Special advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President, Kornelia Shilunga, acknowledged the media's role in spotlighting Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector.
Speaking at the upstream oil and gas media training session, Shilunga, however, raised concerns over irresponsible and rushed reporting that fuels unnecessary public mistrust and confusion.
Shilunga emphasised that media portrayals shape perceptions of the energy sector, directly influencing national discourse and investor confidence.
Highlighting the industry's complexities, Shilunga urged journalists to approach coverage with confidence and contextualise information for public understanding.
She expressed confidence in the media's ability to rise to the challenge, encouraging them to prioritise clarity, accuracy and responsibility in covering the sector.
"Scrutiny must be matched with critical thinking, objectivity and a commitment to accuracy. We, as the government, welcome scrutiny. A well-informed, questioning media is essential in a democratic society. However, scrutiny must be matched with critical thinking, objectivity and a commitment to accuracy. This is precisely why I am so appreciative of platforms like this training session. They provide an opportunity to deepen understanding, to ask the right questions, and to engage constructively with industry experts and policymakers."
Petrofund Chief Executive Officer Nillian Mulemi highlighted the need for accurate, balanced reporting as recent hydrocarbon discoveries attract increased public interest, investment, and global attention.
The training is designed to demystify technical concepts, explain upstream operations and project life cycles, and clarify oil and gas developments within Namibia's broader development agenda.
"Which calls for maximising training and skills development for Namibians. Building the capacity of you today, our journalists, is an integral part of this localisation effort, ensuring that Namibians are not only participants in the sector but also informed and empowered. The message you share with the public about this resource can either destroy it or grow it."
Petrofund, mandated to build national capacity in the petroleum industry, is expanding its efforts beyond technical training to include media development, recognising the role journalists play in shaping public understanding and accountability.