Journalists protest against suspension of New Era managing editor

A group of about 20 journalists protested in front of the New Era Publication Corporation (NEPC) offices in Windhoek yesterday morning demanding that the publication’s suspended managing editor, Johnathan Beukes, be reinstated by tomorrow.

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Beukes has since been replaced by Natasha Wahengo, and has said he is not allowed to talk to the media about his suspension.

Minister of information and communication technology Peya Mushelenga and his executive director Audrin Mathe are being accused of playing a role in Beukes’ suspension.

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

Kandjimi said all questions about New Era should be directed to the NEPC board and management.

“The ministry cannot comment on internal matters at NEPC,” he said.

Mushelenga did not answer phone calls or a text message sent to him regarding the matter.

Handing over the petition to the board chairperson John Sifani during a protest yesterday, Namibia Media Professionals Union (Nampu) acting secretary general Jemima Beukes said the suspension is a threat to journalists’ freedom and independence.

She said the suspension represents a blatant interference with press freedom, journalistic work, and Beukes’ fundamental right as a Namibian to express himself, as protected by the Namibian Constitution.

“We demand the immediate reinstatement of Beukes, who has been suspended without any charges being brought against him.

This suspension not only violates his rights but also undermines the very essence of a free and independent press in Namibia,” she said.

“We would like to remind New Era leadership that you operate at the behest of the public and taxpayers. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you prioritise the interests of the public over political influences and masters,” she said.

Jemima Beukes underscored the media’s role to serve as a watchdog for society, ensuring transparency, accountability and the dissemination of unbiased information.

“Nampu stands firm in defending press freedom, upholding the rights of journalists and safeguarding the public’s right to a free and independent media. We believe that freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected at all costs,” she said.

Nampu further called on all stakeholders including the government, civil society and the public, to join them in protecting these vital democratic principles. Nampu urged all those who value democracy, transparency and the role of the media in their society to stand with them regarding this important cause.

“We expect Beukes to be back at his desk by Wednesday (tomorrow) 11 October 2023, Failure to do so would be regarded as a serious affront to press freedom and democratic principles by president Hage Geingob,” she said.

Receiving the petition on behalf of NEPC chief executive Christof Maletsky, Sifani said the board will study the petition and advise accordingly.

Sifani, however, did not say when the media will be provided with feedback.

“I can’t promise anything, I did not come for an interview. I just came to receive the petition,” he said.