The leadership dispute within the Namibian National Paralympic Committee (NNPC) has taken a dramatic turn.

 The interim committee, chaired by Daniel Trum, decided to boot secretary general Michael Hamukwaya.

In a detailed letter addressed to the International Paralympic Committee and the Namibia Sports Commission, the committee stated that Hamukwaya has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.

A statement issued by Trum says the decision was made “following careful consideration” of the current situation within the NNPC. 

“The interim committee has concluded to excuse you from your position as the secretary general of NNPC,” the letter reads. 

“It’s an unfortunate situation that the interim committee has come to this conclusion. Therefore, take note that as from the date of this letter, you are no longer the secretary general of NNPC,” it adds.

Despite the dismissal, Hamukwaya will remain active in Namibian disability sport as a coach, a role the committee acknowledges as valuable.

The interim committee, appointed to steer the organisation through a transitional period, emphasised that they hold full authority to manage the affairs of the NNPC until a new board is elected through an upcoming elective congress.

Stakeholders were reminded that all official decisions and communications must now go through the interim committee only.

The decision to remove Hamukwaya comes amid growing concerns over what the committee describes as his unilateral management of the organisation. 

“We have observed that the former secretary general, who was initially recommended to serve as a resource person to support the interim committee, is now managing and making all decisions of the NNPC independently, without consultation,” the statement reads.

The committee cite that Hamukwaya’s continued possession of the NNPC’s official letterhead, stamp and status as the primary contact for national and international partners gave him disproportionate control, undermining the interim committee’s authority.

“This situation has made the work of the interim committee more difficult,” the statement reads, adding that some NNPC members appear to support Hamukwaya’s leadership over that of the interim committee. 

The committee warned that such internal division threatens to prolong critical processes, including constitutional amendments and the election of new leadership.

In light of these issues, the interim committee has requested that all communications from stakeholders and partners, both local and international, be directed to the interim chairperson, Trum, until further notice.

Furthermore, they have asked that Hamukwaya be removed from all committees where he serves as the NNPC’s representative, with replacements to be communicated by the interim chairperson.

“We urge all stakeholders to provide their full support to the interim committee in our efforts to normalise the situation,” the statement reads. 

“We remain committed to restoring stability and ensuring the NNPC continues its vital role in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities to participate equally in sport,” they said.

The letter also assured that further updates regarding the transition process and the establishment of a new leadership structure would be communicated in due course. 

Hamukwaya did not respond to queries regarding the interim committee’s request. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na