A welcome victory

Namibian Sun on Friday won its Supreme Court appeal after it was dragged to court by a wildlife farmer who claimed he was defamed by the newspaper’s 2017 article about the conditions in which captured elephants were kept. Johan Lombaard, and his company Golden Game CC, were demanding N$200 000, and initially won in the High Court. On Friday however, the Supreme Court cleared the newspaper of any wrongdoing.

The victory has once more proven why traditional media remains the most trusted source of news, especially in a world where social media has managed to make inroads over the years.

It also sends out a strong warning to those who use their power and influence to circumvent our laws while chasing mega profits.

While we agree that traditional and social media can peacefully coexist, the unabating trends of fake news and misinformation online have dented the credibility of their traditional media counterparts.

As the fourth estate, the press has a duty to expose dealings and activities that go against the ethos of good governance and accountability. Hence, it is always appreciated when courts validate the work of the press through such judgments.

But we all know the work of the press is just a small piece of the jigsaw - there are many other layers in the governance puzzle that must play its part, or else we are all fighting a losing battle as far as ensuring that our country is managed meaningfully is concerned.