As we stand on the threshold of the new 2026/2027 financial year, I would like to express my freedom of expression, which is constitutionally guaranteed under Article 21(1)(a).
The words of our late Founding Father resonate with me as I write this letter. His
Excellency Tatekulu Sam Nujoma uttered these words, “Sport is a national asset, and the structures therefore belong to the Namibians and not to individuals or groups of individuals.”
This viewpoint underscores the need for greater transparency, accountability and responsible management in all sport organisations.
In the same vein, I would like to emphasise that your outspoken stance on transparency, accountability and governance is indeed commendable.
With your leadership, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources, these can be enhanced.
Effective governance is crucial to ensure the safety, development and success of any sport code in the country. With sport recognised as the country’s second national priority, it is essential to focus on all spheres of sport.
Thorough reviews of financial practices and the implementation of robust controls to safeguard funds and ensure the correct allocation of budgets in accordance with strategic plans should be a priority.
Regarding your speech quoted in The Namibian newspaper on Monday, 2 March 2026, in which you highlighted the need for athletes to have structured annual calendars, integrated technical and medical support, and advanced logistical arrangements, I would like to provide additional context.
In this regard, I emphasise that the strategic planning for officials should be accorded equal priority to that of athletes across all sports disciplines.
Officials play an integral role in sports, tasked with ensuring adherence to the rules of their respective disciplines.
Adequate support for these officials is crucial, as it can significantly enhance the overall success of sports in the country.
The significance of officials cannot be overstated as they:
Ensure decisions are made without bias, maintaining fairness.
Prioritise athletes’ safety, stopping fights or matches when necessary.
Uphold the sport’s rules, prevent unnecessary injuries and maintain integrity.
Enhance the sport’s reputation and trust among fans. Their impartiality maintains trust in sports outcomes.
Most importantly, they provide guidance and support, helping athletes navigate competitions.
Periodic and consistent empowerment through workshops is essential to achieve this goal, as it addresses a critical aspect of ensuring comprehensive oversight across all spheres of sports.
I therefore urge you to strengthen oversight in sports and hold accountable those who misappropriate taxpayers’ funds.
Individuals found guilty of such misconduct should be dealt with in accordance with the law and the Constitution of our beloved country, Namibia.
In conclusion, I will end my letter with the true words of Karl Krause (1874 – 1936).
“Corruption is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual, the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country.”
*Patrick Esterhuizen is a licensed International Boxing Referee/Judge and a former Interim Namibia Professional Boxing Control Board Member. The views expressed here are entirely his own and not those of any association, organisation or federation he belongs to.