Media plays major role in flagging corrupt practices: Van der Merwe

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Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director General, Erna van der Merwe, has emphasised the importance of the media’s role in exposing corruption and subsequent investigations by the ACC.

Speaking at the ACC’s annual media briefing with the media in the Erongo Region on Thursday, Van der Merwe said investigative bodies such as the ACC would have difficulty unravelling corrupt conduct if it did not collaborate with the media.

“We recognise the fact that many corrupt practices that have and are being investigated by the ACC were first reported by the media. We are therefore among the first to recognise the very important role of the media and thus when necessary and at the appropriate time, we will continue to share information with and through the media,” she noted.

Van der Merwe added that investigative journalism remains one of the critical apparatuses in flagging incidences of corruption in both public and private institutions and its negative consequences on the economy, resources and the people.

“Investigative journalists have both the duty and responsibility in the fight against corruption and we encourage you to remain courageous and vigilant as the execution of these duties lead to the investigation and exposure of criminal wrongdoing and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.”

The deputy director general also placed prominence on educating and training particularly new journalists who have just completed their studies and commenced with their careers in journalism.

“That does not however mean that one should neglect to continuously provide for refresher or specific training for those that have been around,” she advised.

Van der Merwe also called on the participation of other stakeholders in the fight against corruption, which is in line with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2025 launched in March this year.

The strategy, which is all-inclusive of civil society and regional and local authorities, will, as one of the objectives, engage civil society, non-governmental organisations and the media in combatting corruption.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency