The letter angered editors from SADC whose two-day forum ended last night. Just ignore the note. If a story breaks, it's a story. The meeting instructed Molefe and Peta to write a strongly-worded letter to reject the Namibian Government's stance. Government's prescription for media visiting the country is not unique to Namibia.
Similar restrictions apply in several other African countries.
Various media organisations have called for the free movement of journalists and the abolition of such measures. Misa Regional Director Luckson Chipare said the matter had been brought up by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting at the second organising committee meeting earlier this year. He said Misa, however, had reminded Government that it was not in the spirit of the Windhoek Declaration and would face rejection from delegates. However, to Misa's surprise the Ministry of Home Affairs instructed their counterparts at Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting that all delegates need to have work permits for any work done outside the conference hall. The letter, sent to NBC Director General Ben Mulongeni, was not well-received by some of the Corporation's staff members.