Hilma Nalupe

The second 2025 African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Board of Advisory meeting convened yesterday and will conclude today in Windhoek. 

The meeting, consisting of executive directors and permanent secretaries within the sport ministries of the 10 Region 5 countries held its opening ceremony yesterday with sport leaders and administrators from various sport codes within the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairperson of the AUSC Board of Advisors, Erastus Heitengela, said Region 5 has made tremendous strides in institutional development, but emphasised that the job is far from done. He called upon every member of the board to move beyond deliberations, stating that the success of the meeting will be measured by the programmes implemented and the impact they create.

“Region 5 today stands at a point of global appeal and credibility; this reputation is a product of years of discipline and shared commitment to professionalism. It is our duty to protect and continue this credibility,” Heitengela said.

Heitengela also recognised and congratulated 15 members of Region 5 who have been named among 50 of the Most Influential African Women in Sport by the Africa Sports Ventures Group. He urged them to continue breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation.

Speaking at the same event, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti said the meeting is vital as it is at the centre of the Region 5 governance structure. 

“This meeting gives life to what we preach; accountability, strategic leadership and a united commitment to ensuring that our young people are not left to chance,” he said.

Balloti went on to emphasise the role that the Board of Advisors plays in steering the region’s sport development agenda.  “The Board of Advisors are at the heartbeat of Region 5, but implementation rests with the members states. The outcomes from this meeting must be implemented in our schools and our communities across the region,” he emphasised.