Swapo Vice President (VP) Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said pressing issues such as the completion of national stadiums will be prioritised during the mid-term budget review next month. 

This comes in response to the ruling party’s manifesto, which outlines plans to upgrade national sport facilities, including the Independence Stadium.

The revamp will allow national teams to host home matches. 

The manifesto also promises to build basic sport facilities in all 121 constituencies, and construct Confederation of African Football-grade 2 stadiums in all 14 regions.

She also promised to develop five grade 3 facilities for international events.

“We are dedicated to realising the full potential of our sportsmen and women by promoting the professionalisation of the sector. Our goal is to accelerate funding for various sport programmes and infrastructure, creating productive recreational activities for the youth, while supporting employment-creation. Additionally, we aim to build youth recreation centres across the country to foster talent development, and further enhance opportunities for young people,” the manifesto reads. 

Regarding the urgency of addressing these issues, the VP said the mid-term budget discussions in October will focus on sectors requiring immediate intervention, including stadium renovations. 

“We will see what is discussed then, but our priority will be to address sectors needing immediate intervention, including pressing issues like the stadium. I think its high time our team plays host games here, at home,” she said.

Last month, she expressed frustration with the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service for delays in selecting a bidder to renovate the national stadium.

The situation has forced the national football team to play their home matches in South Africa for the past five years. 

Meanwhile, social activist Shaun Asprila Gariseb welcomed the ideas.

He said the plans are good if they are implemented. 

“It’s welcomed. I just hope these are genuine promises, because it starts with realising the value of sport in terms of curbing unemployment. Remember, we had sport athletes taking part in the Olympics recently. There was no introspection and preparation for the next Olympics. 

“Infrastructural development is important, but we must also look at who speaks of proper investment in sport. It is pointless to have an improved sport budget when it’s misguided. Let’s, for example, look at what cricket is doing with the least. 

All other sport can do the same if we understand and have a clear vision and objective for sport development in this country,” he suggested.

mkambukwe@nepc.com.na