Looking back to Windhoek
Friday, November 27, 2015
How did you contribute to MISA as its founding regional director?
In November 1989 my boss and mentor, Patrick van Rensburg, ‘tagged me along’ to a meeting of publishers and editors from emergent regional independent newspaper publications in Chobe. His foundation, FEP (which owned Mmegi newspaper at the time), together with the Swedish Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, had organised the consultation. It was here that the idea of setting up a regional media lobby group was first mooted. It was also at this meeting that the establishment of a ‘media bank’ was first discussed.
While his leadership has brought about significant progress and development, it is imperative that he exercises greater caution in his choice of words, particularly when addressing sensitive matters.One of the primary concerns is the potential impact of his remarks on Botswana’s relationship with De Beers, the diamond mining giant that plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy.The partnership between Botswana and De Beers has been mutually...