Govt accused of pushing ‘New Era’ managing editor suspension

As the outpouring of discontent over the suspension of New Era’s managing editor, Jonathan Beukes, continues, the minister of information and communication technology Peya Mushelenga and his executive director, Audrin Mathe, are being accused of playing a role in the move.

Mathe, however, yesterday referred The Namibian to the ministry’s spokesperson, Shoki Kandjimi.

Kandjimi said all questions about New Era should be directed to the New Era Publication Corporation (NEPC) board and the company’s management.

“They run the affairs of the corporation. The ministry cannot comment on internal matters at NEPC,” he said.

Mushelenga yesterday did not answer phone calls or a text message sent to him.

Beukes was suspended on Friday until the end of October, allegedly without being informed of the charges against him.

Beukes has since been replaced by Natasha Wahengo, and has said he is not allowed to talk to the media about his suspension.

A source yesterday told The Namibian that Mathe and Mushelenga have complained about a series of reports published by the state-owned newspaper in recent times.

The involved reports are about an alleged N$26 million in daily subsistence and travel allowances (S&Ts) allocated to members of the parliament in the National Council, the source said.

The National Council is dominated by Swapo councillors.

Other reports were said to be on infighting at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), minister of higher education, technology and innovation Itah Kandjii-Murangi’s S&Ts claims from institutions resorting under her ministry, and the alleged non-transparency of the Judicial Service Commission on how it recommends judges for appointment.

“They complained about those articles, asking why New Era was funded by the government, but attacks other state-owned institutions. They want to make the newspaper a government mouthpiece,” the source said.

New Era chief executive Christof Maletzky says the company’s disciplinary procedures are regulated by its staff disciplinary code.

“Our actions shall be guided by the procedures therein. As for now, let’s allow the internal process to take its due course,” he said yesterday.

OUTCRY

Institute for Public Policy Research executive director Graham Hopwood says the suspension paints a dark patch on the operations of journalists employed in the state media, and opposition politician Mike Kavekotora says it shows press freedom in Namibia is only acceptable when it does not hamper Swapo’s beliefs.

“I think it’s legitimate for the media to examine how judges are appointed, and the different factors that influence appointments. Similarly, there are valid questions that could be asked about the Judicial Service Commission and its composition.

“The language used in relation to such matters should be respectful and not vexatious,” he said.

Hopwood said even though the language and tone of an editorial Beukes wrote, which came under fire may have been heavy-handed, it does not justify the suspension of a journalist or editor.

“Journalists working for government media should operate under an editorial charter which protects them from political interference and encourages independent reporting,” he said.

Kavekotora said press freedom in Namibia equates to what is generally acceptable to Swapo and all its captured so-called democratic institutions.

“Once you cross that line, all hell will break loose, and press freedom will be thrown out and will be inconsistently applied,” he said.

The Rally for Democracy and Progress president said: “The president will travel the globe preaching press freedom while knowing very well that the reality back home is in complete contrast with what he preaches.”

He went on to say Beukes is a victim of a flawed hypocritical system where many are fooled to trust the government of the day.

“I am sure New Era is acting on instructions from higher up, and it will be interesting to have access to the charges against Jonathan.

“The media must be given freedom to constructively criticise any democratic institution in a democratic Namibia, and the judiciary is no exception,” Kavekotora said.