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The ominous dismissal of Johnathan Beukes and the threat to press freedom in Namibia

OP-ED
Emil Seibeb
In a troubling development for Namibia’s press freedom, Johnathan Beukes, the former managing editor of New Era, has been dismissed under circumstances cloaked in secrecy.

This departure, occurring just as the nation gears up for an election, raises pressing questions about the state of media independence in Namibia, particularly following the death of president Hage Geingob, a staunch advocate for press freedom.

Beukes, a respected journalist and a defender of transparency, was suspended after publishing an opinion piece that took a critical stance on the lack of openness in the judiciary.

His article highlighted potential regional favouritism in judicial appointments and called for greater accountability from government.

It was a piece that, while welcomed by the judiciary, was emblematic of a journalist’s duty to question authority and demand answers on behalf of the public. However, instead of opening a debate on these issues, Beukes’ editorial stance appears to have cost him his position.

The ministry of information and communication technology, which oversees New Era as a government-funded publication, described Beukes’ departure as a “dismissal.”

However, conflicting statements, including one from Beukes himself, suggest that it was a “mutual separation”.

Post-Geingob era

This ambiguity is not just a matter of semantics. In journalism, transparency is everything, and the lack of clarity surrounding Beukes’ departure is symbolic of a growing cloud over Namibia’s commitment to press freedom.

This case becomes even more disconcerting against the backdrop of Namibia’s media landscape under former president Geingob. For years, Namibia has stood out as a beacon of press freedom on the African continent, with Geingob’s administration proudly upholding the principles of the Windhoek Declaration – a landmark commitment to promoting a free, independent and pluralistic press. Does Geingob’s death represent possible risks to press freedom?

Namibia is on the cusp of its presidential and National Assembly elections, a time when a robust and independent media is more crucial than ever. A free press is essential to inform the electorate, hold leaders accountable and provide a platform for debate. By silencing a critical voice in one of Namibia’s prominent news outlets, the government risks undermining public trust and weakening the very foundations of democracy. This trend should alarm every Namibian who values open discourse and the right to a transparent government.

Namibia currently holds a respected position on the Press Freedom Index, ranking second in Africa and 34th globally. However, if actions like Beukes’ “dismissal” continue, Namibia’s hard-won reputation may be in jeopardy. The chilling effect of Beukes’ removal will not go unnoticed by other journalists who may feel pressured to self-censor or avoid topics critical of the government. This is a dangerous precedent that could erode media independence in the country.

Reaffirm commitment to press freedom

The government must remember that New Era, while funded by taxpayers, is not a private fiefdom of politicians but a public institution accountable to the people of Namibia. Public trust in government and media alike is rooted in transparency and the willingness to accept criticism. The silence from officials on the true reasons behind Beukes’ departure undermines both.

In the absence of president Geingob’s leadership, President Mbumba’s administration has an opportunity to prove that it remains committed to press freedom.

Instead, the “dismissal” or “mutual separation” of Johnathan Beukes sends a troubling message. Now more than ever, the government must reaffirm its dedication to an independent media, free from political interference.

The dismissal of Johnathan Beukes should not be dismissed as a routine personnel matter. It is a litmus test for Namibia’s democracy. The people deserve answers, the press deserves protection, and Johnathan Beukes deserves justice.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-24

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