When I began my journey with the World Press Institute (WPI) fellowship, I knew it would be an opportunity to learn about journalism beyond Namibia’s borders. What I didn’t realize was how profoundly it would reshape my understanding of investigative storytelling — and its power to influence nations, challenge systems and connect humanity across divides.
Over the past two months, I’ve traveled across the United States with journalists from nine other countries, visiting some of the world’s most respected newsrooms — from The Washington Post, The New York Times, Chicago Sun Times and ProPublica to Minnesota Public Radio and Politico. Walking through the halls of The Washington Post — a newsroom whose stories have exposed corruption and shaped global understanding of democracy and power — was one of the most inspiring moments of my career. I could almost feel the echoes of history in those corridors, where reporters once pursued the Watergate story that changed the course of American politics. Standing there reminded me why I chose this path: investigative journalism is not just a profession, it is a calling rooted in truth, courage and public accountability.
In Minneapolis, where our journey began, I was struck by the commitment of local journalists to their communities. They reminded me that even in an era of global headlines and digital saturation, local stories remain the heartbeat of journalism — stories that reveal who we are, how we live and what we value. It’s these deeply human narratives that, together, shape the larger national story.
But the journey was not without its challenges. Midway through the program, I tested positive for COVID-19. Suddenly, the rhythm of shared newsroom visits and long road trips with my colleagues came to a halt. For five days, I found myself isolated and worried, feeling disconnected from the group I had grown so close to. I prayed that nothing serious would happen and that I would recover in time to continue this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thankfully, with rest, care and faith, I recovered fully and was able to rejoin the fellowship — stronger and even more grateful.
As an investigative journalist from Namibia, I couldn’t help but reflect on the similarities and contrasts between our media landscapes. Namibia, like many African countries, faces challenges: limited resources, political pressures, and the constant struggle for media sustainability. Yet, the passion and resilience of African journalists remain fierce. We continue to tell stories that matter — stories that expose corruption, amplify marginalized voices and defend democratic values, often in difficult environments.
The WPI fellowship has expanded my professional horizon and deepened my conviction that independent, public-interest journalism is vital for democracy. It has made me think more critically about how to strengthen the ecosystem either back home or finding new opportunities here in the United States. Seeing how nonprofit and donor-supported investigative journalism newsroom models thrive in the United States gave me hope that this is not just a dream but an achievable goal.
One of the most profound lessons I take away from this fellowship is that investigative journalism is more than exposing wrongdoing. Whether it’s uncovering financial crimes, tracking environmental injustices or giving voice to communities ignored by those in power, the impact of journalism lies in what we reveal and in how we tell it. Stories can unite or divide, illuminate or obscure — and as journalists, we carry the responsibility to tell them with fairness, empathy and truth.
Going forward, I will approach my work differently. I plan to build stronger collaborations with fellow journalists across southern Africa, sharing data, resources and expertise to take on cross-border investigations. I want to embrace new storytelling tools — from digital mapping and data visualization to multimedia reporting — to make complex investigations more accessible to the public. Most importantly, I want to mentor emerging reporters in Namibia, helping them see investigative journalism not as a risk, but as a vital act of service to their communities.
As I prepare to return home, I carry with me new knowledge and renewed purpose. I’ve seen firsthand how fact-based stories can change minds, influence policy and strengthen democracies. The WPI fellowship reminded me that journalism, at its core, is diligence and an act of hope. Every story we tell is a belief in the possibility of change. And as I return to Namibia, I do so with the conviction that investigative stories — honest, courageous and compassionate —have the power to shape nations.
