Is journalism still a sustainable career for young Namibians?

Financial insecurity, burnout raise concerns
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 13 Hours Ago

Nearly half of the journalists surveyed across Africa have considered leaving the profession, raising concerns about the future of journalism and the industry's ability to attract and retain young talent.

For journalism students, interns and aspiring young Namibian reporters, the findings raise an important question: what kind of future awaits them in a profession already struggling to retain its workforce?

A 2026 report by the Federation of African Journalists, supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), found that 47% of 1 586 journalists surveyed in 45 African countries had considered leaving the profession.

Financial insecurity was identified as the leading source of stress, accounting for 38% of responses. Meanwhile, 61% of respondents said their income was insufficient to meet their basic living needs, while 58% reported delayed salary payments.

For young journalists entering newsrooms, these challenges could mean having to navigate low salaries, demanding workloads and limited opportunities for professional growth while trying to establish themselves in the industry.

Valencia Hatutale, a communications student, believes the situation could discourage young people from pursuing journalism as a long-term career.

"Many young people enter journalism because they want to tell stories, inform communities and make a difference. However, passion alone cannot pay bills. If the industry cannot offer young journalists financial stability and room to grow, we risk losing talented storytellers before they even establish themselves," she said.

Sipora Kamati, another communications student, believes media organisations must take greater responsibility for supporting emerging journalists.

"Internships should be more than an opportunity for young people to gain experience. They should provide proper mentorship, fair treatment and a pathway towards employment. Young journalists should not have to sacrifice their well-being simply to prove that they deserve a place in the industry," she said.

The report also found that 84% of respondents had experienced self-censorship, while 44% frequently experienced burnout. In addition, 72% said their workplaces did not provide mental health or counselling support.

In Namibia, journalists working in print, radio, television and online media have reported long working hours, unpaid overtime, stagnant salaries and growing mental health pressures.

While the findings highlight the difficulties facing established journalists, they also raise concerns about the next generation entering the profession.

Attracting young people to journalism is only part of the challenge. Media organisations must also create working environments where emerging journalists can develop their skills, earn a sustainable living and build long-term careers.