WINDHOEK — Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, expressed her gratitude towards the National Assembly for their recent approval of the access to communication regulations, a crucial step in activating the Access to Information Act (ATI) of 2022.

According to Namibia Press Agency, during a statement in the National Assembly, the endorsement of these regulations underlines Namibia’s dedication to enhancing transparency, accountability, and good governance through improved access to information. She emphasized that the legislative approval was essential, as she could not enact the regulations without the backing of the Assembly.

The ATI Act mandates the creation of an independent office for an information commissioner and a deputy, who are pivotal in enforcing the public’s right to information. This office is expected to uphold the principles of impartiality and independence in managing access to public information. Theofelus highlighted the procedural steps for appointing these key figures, involving a select committee responsible for nominating candidates, with final appointments made by the President upon the National Assembly’s approval.

The legislation, signed into law by the late President Hage Geingob, aims to bolster the public’s right to access information from both public and private entities, thereby fostering a more transparent, accountable governance framework.