Maxmus N Halwoodi
As the country reflects on the recent passing of our beloved Hageba, better known as Mr Omake, I personally want to extend my sincere profound gratitude to all the unsung heroes and heroines in the media industry specifically journalists who for the last 21 days worked tirelessly to cover and report on the untimely passing of our beloved president Hage Geingob, and made sure we were all informed.
During the past three weeks, journalists served as the channels through which the world grasped those very important significant events in our history. Their commitment to truth, accuracy, and empathy shined brightly through enlightening us all as events were unfolding in the preparation and mourning of the late president.
Journalists played a crucial role in contextualising this experience, offering insights, and providing a platform for collective grieving and remembrance. Through their reporting, they promoted the legacy of our departed president, capturing the essence of his contributions since independence, accomplishments, and the impact he has left on the nation and the world at large.
Having worked in the newsroom environment before, I must acknowledge that they showcased a balance between upholding journalistic integrity and sensitivity in their coverage. Each moment captured and report aired demonstrated a high level of professionalism, compassion, and respect for the significance of the situation.
Moreover, during that time, the media served as the vital source of information and solace for the public and they provided accurate, timely, and reliable report coverage that empowered individuals to make sense of unfolding events regardless of their location within and outside of Namibia.
In their reporting, they upheld the principles of a free press at all times and strengthened the aspect of democracy by ensuring that the public remained informed and engaged, thus signifying why Namibia is one of the best in press freedom in Africa, if not the world at large.
I must say the media demonstrated a correct sense of humanity in their coverage of the whole event as they amplified voices of the voiceless from all corners of the country allowing their stories to be heard and their grief to be acknowledged. We now know who Kanana Hishoono is and the major role he played in the history of Swapo and the country at large.
Their reporting unveiled a sense of unity and compassion of Namibian people if not Africa and the world, and it for once reminded me of our president wisdom of inclusivity that says “no one should feel left out” and indeed no citizen was left out in terms of being informed on time and accurately.
As I express my gratitude to the media for their unwavering dedication for the exceptional coverage of the president's passing, I recognise the challenges they faced in fulfilling their duties. From meeting relentless deadlines and finding time to report on other equal stories, I must say their commitment served as an inspiration of hope in times of darkness, inspiring us all to find closure and solace as we bid farewell to our people’s president, Hage G Geingob.
Your work illustrated the highest ideals of journalism, echoed what we are capable of as a country, and reminded us of the profound impact that honest, and compassionate storytelling can have on our world.
May our late president continue resting in eternal peace.
* Maxmus N Halwoodi is a public relations officer in the Office of the Prime Minister.