University of Namibia and New Era Moot Joint Mentorship Programme

CEO New Era Dr Audrin Mathe and
VC, Unam Prof Lazarus Hangula

The University of Namibia and New Era Publication Corporation mooted the idea of a New Era Centre for Journalism at the university. The suggestion was made during an informal discussion that took place when the Chief Executive Officer of New Era Dr Audrin Mathe visited the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Namibia (Unam) Prof Lazarus Hangula this week.

"We will be very much interested. We need to inform the dean of the faculty to see where and how the language department can fit in. New Era is very positive in carrying development stories on the university," said Hangula adding that the suggestion ought to be followed up with official discussions between the two institutions. "We know the power of New Era, and we now await your proposals," he said.

"Students that go through the centre would do attachments through the paper and New Era will make sure they turn out to be skilful enough for the job market," Mathe suggested.

Mathe also met with the Minister of Defence, Nahas Angula, who extolled the publication corporation to work towards establishing the culture of reading. "There is not much of a reading culture in this country. People buy newspapers to read rumours. Running a public publication is a tough job. You have to create a balance on how to keep the interest of the reading public in order for them to buy the paper," said Angula.

Mathe presented the defence minister with a copy of his latest dissertation on "The Influence of Directors' Leadership Styles in Company Performance: The Case of Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies."