ATI to bring unhindered access to information – Mushelenga
Jemima BeukesWINDHOEK
An amount of N$20 million has been allocated for the establishment of the Information Commission, which will be critical in the implementation of the newly passed Access to Information (ATI) Act.This is according to information minister Peya Mushelenga, who said the ministry received N$65 million for the 2023-2024 financial year to carry out its core mandate. During his budget motivation speech, Mushelenga stressed that the ATI law will ensure that Namibians have unhindered access to information that will enable them to make informed decisions about their lives and their livelihoods, allow them to participate in democratic processes and enhance transparency and accountability, which are cornerstones in building public trust.
He added that the ministry has already started capacitating on government communication officers from all offices, ministries and agencies to prepare them for the implementation of this important legislation.
“Additionally, the ministry endeavours to finalise the community media policy framework to support the development of community media in Namibia. Although the process started in the last financial year, additional consultations were needed to ensure that all stakeholders are fully on board,” he said.
Media funding
Meanwhile, government newspaper New Era Publications Corporation received N$27 million to fund its operations during this financial year, while the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) received N$310 million.
An additional N$82 million was allocated to NBC for its development budget, aimed at the upgrade of remote rural broadcast networks, dilapidated studios and equipment.
For this financial year, N$27 million has been allocated to the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa) to enable it to carry out its constitutional responsibility of “informing, educating and entertaining the nation towards the realisation of our developmental goals”.
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An amount of N$20 million has been allocated for the establishment of the Information Commission, which will be critical in the implementation of the newly passed Access to Information (ATI) Act.This is according to information minister Peya Mushelenga, who said the ministry received N$65 million for the 2023-2024 financial year to carry out its core mandate. During his budget motivation speech, Mushelenga stressed that the ATI law will ensure that Namibians have unhindered access to information that will enable them to make informed decisions about their lives and their livelihoods, allow them to participate in democratic processes and enhance transparency and accountability, which are cornerstones in building public trust.
He added that the ministry has already started capacitating on government communication officers from all offices, ministries and agencies to prepare them for the implementation of this important legislation.
“Additionally, the ministry endeavours to finalise the community media policy framework to support the development of community media in Namibia. Although the process started in the last financial year, additional consultations were needed to ensure that all stakeholders are fully on board,” he said.
Media funding
Meanwhile, government newspaper New Era Publications Corporation received N$27 million to fund its operations during this financial year, while the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) received N$310 million.
An additional N$82 million was allocated to NBC for its development budget, aimed at the upgrade of remote rural broadcast networks, dilapidated studios and equipment.
For this financial year, N$27 million has been allocated to the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa) to enable it to carry out its constitutional responsibility of “informing, educating and entertaining the nation towards the realisation of our developmental goals”.
[email protected]
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