Faculty of Education and Human Sciences

Permanent URI for this community

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3306

Browse

Browsing Faculty of Education and Human Sciences by Advisor "Akpabio, Eno"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Evaluating media self-regulation in Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Beukes, Johnathan; Akpabio, Eno
    This study examines self-regulation in Namibia’s post-apartheid media landscape, focusing on its role in balancing the relationship between the media, newsmakers, sources, the public, and the government. It evaluates the successes and challenges of self-regulation under the Media Ombudsman, established in response to calls for media accountability. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research incorporated both quantitative and qualitative data. Participants included complainants, news editors, media practitioners from public and private sectors, and former and current Media Ombudsman. Media leaders agree that self-regulation is essential to prevent government interference, which could undermine media freedom. Self-regulation has also contributed to the sustainability of the print media by mitigating costly legal disputes as the sector is facing declining advertising revenue. However, the study identifies significant challenges. The voluntary nature of self-regulation means media houses can opt in or out, creating accountability gaps. Even non-participating entities are subject to the Media Ombudsman’s oversight when complaints arise, often leading to stalemates and frustration. Financially, the system relies on membership contributions, but low participation limits revenue, hindering operational effectiveness. Additionally, the Media Ombudsman lacks a formal office, relying on goodwill and lacking structured governance, such as annual plans. Both current and former ombudsmen have legal rather than media backgrounds, which may affect their understanding of media-specific issues. Quantitative data also indicate dissatisfaction among some complainants regarding complaint handling. The study concludes that while most media leaders support self-regulation over government intervention, its voluntary nature poses risks. Early successes in dispute resolution are noteworthy, but challenges like non-participation and financial instability threaten its sustainability. The study recommends upholding self-regulation, designing accountability mechanisms for non-participating media houses, and securing government funding to ensure the Media Ombudsman’s operational independence. Without these measures, the media space risks government intervention, potentially undermining media freedom and a plurality of voices
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Evaluating the Government of Namibia social media use policy and implementation plan
    (University of Namibia, 2021) Nakanduungile, Ester; Akpabio, Eno
    The Social Media Use Policy (SMUP) ofNamibia and the Implementation Plan was developed for implementation in 2016 by ministries, offices, and agencies, local as well as regional authorities to assist the Namibian government to utilise social media as an aid to effective citizens' engagement as well as to guide the manner in which social media is to be used. The aim of this study was to assess the SMUP and the implementation plan by determining whether each government entity does recognize and implement the social media use policy, identifying the main types of social media platforms established and used by government agencies, examining the level of adherence to guidelines in the use of social media by government communicators and evaluating whether the selected social media strategies reflect minimum standard components as established by the SMUP. To collect and analyze relevant data, a mixed-methods research approach was adopted that involved interviews with government public relations practitioners, survey of social media users in Namibia as well as document analysis of government departments' social media reports and sites. The main findings of the study were conclusive of the fact that despite various types of social media prescribed by the SMUP, Facebook was mainly utilised by government institutions. In addition, the level of influence and engagement with citizens via social media was found to be below expected levels in relation to the number of social media users in the country. This findings point to the fact that government institutions are not entirely adhering to the SMUP guidance. While the present study was a broad national overview, it should be replicated regionally to help identify weaknesses and track progress towards speeding up the effectiveness of social media in service delivery to the citizenry
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Evaluating the Government of Namibia social media use policy and implementation plan
    (University of Namibia, 2021) Nakanduungile, Ester; Akpabio, Eno
    The Social Media Use Policy (SMUP) ofNamibia and the Implementation Plan was developed for implementation in 2016 by ministries, offices, and agencies, local as well as regional authorities to assist the Namibian government to utilise social media as an aid to effective citizens' engagement as well as to guide the manner in which social media is to be used. The aim of this study was to assess the SMUP and the implementation plan by determining whether each government entity does recognize and implement the social media use policy, identifying the main types of social media platforms established and used by government agencies, examining the level of adherence to guidelines in the use of social media by government communicators and evaluating whether the selected social media strategies reflect minimum standard components as established by the SMUP. To collect and analyze relevant data, a mixed-methods research approach was adopted that involved interviews with government public relations practitioners, survey of social media users in Namibia as well as document analysis of government departments' social media reports and sites. The main findings of the study were conclusive of the fact that despite various types of social media prescribed by the SMUP, Facebook was mainly utilised by government institutions. In addition, the level of influence and engagement with citizens via social media was found to be below expected levels in relation to the number of social media users in the country. This findings point to the fact that government institutions are not entirely adhering to the SMUP guidance. While the present study was a broad national overview, it should be replicated regionally to help identify weaknesses and track progress towards speeding up the effectiveness of social media in service delivery to the citizenry