I recently had the privilege of attending the 2025 Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) in Zimbabwe as a nominee in the Sports Journalist of the Year category.
Even though I did not win in my category, it was a moment of immense pride personally and professionally to represent Namibia on a regional platform.
While the awards ceremony was well-organised, with a strong sense of continental unity and professionalism, there is no denying that more can still be done to elevate sports journalism, particularly in Namibia.
One key takeaway from this experience is the urgent need for Namibian companies and sports organisations to invest meaningfully in their journalists.
Too often, media professionals are expected to report on national sport events from the confines of office desks, with little to no exposure to the dynamic world outside. Journalism, especially in the realm of sport, is not a desk job.
It is a calling that demands presence, participation and on-the-ground engagement.
Unfortunately, many sport federations in Namibia operate in silos, failing to recognise the critical role of the media.
It is not uncommon for these bodies to exclude journalists from international competitions or continental events.
This is a missed opportunity – not just for the journalists, but for the athletes and the country.
When media practitioners travel with athletes to competitions, they are not simply tagging along but creating visibility, telling important stories and putting the athletes and nation on the map.
Exposure to international events is a learning curve.
It sharpens reporting skills, builds networks and allows Namibian journalists to benchmark against their regional and international counterparts.
Without this exposure, it is impossible to expect local reporters to compete at the same level or produce the same calibre of journalism.
Yet, we wonder why our athletes and their achievements often remain underreported or ignored on the continental stage.
We must shift this narrative.
Supporting sport journalists to work beyond our borders is not a luxury but a necessity if Namibia wants to be recognised and respected in the global sporting arena. Journalism plays a vital role in shaping the public image of athletes and federations, attracting sponsorships and building fan bases. That work begins at home, but it must expand beyond our borders. Being a sport reporter should not be confined to Namibia alone.
There are countless untold stories, regional dynamics and international competitions that deserve coverage from a Namibian perspective.
If we do not show up, our stories will be told by others – or worse, not at all.
While I commend the organisers of the Rasa for hosting an inspiring event, I return home with a renewed call – let us invest in our journalists.
Let us empower them to explore, report and grow.
When we invest in journalism, we are not just investing in reporters but also in sport, athletes and national pride.
– Limba Mupetami is a sports journalist and the views here are her own.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na