Namibia ten by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, was released for discussion to stakeholders at the beginning of 2007. There was consensus that this draft is so progressive that it is doubtful whether it will ever become law, but it could indicate positive change in terms of the government’s attitude to the media. The draft policy recommends constitutional changes and makes provision for a selfregulatory media body. SCORES: Individual scores: 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3 Average score: 3.3 1.2 (2005 = 3.4) The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. ANALYSIS: Some members of the panel felt that Namibians are not able to express themselves without fear. “Freedom of expression in Namibia is offset by some element of political fear”, which is particularly strong in rural areas where tradition dominates and prevents the criticism of elders (“It must be a brave man to say anything against elderly person”). “People are fearful of not being regarded as part of Namibia. There is fear of the ruling party [SWAPO] and an underlying fear of the former president [Sam Nujoma, current president of SWAPO].” Outspoken citizens in marginalised areas also feel that they “don’t have the right to talk”, and that their concerns are ignored within the broader community, where nepotism, favouritism and corruption are commonplace. 4 African Media Barometer - Namibia 2007