Turning Up the Volume on Community Voices

NUST, through its community radio station, NUST FM, recently participated in the official launch of the Community Media Policy 2026–2030 in Okakarara, Otjozondjupa Region. Convened by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the event brought together government representatives, traditional leaders, community media practitioners, development partners, academics, and other stakeholders committed to strengthening Namibia’s community media sector.  

The policy sets out clear objectives around professional standards, capacity development, stakeholder coordination, and the inclusion of communities particularly those in rural and underserved areas in national information and communication systems. “This policy recognises community media as a key driver of democratic participation, socio-economic development, social cohesion and of course cultural preservation,” said Hon Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, in her address to the gathering. She further noted that “the policy was created to bridge the information gaps, exclusion and misinformation and limited participation in public discourse and governance.” 

Commitment and Call for Sustainability 

Chairperson of the Namibia Community Broadcasters’ Network (NCBN), Levi Katire, delivered a speech that balanced celebration with candour. While commending the Government and Cabinet for approving the policy, he also raised concerns about the exclusion of three key sustainability mechanisms from the final approved document namely; a dedicated annual budgetary allocation, a streaming of government advertising revenue to community media, and a Community Media Development Fund. Despite this, he struck an optimistic tone: “The success of this policy will ultimately depend not on the document itself, but on our collective commitment to implementation, monitoring, collaboration and accountability,” he said, calling on government institutions, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to forge stronger collaborations with community media beyond July 2026. 

People First 

For community radio stations like NUST FM, the Community Media Policy 2026–2030 represents both recognition and responsibility. The policy establishes a roadmap for improved governance, stronger compliance, enhanced professional standards, and long-term institutional development elements that are central to NUST FM’s own mission of delivering quality, informative, and community-centred broadcasting to students, staff, and the broader Windhoek community. “It was quite symbolic for the Policy to be launched in Okakara, right in the heart of the community. Opting for a community setting, rather than a boardroom, reinforced the message that community media is first and foremost about people, participation and access,” said Kuda Brandt, the NUST Corporate Communications Manager.  

As NUST trains the next generation of media professionals, the policy creates opportunities for stronger collaboration between higher education and the community media sector.