Namibia has recently engaged in several crucial public discussions, but these conversations have been hindered by poor communication. In June, the country debated the merits of repaying mortgages over five years instead of 20. Telecom Namibia also signed deals to lease fibre from private companies, and on August 31, Windhoek hosted the launch of the national Public Key Infrastructure, DigiNam. Despite the significance of these issues, many Namibians remain unclear about what they entail.
The mortgage debate exemplifies the communication breakdown. The initial proposal was simple: banks keep people in debt for 20 years, whereas cars are paid off in five. However, the response from financial experts was couched in technical terms, such as prudential lending and loan-to-value ratios. Few explained the arithmetic behind the issue, leaving citizens uninformed about the trade-offs involved. A shorter repayment term means higher monthly instalments, which could disqualify many Namibians from obtaining mortgages.
The introduction of DigiNam, the national Public Key Infrastructure, has also been shrouded in technical jargon. Electronic signature regulations came into effect on June 15, and the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) now serves as the Root Certification Authority. However, the terminology used – public key infrastructure, trust anchors, and certificate hierarchies – is unfamiliar to many outside the IT sector. This has led to confusion and a lack of understanding about the benefits and implications of the new system.
The decision by Telecom Namibia to lease fibre from private companies rather than build its own infrastructure has also been poorly communicated. While copper theft is a legitimate concern, it is only part of the story. The long-term costs, pricing, and risk allocation associated with leasing fibre raise important questions that have not been adequately addressed. The use of technical terms such as "open access" and "passive infrastructure" has further muddled the issue.
The problem lies not with the complexity of the issues themselves but with the way they are communicated. Many Namibians think and make decisions in languages other than English, which is the country's official language. As a result, technical explanations often fail to resonate with the public. The emphasis on complexity in professional circles can also lead to a culture of obscurity, where simpler explanations are seen as less sophisticated.
To bridge this communication gap, it is essential to develop a more effective approach to explaining complex issues. This could involve using plain language, relatable examples, and multilingual communication strategies. By doing so, Namibians can make informed decisions about the issues that affect their lives. The national backbone of explanation has been built, but the last mile of communication remains a challenge.
Ultimately, the onus is on professionals and communicators to take responsibility for explaining complex issues in a clear and concise manner. By prioritizing transparency and simplicity, they can help build trust and foster a more informed public discourse. This, in turn, can lead to more nuanced and productive conversations about the issues that shape Namibia's future.
Key points
- Poor communication has hindered public understanding of complex issues in Namibia.
- Technical jargon and complexity have contributed to the problem.
- A more effective approach to communication is needed to bridge the gap.
