to express themselves. However, the challenge arises when these rights are sometimes misused.
In journalism today, unfortunately, some use this freedom to represent interests that don’t always align with Namibia’s. Instead of reporting objectively, some journalists take on the role of the opposition, which is not ideal. I believe journalists should remain journalists, not politicians. Let politicians and opposition parties do their work, and journalists focus on their role of providing balanced, objective reporting.
This lack of objectivity can sometimes lead to negative perceptions of our country, both locally and internationally. Information is powerful—it can build or destroy, depending on how it’s managed. Some intentionally use it to drive negative perceptions, which isn’t good journalism. A balanced, unbiased approach is what journalism should strive for. I must acknowledge that many Namibian journalists are doing their best despite these challenges. There are issues, of course, like financial constraints, especially for private media houses due to our small population and limited market. But overall, they are exercising the democratic freedoms that our constitution guarantees.
LJ: How has the shift from journalist to policymaker impacted your views on governance and communication?
MA : Go v e r n a n c e a n d communication are closely linked. Communication is the process of sharing information with others, and effective governance relies on this process. Administration cannot function properly without clear communication, which is essential for collaboration.
In governance, transparency is key. To be transparent, you must communicate what you are doing, what you plan to do, how you intend to do it, and who should be involved. This is why we consult widely and engage with stakeholders before finalising policies.
Effective communication helps people understand and benefit from various programmes. It also plays a crucial role in accountability. To be accountable, you need to communicate your work and seek public consent on important matters. Communication ensures that the public is informed and involved in governance processes.
LJ: Some people view politics as a retirement package. Do you see your role as a politician differently? What meaningful contributions do you aim to make during your tenure?
MA: It’s an interesting perspective. While some may view politics as a retirement option, I see it differently. Often, retired professionals bring valuable experience and knowledge into politics. However, in Swapo, we value contributions from people of all ages, especially the youth. Swapo was founded by young people, and many of our leaders started their political careers in their youth. For instance, comrade Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah was just 15 years old when she joined politics, and Sam Nujoma was 25 years old when he became the president of Swapo.
Our party believes in nurturing young leaders because they are the future. In the African context, there is a saying that if you don’t involve the youth, you don’t have a future. That’s why our recent electoral college included many young people. We respect the experience of older members but are committed to fostering youth leadership.
As a politician, I aim to contribute by working closely with my colleagues to implement the Swapo party’s election manifesto. This manifesto outlines programmes to improve the livelihoods of all Namibians. My focus will be on engaging with the public, understanding their needs, and using this insight to influence policy development. I am committed to addressing issues like economic growth, unemployment, health, education, and technology. I want to see Namibia not only adopting technology but also developing it, which will create jobs and balance our position globally.
LJ: Recently, you were quoted as referring to opposition leaders as “psychiatric patients”. An opposition party responded with anger. What is your take on this issue?
MA: I find it hard to believe that I would be misquoted in such a manner. I am not a mouthpiece for Swapo; the party has various structures and processes in place. I was not surprised by the misinterpretation because we often face such issues in the media, especially during election periods.
I have never referred to anyone as having psychiatric issues. Respect for the constitution and democratic principles is fundamental to my role. I value the freedom and existence of all political parties as guaranteed by our constitution. The reported statements were a misinterpretation, and I disassociate myself from such claims. If anything I said was misunderstood, I apologise for any offence caused, but I firmly maintain that I did not make such remarks.
LJ: The regulations for the Information Commissioner’s office were recently approved. What measures are being taken to ensure transparency and impartiality in the appointment of officials?
MA: The implementation of the Access to Information Act is progressing well. The regulations were approved by Parliament, and we are committed to transparency and accountability in the process. We presented the regulations to Parliament to allow public participation and ensure they were well-received.
The selection committee, led by the secretary to Parliament and supported by other key figures, will oversee the appointment process. We have already started engaging with stakeholders to form this committee. Our goal is to have the office up and running by early next year, following the necessary procedures and gazetting.
The process is designed to be transparent, and potential candidates will likely be publicly interviewed to ensure credibility. The law requires that regulations be tabled in Parliament, which enhances transparency and public confidence in the appointments.
LJ: There are concerns that the requirements for certain positions may be tailored to favour specific individuals. How does your ministry ensure that appointments, such as that of the information commissioner, remain credible and free from political bias?
MA: The law sets specific requirements for appointing an information commissioner or deputy information commissioner. We adhere strictly to these legal standards to avoid any irregularities or favouritism. The process is designed to be transparent and public to ensure confidence in the appointments.
By following the law and engaging in a transparent process, we aim to appoint the most qualified individuals. We believe that involving the public and adhering to established regulations will help maintain the integrity of the appointment process.
LJ: The election is approaching, and there have been calls for the government to subsidise private media, especially during elections. What are your thoughts on this proposal?
MA: I have mixed feelings about subsidising private media specifically for election coverage. Such funding could be perceived as an attempt to buy favour. Ideally, support for private media should be consistent, not limited to election periods. Private media, including community radio stations, play a crucial role in informing the public and should be supported for their overall sustainability.
Our ministry is working on a policy to support private media houses more broadly, beyond election periods. This policy aims to help media houses with management systems, expansion, and training. The goal is to create a regulated, professional support system that benefits media houses and ensures their long-term viability.
LJ: What is your reaction to the youth taking over from the older generation in Parliament next year?
MA: I welcome the influx of youth into Parliament. As I said before, historically, Swapo was established and led by young people who played a crucial role in our country’s liberation. I have great confidence in the capabilities of the youth. They are energetic, and skilled, and represent a significant portion of the population.
Youth representation in Parliament is important because it mirrors the demographics of our country and addresses issues like unemployment. The combination of youthful energy and the experience of older members will provide a balanced and effective approach to governance.
LJ: How do you see the new generation of parliamentarians addressing the challenges faced over the past 34 years?
MA: The new generation of parliamentarians will tackle challenges through collective efforts, focusing on the government’s priorities such as economic growth, unemployment reduction, and improving national infrastructure. Youth wi l l drive digi tal transformation and address issues related to AI and technology.
Their fresh perspectives and knowledge will be instrumental in implementing these goals effectively. The combination of youth and experience will enhance their ability to address long-standing challenges and advance Namibia’s development.
LJ: How do you anticipate the professionalism and competency of next year’s Parliament compared to the current one?
MA: I’m optimistic that next year’s Parliament will continue to build on the progress made by previous legislators. Just as we’ve seen growth in infrastructure and economic indicators, I expect the new Parliament to address issues that previous ones couldn’t, continuing the work from where the last one left off. While challenges like droughts and the Covid-19 pandemic have posed obstacles, I believe the new Parliament will face a more favourable environment for achieving progress.
LJ: What is your stance on the controversial red line?
MA: The red line is a legacy issue from the colonial era, and it limits our ability to control the beef market effectively. The restrictions are due to international regulations that prevent us from exporting beef if certain conditions are not met. We’re working on solutions, such as investing in new abattoirs and beef processing facilities, to support communal farmers and expand market access. This process is ongoing, and we’re committed to improving our beef industry despite the challenges.
LJ: Young people are often accused of being apathetic towards elections. What is your message to young voters and the electorate in general?
MA: Voting is a crucial opportunity to have your voice heard and ensure that your representatives are accountable to you. Abstaining from voting can lead to less effective representation and potentially hinder progress. I encourage all Namibians, including both youth and elders, to participate actively in elections. Your vote is essential for maintaining a well-functioning democracy and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the country.