By Jennifer Pogisho
Access to accurate and timely information is a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance. It empowers citizens to make informed decisions, enhances accountability, and promotes transparency within both public and private institutions. Recognising this, the Government Republic of Namibia took a significant step forward by promulgating the Access to Information (ATI) Act, which was published in the Government Gazette No. 7986; Notice No. 413, on 28 December 2022.
The ATI Act yet to be enforced, establishes the right of individuals to access information held by both public and private entities, including institutions such as the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). The primary aim of the law is to ensure that information essential for the protection or exercise of personal freedoms is readily available. However, the Act also outlines specific exemptions, allowing entities to withhold classified, personal, or third-party information where disclosure would infringe on the rights of others.
Implementing the ATI ACT: CRAN’S role
In anticipation of and in order to align with the requirements of the ATI Act, CRAN has undertaken the below key measures:
- Appointment of Information Officers: CRAN has designated an Information Officer and a Deputy Information Officer to oversee the ensuing implementation of the ATI Act within the institution.
- Development of an Information Manual: This document outlines the procedures for requesting information, expected response times, associated costs, and other critical details for stakeholders.
CRAN’S commitment to transparency
The newly established Access to Information Division within CRAN’s Communication & Consumer Relations department has been tasked with pre-emptively ensuring that information is managed in a manner that fosters transparency, accountability, and good governance. This division will be responsible for proactively disseminating information, responding to requests for access, and facilitating internal reviews, appeals, and judicial processes related to information access.
To solidify its commitment, CRAN has appointed Mr. Mufaro Nesongano,Executive: Communication & Consumer Relations, as the Information Officer, and Ms. Jennifer Pogisho, Manager: Access to Information, as the Deputy Information Officer.
The introduction and eventual implementation of the ATI Act marks a transformative period for Namibia, reinforcing the country’s commitment to transparency and democratic governance. CRAN acknowledges that this Act does not replace existing channels of information sharing but rather strengthens the framework for the proactive and structured dissemination of information to all stakeholders.
Jennifer Pogisho is the Manager: Access To Information at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)