The Minister of Information and Communication Technology has called on media houses to support government efforts in promoting the ethical use of social media and strengthening Namibia's national brand.
Emma Theofelus made the remarks during an engagement with editors from state-owned and private media houses in Windhoek.
The minister said the Ethical Use of Social Media Campaign, implemented through the National Pride Program, aims to promote unity, patriotism, and social cohesion among Namibians, while addressing issues such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and hate speech.
"Through the Ethical Use of Social Media Campaign, we want to ensure that Namibian netizens are fully conscious of the potential dangers and risks of social media in terms of how to safely conduct themselves on online platforms. Dangers of social media include negative mental health effects, like depression and anxiety; exposure to inappropriate content and hate speech; cyberbullying, especially among our young citizens, children who are maybe younger and younger online; the exploitation of minors; and the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which has a constant comparison to unrealistic lifestyles that may lead to undue pressure and withdrawal."
The minister emphasised that the ministry is not restricting social media use but is encouraging responsible online behaviour to curb the spread of false information.
She urged media houses to assist in raising public awareness about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.
Theofelus also introduced the Brand Platform and Engagement Campaign, a collaboration between the Ministry and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.
She said the initiative seeks to strengthen Namibia's national identity, attract investment, and boost tourism.
"At this juncture, I would also like to move to the second subject, which is the brand and idea platform and engagement campaign we have together with the Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board. This is really born out of the fact that countries all over the world are taking their brand seriously. We are in a competitive world, competitive in ideas, competitive in public diplomacy, competitive in the products and services each country is exporting to the rest of the world, competitive in attracting tourists, and in so doing, attracting a conducive environment for economic activity."
According to Theofelus, Namibia must define its unique national values and distinguish itself in a competitive global environment to promote growth and development.