Aitsa! Otis Daniels promoted to executive director

For many professionals, recognition after more than three decades of service is a milestone worth celebrating.

For Aitsa!’s newly appointed executive director, Otis Daniels, it is both a moment of gratitude and motivation for the future.

Reflecting on his recognition for a longstanding contribution to the media industry – he started his first media job in 1995 – Daniels describes the achievement as a "win-win."

"I am appreciative of the opportunity to live my passion and grow my capabilities since the first day I joined NMH," he says.

Throughout his time at NMH, Daniels has left a clear mark, from launching the Aitsa! brand to leading the Erongo office and introducing broadcasting initiatives such as Erongo Talk and On the Rocks. Beyond the projects, he says one of his greatest rewards has been watching those he mentored find their footing.

“I enjoy seeing the success achieved by the protégés of Erongo,” he says.

A poetic start

Most journalism careers begin with a lucky break. Daniels' began with a robbery.

After hitchhiking to Johannesburg in search of a better life in 1995, he was attacked and robbed by police officers on his first night in the city. The experience moved him to write a poem, ‘Robbers Them Cops’, which was published in Homeless Talk, a newspaper serving people living on Johannesburg's streets. It earned him his first payment of N$80 and marked the start of his media career.

“My passion for people, social justice and the desire to effect meaningful change inspires and motivates me,” he says.

Daniels later joined the publication as a writer, organised training opportunities for fellow contributors, served on its board of trustees and eventually managed the newspaper.

"From there, I never looked back," he recalls.

A major influence on his professional development was South African journalist and media trainer Clive Emdon, who recognised his potential and helped develop his skills.

The lessons Daniels learned continue to guide him today.

“Be punctual, be factual and read your work several times before submission. Do not compromise your credibility,” he advises. He also believes: “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

The road ahead

As he steps into his new role, Daniels sees the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility.

“I see it as motivation and will continue serving the communities in which Aitsa operates to inspire and effect meaningful, positive change,” he says.

Aitsa!, launched in 2025, is a show and publication that shines a spotlight on Namibia's smaller southern towns, introducing viewers and readers to the cultures and traditions of the people who live there. The brand tells those stories across television, print and social media.

"My mission is to explore those so-called 'little towns' and share with viewers and readers the cultures and traditions of the extraordinary people living there," Daniels says. "I encourage everyone to take the road less travelled and experience what these places and people have to offer."

His priorities include growing the Aitsa! brand, expanding its reach and ensuring financial sustainability. On leadership, he identifies integrity, adaptability and empowering others as essential qualities. His advice to aspiring journalists is straightforward: "Be versatile, be passionate, work hard and go the extra mile."