As this was a follow-up to a similar workshop held in October 2002, participants were able to
move the process further by objectively assessing how far each of the SADC countries
represented measured up. Commitment to network and carry out further reforms were made
which would be followed up in the future. In some cases, like Botswana where the country was
then working on its broadcasting policy and Zambia which had enacted laws to regulate its
broadcasting and transform its state broadcaster to a public service broadcaster, concrete plans of
action to move these processes further were made.

6.5

Feasibility study into the need to establish a viable distribution of
African films in Namibia.

Mubasen Film And Video Productions Ltd was commissioned to undertake an audit of existing
film distribution centres in Namibia and whether or not there was a need to establish more
centres. The study also included a viewer survey to ascertain the popularity of local films. The
consultants presented a detailed report which, among others, shows that the few established
centres stock foreign films/videos and some on HIV/AIDS.
According to the report there is a need to open more centres and stock more African films. The
study suggests that the Namibian government should encourage production of local films and this
could be achieved, among others, through reduction on import taxes on equipment imported by
local film makers. The report also noted that instead of engaging government related film makers
they should extend tenders to private companies.

6.6

Katutura Community Radio (KCR) station

KCR closed in 1997 due to lack of leadership and funds. In 2003 a number of NGOs and
individuals collaborated to re-launch KCR. MISA assisted by recruiting and securing a salary for
six months for a contract station manager who started in February 2004. MISA also provided the
much-needed support in programming through the expertise of some of its staff.
KCR has since re-opened and broadcasts one-hour per day within Katutura and surrounding
areas. A board of trustees and temporary station manager are in place.

6.7

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)

MISA has been involved in the WSIS process since 2002 when it’s then Broadcasting Programme
Manager attended all preparatory meetings leading to the summit held in Geneva in December
2003. During the period under review, MISA continued its engagement as part of the Southern
African Partnership which included Article 19 Africa Programme, AMARC Africa, Association
of Progressive Communicators (APC) and SACOD. Most of the funding for the partnership’s
involvement was from NiZA which also enabled the partnership to engage the former MISA
Broadcasting Programme Manager as consultant after her contract with MISA expired in June
2003.

MISA Annual Report (April 2003 – March 2004)

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