By: Annakleta Haikera
Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus said radio remains the most accessible and affordable medium of information, noting that households, especially in rural areas, depend on radio for daily news, education and entertainment.
Theofelus made these remarks at the World Radio Day and International Safer Internet Day commemoration at Mururani in the Kavango West Region on Saturday.
Namibia currently has 35 operational radio stations, comprising 19 commercial broadcasters, seven community stations, and nine public service channels under the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation. While Kavango East is served by Radio Wato, Kavango West has no community or commercial radio station, forcing residents to rely on broadcasters from other regions whose content often does not fully represent local languages, culture and development priorities.
Theofelus described radio as a “lifeline” that informs, educates and unites communities, especially where internet access remains limited. According to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), about 45% of households rely on radio – most of which are in rural areas – while the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) reports that although mobile internet usage is increasing, significant connectivity gaps remain.
At the same event, Theofelus and UNICEF Country Representative, Samuel Ocran, unveiled a billboard raising awareness about Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA) at the Mururani traffic roadblock. The pair also launched the National Child Online Protection Toolkit.
Regional leaders echoed the minister’s remarks, stressing that radio is not only a communication tool, but also a platform for cultural preservation, civic education and local development.
Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo said access to information is a key driver of development and called for investment in community broadcasting to ensure rural populations are not left behind.
Mankupi constituency councillor Lukas Muha noted that radio remains a trusted source of information in villages, where it is often used for public service announcements, educational programmes and community mobilisation.
He urged stakeholders to support the establishment of a local station that can amplify community voices, promote indigenous languages, and address regional challenges.
The continued absence of radio infrastructure in Kavango West highlights a gap in Namibia’s expanding broadcasting landscape. Residents say establishing a community radio station in the region would strengthen information sharing, enhance cultural expression and contribute to socio-economic development.
annakletah@gmail.com
