Windhoek, May 3 – -His Excellency President Nangolo Mbumba today joins the world in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. Namibia remains highly ranked in terms of press freedom in Africa and world.
In his message of commemoration, President Nangolo Mbumba says:
“I join journalists in Namibia and across the globe in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2024 under the fitting theme, “A Press for the Planet: protecting journalists and scientists in defense of the environment.” The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia guarantees freedom of speech and that of the press. As a nation, we made this commitment in the Constitution out of our historical experiences, where the fundamental freedoms and rights of the majority of Namibians were denied. Therefore, the commitment of the Government to press freedom is cherished and we will continue to live by the law.
I should also add that the theme for this year, with a strong focus on the protection of the environment resonates with the Namibian people, who have made the protection of the environment a Constitutional provision. As the home of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration on press freedom and the country with the freest press in Africa, the Government of the Republic of Namibia renews its pledge to promote press freedom as a responsible and indispensable part of our Governance Architecture. On this day, we also remind journalists to live by the ethics of an important profession in the democratic life of our country.
Our climate is facing an emergency with recurrent droughts and floods affecting millions of lives and causing destruction of infrastructure. Consistent with the World Press Freedom Day theme of 2024, I encourage journalists in the exercise of their right to educate and to inform in order to advance the protection of the environment, including the prosperity and development of the Namibian people.
African Youth Newspaper
