Outgoing Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) president Abner Xoagub has expressed disappointment over the delayed finalisation of the new Sport Act.

He expressed these sentiments while handing over the reins to newly-elected president Ndeulipula Hamutumwa.

The delayed finalisation of the Sport Act remains a significant concern for Xoagub.

He urged the incoming administration to prioritise this issue, and work closely with the government to expedite the process. 

He said the new Act will be crucial for the development of Namibian sport, and the optimal performance of athletes.

 “We cannot change anything substantially if the Act is not directing us, and creating that environment under which we need to work together, coordinate and reduce duplication to minus zero. The Bill is still being circulated at different levels – and subsequently, we are still with an Act that was formulated in 2002. It is not serving us well. It is not enabling us to mobilise enough resources. 

So, I hope that process will be addressed soon. The elections next week will tell us who will be running the country. It is important for us to be close to the government, and engage in this process of reviewing the Sport Act to come up with an Act that will enable us to optimise the potential of our children to make sure they compete at the international level,” he said. Xoagub, who was nominated for a second term, made the surprising decision to step down, paving the way for Hamutumwa to assume the presidency. 

The annual general meeting also saw the election of a new vice president, Gabby Ahrens, and board members Maggy Mengo, Joseph Amakali, Dawie Augustyn, Riaan Steyn, Thomas Wylie, Brit Byl, Andrew Masongo and Cylas Wilders.

The outgoing Xoagub called on the new NNOC board and federations to prioritise the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs).

“The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is a member of the UN. The IOC president and the IOC committed to the UN to see to it that we implement these SDGs. As such, we need to get involved beyond the athletes and sport. We need to get involved in climate change. We need to get involved in the environment, and all those things which are part of the SDGs, including gender, development, young girls and culture. 

“This will be part of the agenda that the new board will drive. Federations also need to take up this responsibility, and drive that.”

He became NNOC president in 2015 after taking over from Agnes Tjongarero. He acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the NNOC member federations, highlighting their significant achievements, despite limited resources. He emphasised the importance of collaboration, as well as the need to leverage opportunities to support athletes, and promote sport development in Namibia.

He expressed optimism for the future of the NNOC under Hamutumwa’s leadership. 

He assured the new president of his continued support, and offered guidance as needed.