Staff at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) celebrated Workers' Day yesterday with enthusiasm, all while continuing their duties to keep the nation informed.
The activities marked an early celebration of the day, as national celebrations are set for 1 May.
For the first time in its history, the national broadcaster celebrated Workers' Day in style.
To foster appreciation and understanding of each other's roles, departments were assigned the task of imitating one another. This form of celebration served to strengthen their bonds.
Departments showcased their work through role plays, drama and expos, giving insight into their operations.
The Commercial Services Department produced a mock broadcast segment, while the Content Hub, Sports and Commissioning teams portrayed Transport and Booking, winning the overall competition.
The TV and Radio Operations Division showcased what they do on a daily basis.
The Radio Division won the award for best booth, while the News and Current Affairs, TV Services, and Final Control Centre teams won the 30-second challenge and the title of best mimicking team for their portrayal of the hygiene unit.
The celebration highlighted the critical role staff play in ensuring continuous broadcasting and public service delivery.
The initiator of the event and NBC's Director General, Menesia Muinjo, emphasised the importance of collaboration.
She urged staff members to reflect on their roles and strengthen team spirit, noting that every output represents the NBC brand.
"We hardly took a moment and looked at ourselves as employees and now as employers. We have to put our heads together and say what we have been doing, how we did it and how we can improve on that. How do we appreciate one another? How do we ensure that we know each one of us?"
The Chairperson of the Board, Lazarus Jacobs, commended Muinjo for the initiative and said that the board is fighting for its workers.
"What I just want to tell you, on behalf of the board, we will do whatever we can to improve your conditions of service, whether it's your fringe benefits or your salary increments and so on. When we are quiet, it doesn't mean we are not doing anything; it means that we are fighting very, very hard behind the scenes to make sure that your hard work is recognised not just in speeches but in monetary value as well."
The Executive Director in the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, Ben Nangombe, said every employee plays a mission-critical role.
Nangombe called for teamwork, innovation and a stronger focus on hyper-local content.
"Here at NBC, when you look at what you do and how you do it, each person must feel that they are a member of the team. And this is the kind of mindset that is going to contribute not only to achieving and maintaining excellence, but it will also be vital for internalising the culture of excellence."
The initiative forms part of efforts to unify the NBC and strengthen collaboration across departments.
The national celebration will be held at Opuwo under the theme "Skills Development".