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Analyst calls for transparency in politicians’ health after Nandi-Ndaitwah health controversy

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says politicians and public officials should be transparent about their health to assure the public they are capable of carrying out their duties.

Kamwanyah was speaking in response to the suspension of Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) senior editor and journalist Anna Nicodemus, following an interview with the South African television news channel, Newzroom Afrika, regarding president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s health on Friday.

Nicodemus questioned Nandi-Ndaitwah’s capabilities due to what she said were health concerns, citing incidents where the president-elect allegedly collapsed.

She confirmed on Friday that she was suspended by the broadcaster following her remarks.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, however, denied these claims during a Swapo Party victory celebration at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday.

She claimed that she has not set foot in a hospital since 2022.

“I have been on the campaign trail since 2022 and have never set foot in a hospital,” she said.

“A Namibian citizen claims I collapsed twice – what a shame. This is nothing more than the act of a desperate politician,” she said.

Ndumba J Kamwanyah

PRESS FREEDOM QUESTIONED

According to Kamwanyah, Nicodemus’ suspension raises concerns about media freedom.

“The public has a right to know, as it fosters trust and accountability.

This situation underscores the need to strengthen protections for journalists and create an environment where they can work without fear of retaliation,” he said.

“Her suspension raises valid concerns about media freedom and the environment in which journalists operate.

It is troubling if a journalist faces disciplinary action for expressing views or providing information in the public interest.

“Such actions can discourage critical reporting and weaken press freedom and freedom of expression.

Media professionals have a duty to report the truth objectively and responsibly, even when it involves sensitive matters.”

He said the Nicodemus incident reflects ongoing challenges in ensuring the independence of public broadcasters like NBC.

“While political and employer pressures are real, journalists must uphold ethical standards and avoid self-censorship to maintain public trust.

“A free and independent media is essential for our democracy and any interference undermines its credibility and role in holding power to account,” he said.

Zoe Titus

‘STOP DISINFORMATION’

Meanwhile, Namibia Media Trust (NMT) executive director Zoé Titus in a statement released yesterday, said claims made by Nicodemus were unfounded.

She said images of the incident were generated by artificial intelligence (AI), and warned journalists about disinformation.

“We can confirm that Nicodemus’ suspension is connected to comments she made in her capacity as NBC political affairs and investigations editor during an external engagement on Newzroom Africa in December. “Of particular concern in this interview are several statements made by Nicodemus regarding the health of the incoming head of state, including claims that Nandi-Ndaitwah allegedly collapsed during the campaign leading up to the 27 November elections. It has since emerged that these claims were unfounded and that images of the alleged incidents circulating on social media were proven to be AI-generated disinformation,” she says.

According to Titus, NBC has suspended Nicodemus with full pay.

“The NBC has suspended Nicodemus with full pay, pending an investigation.

The corporation has stated that this is not a disciplinary action and has guaranteed that she will be informed of the investigation’s outcome and whether disciplinary action will be pursued, in line with NBC’s internal procedures.

“In light of the proliferation of disinformation, the NMT Media Foundation urges journalists to exercise professionalism and refrain from inadvertently spreading false or misleading information – issues that have already marred the 2024 general elections from all sides,” she said.

“We also appeal to all Namibian journalists to adhere to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Namibian Print, Broadcast and Online Media, ensuring the public has access to accurate, verified information that empowers informed decision-making,” she said.

Anna Nicodemus

INVESTIGATIONS

Titus encouraged transparency in the NBC’s investigation of the matter.

“We acknowledge that the NBC has indicated it will undertake a thorough investigation of this matter. We urge that this process be conducted transparently and expeditiously, and we will closely monitor its progress.

“Notwithstanding this, we are aware of forces working to discredit dissenting voices.

Such actions pose a significant threat to our democracy and the media freedom that we hold so dear, she said.

The Namibian on Friday reported that the Namibia Media Professionals Union condemned Nicodemus’ suspension, calling it a direct attack on press freedom.

This was said by the union’s acting secretary general Jemima Beukes.

Affirmative Repositioning (AR) also described the decision to suspend Nicodemus as political.

AR public relations team member Onesmus Iyambo said this in a statement following Nicodemus’ suspension after her interview on Friday.

“By taking this action, NBC management is silencing voices that seek to promote transparency and accountability.

We must remind the NBC leadership that the broadcaster does not exist to serve political interests.

NBC belongs to the people of Namibia, and has a duty to represent their diverse perspectives, including those that challenge the status quo,” he said.

Meanwhile, questions sent to NBC director general Stanley Similo and NBC spokesperson Beaulah Boois-Beukes remained unanswered at the time of publication.

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