Namibia
has taken a significant step toward ensuring transparency and accountability in
governance with the recent gazetting of the Access to Information Regulations.
The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, has
called on both government and private sector officials to proactively share
information with citizens in a manner that is accessible and easily understood.
Speaking
in Windhoek, Minister Theofelus emphasized that the implementation of the
Access to Information Act is a collective responsibility. She highlighted the
ongoing recruitment process for the Information Commissioner and Deputy
Information Commissioner, which is being conducted by the National Assembly.
These key appointments will play a crucial role in overseeing and enforcing the
provisions of the Act.
The
Access to Information Act aims to empower citizens by granting them the right
to request and receive information from public institutions, enhancing
government accountability and promoting informed public participation in
national development. The regulations for the Act, which were gazetted on 9
December 2024, set out the framework for its enforcement and guide public
institutions on their obligations to disclose information proactively.
With
these regulations now in place, Namibia is making strides toward a more open
society where transparency is the norm, and access to government information is
no longer a privilege but a right. The government is now calling on all
stakeholders, including private sector players, to align with these new
measures to ensure that the implementation of the Act is successful.
As
the country awaits the appointment of the Information Commissioner and their
deputy, the focus remains on fostering a culture of openness and
information-sharing, which will strengthen democracy and public trust in
governance. The successful implementation of the Access to Information Act will
mark a new era in Namibia’s commitment to upholding the principles of good
governance, accountability, and citizen empowerment.
By: Kanto Okanta
