Right of reply Presidency provides clarity on the editorial of ‘The Namibian’ titled: ‘Point of Clarity, Madam President’on 28 March

The Presidency wishes to clarify information published in the editorial of The Namibian titled ‘Point of Clarity, Madam President’.

The editorial correctly stated that president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasises the full implementation of the Swapo manifesto. The manifesto represents a binding contract between the president, the ruling Swapo and the people of Namibia, with no justification for deviation.

One of the arguments raised in the editorial concerns whether Nandi-Ndaitwah would proceed with the revival of Air Namibia, even if well-researched data suggested it would burden taxpayers, as has been the case in the past.

Addressing this valid concern, the Presidency reaffirms that Nandi-Ndaitwah has committed to reviving the national airline through well-intentioned strategic measures aimed at avoiding past mistakes. The government intends to pursue this initiative using a sustainable business model with a public-private partnership approach to provide a sound business case.

To achieve this objective, the government has developed an implementation plan with clear timelines:

• • A market study is expected to be completed by June 2025;
• • The expression of interest for a public-private partnership is to be finalised by August 2025;
• • Negotiations should be concluded by December 2025; and
• • The launch and official operations of the new airline are anticipated between June and December 2026.

In light of this plan of action, which is part of the key performance areas of the minister of works and transport, concerns about the viability of the national airline’s revival are premature.

Another concern raised in the editorial pertains to corruption, where Nandi-Ndaitwah allegedly stated that only corruption cases from the 21 March 2025 onwards would receive attention. This is wrong and it is not what the president implied.

The president correctly stated that there would be no witch-hunts against anybody. However, the president is firmly committed to upholding the rule of law. Law-enforcement agencies and institutions charged with dealing with acts of corruption and other transgressions will continue to carry out their work without fear or favour.

Finally, on media freedom, Nandi-Ndaitwah stands by her declaration that the media is an important fourth arm of the state.

Moreover, the president emphasises the need for the media to report objectively.

These pronouncements firmly demonstrate the commitment of president Nandi-Ndaitwah to freedom of speech and expression, including freedom of the press and other media, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Namibian Constitution.