Dirk Mudge and Dr. Jan Spies
Senior journalists of the early days
Monica Kalondo, Dirk Mudge and Chrisna Greeff
1 December 1977
The Beginning — Republikein
Republikein, the only Afrikaans daily newspaper in Namibia, was launched by Mr Dirk Mudge, with Dr Jan Spies as founding editor.
April 1992
Democratic Media Trust Founded
The Democratic Media Trust of Namibia was established to promote a free and independent media. The Trust founded Democratic Media Holdings (Pty) Ltd, expanding from a single publication to a diverse group — including the Allgemeine Zeitung, Namibia Nachrichten, and a 50% shareholding in the Windhoek Observer.
Mid-1990s
Consolidation & Restructuring
The company reorganised for long-term viability. The Windhoek Advertiser was closed, Tempo was merged into Republikein, and shareholding in the Windhoek Observer was disposed. John Meinert Printing was sold in 1999 and Newsprint Namibia was founded as a separate printing company.
February 2007
Media24 Partnership
The Trust sold 50% of its shareholding to South African media group Media24, opening a new chapter of growth and investment.
September 2007
Namibian Sun Launches
Namibian Sun was launched as a weekly English newspaper aimed at young readers. It went daily in 2010, becoming a vital English-language voice in Namibia.
January 2012
First Integrated Newsroom in Namibia
The old Eros printing premises were converted into the first integrated newsroom in Namibia. All three newspapers moved in together, followed by a complete redesign aligned with international publishing standards.
2023
100% Namibian Ownership
Emeraldsand Platform Holdings was established, making management, staff, and the community 100% shareholders in NMH — a landmark moment for Namibian media independence.