SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA — At the annual Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) media briefing in Swakopmund, Deputy Director General Erna van der Merwe emphasized the critical role of the media in the fight against corruption, underlining its importance in fostering transparency and public engagement.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the briefing focused on strategic objective 6 of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan for 2021-2025, which advocates for the engagement of civil society, non-governmental organizations, and the media in anti-corruption efforts. She detailed that this objective includes measures to support the media's role through public education seminars, training for investigative journalists, and promoting a self-regulatory Code of Ethics and Conduct for Namibian media. Such initiatives are essential for creating an environment that encourages a free press as mandated by the Namibian Constitution.

Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope also spoke at the event, highlighting the significant impact of investigative journalism in exposing corrupt practices and ensuring accountability within both the public and private sectors. He pointed out that the media's ability to illuminate cases of corruption is crucial in a world plagued by widespread graft and the uneven distribution of resources.

The briefing not only served to update the media on the status of corruption in the region, detailing the ACC's achievements and challenges but also provided journalists with insights into the commission’s ongoing work and national efforts to combat corruption. This engagement is part of a broader strategy to leverage media capabilities in promoting transparency and accountability, crucial for curbing corruption effectively.