• The lack of transparency, poor fiscal management and governance at the NBC, as well as the escalating debt of the state broadcaster. • Continuing under-investment in human resource development within the media. Very few, if any, privately initiated training programmes for journalists exist. • The failure to set up an independent broadcasting complaints commission. • The fact that NCC commissioners lack an understanding of media issues. • The over-commercialisation of the NBC, which results in the state-funded broadcaster neglecting its public mandate to inform, educate and entertain. • The continued lack of access to the media in rural areas, and the absence of true community radio stations in local languages and in rural areas. • Poor gender mainstreaming. • While it has improved since 2005, the amount of local content is still insufficient on local television and radio stations. The main drivers or actors for positive developments • The perception of a change of attitude by government and an improved political climate have made it possible to discuss media issues more openly. The democratic culture in general has become more consultative, as a result of President Pohamba’s more inclusive approach. • Increased competition, which drives development. • Journalists who report without fear or favour. • The judiciary, which has helped to protect the rights of the media. • Young people making use of improved technology to create new publications and disseminate information. • The National Society for Human Rights has been very active in terms of freedom of expression and human rights. Increasingly, MISA Namibia should be taking the lead in this regard. • Informanté - for having “shaken things up”. • Civil society, with regard to the public outcry that led to the NBC ‘Chat Show’ being reinstated. Some of the possible obstacles for further positive change • While President Pohamba promises a new climate of openness and inclusiveness, in reality the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Nandi-Ndaitwah, possibly as a result of her also holding the position of Secretary-General for Information in the So This Is Democracy? 2007 -221- Media Institute of Southern Africa