The challenges of communicating global pandemics as national security issue: A case study of COVID-19 in Namibia

This study examined the challenges of communicating global pandemics as national security threat with specific reference to COVID-19 outbreak in Namibia. It was motivated by the articulation of the pandemic as a national security threat through the declaration of state of emergency by the Namibian government. The state of emergency was characterized by the adoption of COVID-19 protocols and regulations such as closing down of some borders, imposing of curfew, restriction of movements, mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, and limited shut down of businesses. However, it became evident that the articulation of the pandemic as a national security threat did not resonate with the Namibian public as evidenced by violation of COVID-19 protocols and regulations. This resulted in numerous arrests and confrontations with security agencies. Through the use of qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and review of documents, data were collected and analysed. From data analysis, it was found that the messaging strategies of the government on COVID-19 security implications were ineffective as a result of mixed messaging and the circulation of false information on social media. Furthermore, it was found that the public mistrusted the government, World Health Organization and others due to inconsistencies in the information provided on the pandemic. On the basis of the findings, recommendations were made to the effect that strengthening of stakeholders’ engagement, engagement of experts as messengers as well as timeous dissemination of relevant information among others are critical to effectively communicating pandemics as national security threats.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Namibia

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Shikwambi, Pretunilla Kaunapawa

• COVID-19 in Namibia
• Communicating
• National security
• Threat

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3688

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/3688