On August 13, 2025, in Windhoek at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) HTTPS Building, Honorable Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, delivered a keynote speech at the launch of the National Ethical Use of Social Media Campaign. The campaign is a government-led initiative aimed at promoting responsible and ethical use of social media across Namibia.
Minister Theofelus emphasized the profound impact of social media on communication and society. She highlighted social media as an essential platform that has transformed how communities interact, enabling education, empowerment, and active participation in democratic processes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media played a crucial role in maintaining connections when physical engagement was limited, and it continues to offer access to educational resources and diverse perspectives.
The minister pointed out that social media fosters transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, which are vital for strengthening the societal foundation. Since Namibia’s government embraced social media platforms in 2020, there has been an intentional effort to use these channels to bring leaders closer to the people they serve, encouraging meaningful interaction between the government and citizens.
However, Minister Theofelus acknowledged the challenges that come with social media’s power, notably the spread of misinformation, rapid circulation of unverified information, privacy concerns, mental health impacts, and the potential for harmful behavior such as harassment. She stressed the importance of individual responsibility in using social media ethically and constructively.
Underlining the spirit of the campaign, the minister quoted: “With great power comes great responsibility.” She urged Namibians to embrace the opportunities that social media presents while confronting its challenges with integrity and respect. The government supports this initiative through existing legal frameworks, including the Communications Act of 2009, which punishes indecent conduct and harassment via social media.
The campaign seeks to educate social media users, institutions, and organizations to engage in truthful and constructive communication that contributes positively to nation-building. It aligns with ongoing efforts by the Ministry of ICT to foster digital safety and responsible digital citizenship, especially to protect vulnerable groups from online abuse.
In closing, the Minister called for collaboration among citizens, government, and social media platforms to maintain empathy, uphold privacy rights, manage one’s digital footprint responsibly, and promote ethical discourse online, thereby shaping a safer and more informed digital environment for all Namibians.
This launch marks a pivotal step in Namibia’s commitment to leveraging technology for social good while mitigating the risks of the digital age through collective ethical standards and responsible use.
Martha Jeremia
