Tjombe: A shadow of former self

Ester Hakaala 

The Namibian, an institution that once stood head and shoulders above many as a bastion for media freedom, for the forgotten and oppressed in society, is fast becoming a shadow of its former self.

This summation is deduced from a media statement issued by human rights lawyer and former director of the Free Press of Namibia (Pty) Ltd, Norman Tjombe, who raised concerns over alleged changes to journalists’ employment conditions at The Namibian newspaper.

“For a newspaper that survived an attempted shut-down before it even opened its doors in 1985, championed The Windhoek Declaration in 1991, and historically withstood an all-out government advertising ban in 2000, letting commercial interests dictate coverage would indeed mark a tragic departure from its foundational ethos. 

“The way things are going, we will not recognise The Namibian newspaper. That is sad,” Tjombe said, mincing no words.   

His statement is in direct response to recent developments at the media institution, including allegations that employees have been enticed to quit their union in exchange for promotions and increased benefits while also being under constant surveillance, both audio and visual.

“It is unlawful to unilaterally change the conditions of employment of employees, regardless of the commercial interest that the employer may have. To require journalists to resign from their union in order to be eligible for promotion is a blatant violation of their constitutional right to freedom of association. Equally concerning is the apparent directive that journalists at The Namibian must not report in unflattering terms on big businesses out of fear that advertising revenue will dry up,” Tjombe said.

Tjombe reiterated the Namibian had historically played an important role in protecting media freedom and holding those in positions of power accountable. According to Tjombe, allowing commercial interests to dictate editorial coverage would represent a departure from the newspaper’s historical values.

“Even if one disagrees with the coverage of certain stories or the general editorial policy of The Namibian, we can all agree that The Namibian has been the bastion of media freedoms,” he said.

Earlier this month, the Namibia Media Professionals Union (Nampu) called for the immediate resignation of Namibia Media Trust (NMT) Group CEO Wolfram Jauss, accusing him of intimidating workers and undermining labour rights and press freedom.

The union’s demand followed an email Jauss allegedly sent to NMT staff on 2 September 2026, in which he warned employees that he would increase pressure on staff and demanded stricter adherence to working hours and productivity targets.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) also addressed a letter to Jauss; the organisations said they are concerned about the deterioration of labour relations at the company and its alleged impact on freedom of association and trade union rights.

Their main concern relates to Wilma Hoabes, an elected member of the Nampu executive committee and national treasurer. She was allegedly asked to quit her union membership in exchange for a promotion and a better pay cheque.

Jauss previously told New Era that he stood by the central message of the email regarding productivity, performance and workplace accountability, although he acknowledged that some wording could have been better phrased.

He also denied that he intended to monitor employees’ personal devices, saying his reference to monitoring from his cellphone relates to the company’s standard premises security cameras.

What is more, in a form making rounds, the Namibian has formally informed some of its staff that there is video surveillance at the Free Press of Namibia, NMT Foundation and Desert Radio premises. The rollout continues, it is said. 

“The initiative was put in place in case there is an accident or incident which requires the company to revisit the surveillance for the purposes of evidence. The company has the right to extract such footage or recordings to be used as evidence. This is to safeguard both the company and the employees,” reads part of the letter.

It is titled ‘Use of Video Surveillance (video and voice recording) at the Premises of The Free Press of Namibia, NMT Foundation and Desert Radio’.

“By signing this letter, you acknowledge that you are fully aware of the use of video surveillance and recording, and that was explained to all employees,” it further states.

The employees are also expected to sign indemnity forms when using company vehicles for official use.

One of the key clauses reads: “I agree never to institute any action or legal proceeding against the Free Press of Namibia, NMT or Desert Radio against any lawsuit, prosecution and/or action that may arise as a result of voluntary usage of WordPress Namibia vehicles.”

It also states: “I hereby absolve, exempt and release The Free Press of Namibia, NMT or Desert Radio for any loss or injury to me and/or my property and/or my death from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions or causes of action whatsoever arising out of any damage while being in or around the said vehicle.”

–newsroom@nepc.com.na

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