41 Years, 8,000kms

The Namibian newspaper is turning 41 years old on a Sunday, a milestone achieved through the dedication of its operations manager, Elrich Tilling, and a network of delivery vans and street vendors. The newspaper's distribution vans travel over 8,000kms to deliver the paper across Namibia, ensuring that readers can access the latest news and headlines.

Elrich Tilling, with 18 years of experience in the newspaper business, oversees the distribution process. He manages the operations with a deep understanding of the printing and distribution process, having worked as a computer-to-plate operator at WordPress Namibia between 2014 and 2021. The printing machine can print up to 30,000 copies per hour, making it possible to meet the demand for the newspaper.

One of the street vendors, Naftal Thomas, has been selling newspapers in the same spot for over 20 years. He collects 50 copies of The Namibian newspaper daily, a significant decrease from the over 100 copies he used to collect when he first started. Thomas attributes the decline to the economic downturn and the shift to digital news access, which has affected the sales of print newspapers.

The Namibian's street sales office opens at 04h30, and Thomas is one of the vendors who collects the day's paper at this early hour. He then heads to his spot at Game along Windhoek's Simeon Shixungileni Street, where he sells the newspapers to motorists and pedestrians. Despite the challenges, Thomas remains committed to his work and tries to stay up-to-date with the latest headlines by reading The Namibian newspaper when he gets the chance.

## Why it matters The distribution of The Namibian newspaper is crucial for the country's readers who still prefer to access news in print. The newspaper's reach and availability are essential for keeping the public informed about local and national issues. The shift to digital news access has posed challenges for street vendors like Naftal Thomas, but the newspaper's commitment to print distribution ensures that readers can continue to access the news in the format they prefer.

The celebration of The Namibian newspaper's 41st anniversary is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its team, including Elrich Tilling and street vendors like Naftal Thomas. As the newspaper continues to navigate the challenges of the digital age, its commitment to print distribution remains a vital part of its mission to keep the public informed and engaged.