The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is expanding its television news service to reach audiences in more of Namibia's indigenous languages.

From Friday, a Ju|'Hoansi-language news bulletin will be added to the schedule.

In this insert, we take a look at where it all started. 
At independence English was the sole language on NBC television, leaving some viewers to watch only.

Calls for inclusion, including for radio, were made as far as Rundu. 
One of the articles then read, "Let nbc mix English with vernaculars." 

The leadership then gave a listening ear, and in 2000 it had a test run.
They increased one by one, considering that more than 80% of its viewers in 1990 did not understand English.

The introduction of indigenous-language television news was championed by the then NBC Board Chairperson, Uazuva Kaumbi. 

He is now late.

At the time, six indigenous languages were rotated on the ten o'clock television news slot.
Today, the bulletins are broadcast from Monday to Friday between 14h00 and 14h30.

Oshiwambo and Afrikaans air on Mondays, Rukavango and Khoekhoegowab Tuesdays, Otjiherero and Setswana Wednesdays while Silozi and German broadcast on Thursdays. 

Friday marks 26 years since the first bulletin was read on 2nd October, 2000.
In celebration of this milestone, the national broadcaster is yet to introduce Ju|'Hoansi. 

This will be the ninth indigenous news bulletin.
Ju|'Hoansi is widely spoken within the San community.

This means that national developments can be heard and understood in a language that is familiar to the community.
For the national broadcaster, this expansion reflects the broader role of a national broadcaster, making information accessible across Namibia's linguistic communities.

The Ju|'Hoansi bulletin will air every Friday at 14h00.