Rédaction Africa Links 24 with John-Colin Namene
Published on 2024-04-11 17:00:00
The parliament is on the cusp of approving regulations that will initiate the search for an information commissioner and deputy for Namibia, which will establish an information commission under the Access to Information Act. Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology Modestus Amutse confirmed this development, indicating that the regulations will be gazetted to enable the secretary of parliament to form a selection committee to recommend candidates for the positions.
Amutse expressed optimism that by June, the country would have its first information commissioner and deputy in place. This timeline aligns with Information Minister Emma Theofulus’ commitment to implementing the Access to Information Act within the current financial year, with a budget of N$19,930,744 allocated for the operationalization of the information commission.
According to the Act, the information commissioner and deputy will serve for a five-year term, with a limit of two terms each. The selection committee, consisting of key stakeholders in the public service and communication sectors, will oversee the appointment process to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Amutse outlined the selection process, highlighting that interested individuals from the public would have the opportunity to apply within a specified timeframe. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a public interview process before their names are submitted to parliament for debate and approval. However, the parliamentary recess scheduled for May may cause delays in the final selection process, which is expected to resume in June.
The impending establishment of the information commission has been met with positive feedback from stakeholders such as the Namibia Media Trust and the Access to Information in Namibia (Action) Coalition. Executive Director Zoe Titus emphasized the importance of a transparent and credible selection process to uphold the public’s right to access information. Similarly, Chairperson Frederico Links commended the government’s commitment to operationalize the Access to Information Act and urged for a fair and unbiased appointment process.
Media lecturer Clayton Peel advocated for patience in implementing the Act, acknowledging the complexity of legislative procedures and the need for thorough scrutiny by government and parliament. He stressed the significance of appointing individuals who prioritize the interests of society over personal agendas to ensure the effectiveness of the information commission.
In closing, the call to support responsible journalism through subscription to credible sources like The Namibian was reiterated, emphasizing the critical role of media in upholding democracy. By investing in journalism, individuals contribute to an informed and empowered society.
Read the original article on The Namibian
