Adolf Kaure
Presidential advisor and head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, Kornelia Shilunga, has underscored the media’s role in shaping public understanding, perception and trust.
She made these remarks at the Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund) media training on oil and gas reporting last Friday.
“You are the bridge between technical experts and the broader public,” she said.
The upstream petroleum sector is a highly technical and complex industry. It is an area filled with complicated jargon and specialised terminology that are not always understood by the public, she said.
Shilunga also expressed her concern about how issues relating to oil and gas are reported.
“There are instances where reporting is rushed, where the urgency to break a story outweighs the need for accuracy, context and depth. Such reporting, when not fully substantiated or contextualised, risks creating unnecessary mistrust and confusion among the public,” Shilunga added.
She further acknowledged that the government also needs scrutiny to hold them accountable.
“Scrutiny must be matched with critical thinking, objectivity and a commitment to accuracy. This is precisely why I am so appreciative of platforms like this training session. They provide an opportunity to deepen understanding, to ask the right questions, and to engage constructively with industry experts and policymakers. After all, this industry is new to all of us,” she noted.
Also speaking at the occasion, Petrofund CEO Nillian Mulemi highlighted the importance of factual, balanced and objective reporting.
“In a sector characterised by complex environmental, financial and geopolitical dimensions, responsible journalism is essential. Media reporting in the oil and gas industry influences public sentiment, policy discussions and investor confidence. Inaccurate or sensational reporting can create misinformation, distort expectations and undermine trust,” said Mulemi.
Additionally, the trainers included oil experts like Eduardo Rodrigues, Chairperson of Namibia Petroleum Operators Association (Nampoa); Eduardo Rodriguez, Senior Advisor for Africa and Corporate Affairs at Chevron and Isabel Ordonez, as well as Chevron’s Namibia Country Manager Beatrice Bienvenu.
Chelva Wells, a reporter from Nampa, said the reporting training was useful, as it provided her with tools she needs as a business reporter.
“It was an eye-opener to see the sheer scale of these projects, like how one well involves years of planning and massive risk before they even know if it’ll pay off,” said Wells.
Another reporter, Adolf Kambwa of Notebook Media, found the training to be insightful and informative.
“I learnt about the different phases of oil and gas development, the importance of stakeholder collaboration, and how the industry can contribute to socio-economic growth while maintaining environmental responsibility,” said Kambwa.