Windhoek, Namibia – June 7, 2025 – Over a decade ago, on July 20, 2012, I coined a term that has since guided my life's purpose: Citizen Informaticist. It's more than just a title; it's a profound belief that the most effective way to improve the lives of citizens worldwide is by enhancing the flow of information.
This isn't just about data; it's about connecting people with what they need to thrive. It encompasses:
- Information about government services: Ensuring citizens know what's available to them and how to access it.
- Information about the citizen and their specific needs: Understanding individual requirements to deliver tailored and effective solutions.
My ultimate vision is a world where citizens are empowered to share information, fostering ethical leadershipeverywhere. For me, ethics are the fundamental values that guide our choices and actions – the very decisions that shape our lives and the course of our societies.
With this vision firmly in sight, my mission becomes clear:
“To develop the tools and systems that assist the management of countries – across government, civil society, and the private sector – in providing access to services and technologies, ensuring the maximum quality of life for all who live there.”
Once the vision and mission are defined, the path forward is to develop SMART objectives that bring this aspiration to fruition.
A Decade of Informatic Action: My Journey as a Citizen Informaticist
Looking back, it's evident that the principle of being a Citizen Informaticist has been the driving force behind much of my work over the past decade. Here are some key projects that embody this commitment:
Future Namibia (Book): This work highlighted a crucial form of discrimination: not just race, culture, gender, or geography, but the insidious barrier of unequal access to services and technology. It underscored the importance of information in bridging these divides.
Milton Louw Blogs: This platform has been instrumental in sharing my ideas on an empowered citizenry. It led to newspaper articles and television interviews, amplifying the message and reaching a broader audience.
Government of Namibia Blog: As a comprehensive directory, this initiative aimed to demystify government operations. It provided:
- Contact details for ministers and directors.
- Vision, mission, and objectives of ministries.
- Strategic plans and focus areas.
- Explanations of work processes.
- Recent press releases and articles about ministries.
My current major undertaking continues this journey: co-authoring ”THE ETHICAL WAY TO WIN ELECTIONS: The Essential Guide to Building a Successful Value-based Campaign.” This book aims to provide practical guidance for ensuring that political leadership is rooted in strong ethical principles and serves the best interests of citizens.
The concept of a Citizen Informaticist is more relevant than ever in our increasingly connected world. It's about leveraging the power of information for the collective good.
Would you join me in becoming a Citizen Informaticist in your own country, working to empower your community through better information flow?
