Swakopmund: The Government, through its Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), has called on communications officers in both the public and private sectors to take pride in the country's national symbols. MICT Director of Print Media Affairs, Frans Nghitila, emphasized this point while speaking at the three-day Effective Communicators Conference currently underway in Swakopmund in the Erongo Region on Wednesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nghitila highlighted the importance of communications officers serving as the torchbearers of national symbols within their institutions. He stressed that communicators enhance government visibility and advocate against the misuse of the country's national symbols. He specifically mentioned the national flag, the Coat of Arms, and the national anthem as vital elements that require a deep understanding of their meaning and significance.

Nghitila underscored that these symbols should be a source of identity for every Namibian and must consistently be treated with respect. He also announced the upcoming release of a draft government corporate identity manual for 2025, which will be distributed nationwide and will detail the meaning of each national symbol.

Earlier at the conference, MICT Executive Director, Dr. Audrin Mathe, addressed the nearly 250 government and private communications officers present, emphasizing their strategic roles within institutions as the initial point of entry and center for information dissemination.

MICT Minister, Emma Theofelus, in her official opening remarks at the conference, urged managers of both government and private institutions to maintain, rather than reduce, resources allocated to communications officers. She insisted that communications officers should always be provided with the necessary resources and capabilities.

The conference, organized by the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA) in conjunction with MICT, is set to conclude on Friday.