WINDHOEK: The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, expressed gratitude to Parliament for approving the access to communication regulations on Tuesday.

The endorsement of the regulations will pave the way for the Access to Information Act (ATI) of 2022 to be put into operation.

In a ministerial statement in the National Assembly, Theofelus said that the approval reaffirms Namibia’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, good governance and access to information.

Theofelus explained that the regulations needed to be brought to Parliament as she cannot make the regulations without the endorsement of the National Assembly.

The ATI Act provides for the appointment of an independent and impartial information commissioner and deputy information commissioner.

‘The commencement of the ATI Act will lead to the establishment of the independent office of the information commissioner. This development will facilitate the appointment of the information commissioner and t
he deputy information commissioner, as stipulated in the Act. The commission will play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the public’s right to access information,’ she said.

Theofelus noted that a select committee, chaired by the secretary to the National Assembly, will be responsible for shortlisting, selecting and nominating candidates for information commissioners. This is according to Section 6(1) which makes provision that the nominated candidates will be approved by the National Assembly. The subsequent appointment of the information commissioner and the deputy information commissioner lies with the President.

The Access to Information Act was signed into law by late President Hage Geingob.

The legislation aims to enhance the right to access information from both public and private institutions, in order to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency