The youth wing of SWAPO called on the government to regulate the media after it was unhappy about local news reports on happenings of 1 April 1989 that nearly halted Namibia’s independence process. The Media Institute of Southern Africa, which has its offices in Windhoek, reacted this week.

"The statement issued last week by the SWAPO youth league raises concern about the understanding by such important bodies of the role of media in a democratic society.

Firstly, it should be remembered that the Namibian Constitution specifically guarantees the Freedom of Speech and the freedom of the press. These are clauses which are entrenched in our constitution and form a fundamental basis for our democracy.

In addition the SADC Protocol on Information Sports and Culture calls on all SADC governments to ensure that there is freedom of the media. The Namibian government is a signatory to this document.

Finally, in the African Charter on Human Rights, the role of the media is clearly stipulated.

MISA Namibia is again concerned with such calls to curtail these vital media freedoms in the country. Only through an informed society can the citizenry become knowledgeable, can a free flow of information take place, and, in the end, can true democracy flourish".