Tsumeb
Staff members that attended the annual Ministry of Works and Transport’s Ministerial Games in the Tsumeb recently were told in no uncertain terms not use their presence as a means to grease their palms with hefty Subsistence and Travelling Allowances (S&T).
They should rather embrace the event, as it provides opportunities to integrate the workforce and enhance performance, as well as use the platform to exercise and become physically fit. These were the words of Deputy Minister of Works and Transport James Sankwasa when the lawmaker officially opened the 2nd edition of the annual four-day tourney.
The first edition of the competition was launched last year in the vast Zambezi Region and saw Khomas Region claim the floating trophy before it moved to Oshikoto Region this year.
“The notion behind the invention of this particular tourney is to bring the entire workforce together, so that they get to know each other as colleagues and get to know the country as well. Hence, the primary reason for the rotation of the championship.
“We have thousands of tourists who envy the beauty of our country as opposed to to our own citizens who don’t know and get to enjoy those places – hence the need for this initiative, Sankwasa said, adding that it is in the spirit of the Harambee Prospecrity Plan that no region must be left out. Sankwasa added that physical fitness is important for all employees, as they need to remain healthy, in the process reducing stress and anxiety when overburdened with work.
He further highlighted that this particular tournament is not only for the staff members, but is also aimed at boosting local economies in the chosen regions where the tourneys are hosted. “These people will generate an income during the staging of the tournaments by providing services to attendees, therefore reducing poverty,” he reasoned. Sankwasa, a participant in last year’s tournament, did not take part in the games this year. The occassion was also attended by a number of high-profile digniteries, including Tsumeb
Constituency Councillor Lebbius Tobias. The latter stressed the need for sports, saying it has the potential to prevent people from spending their time in bars and sheebens abusing alcohol.
Also in attendance were Deputy Mayor of Tsumeb Matthews Hangula and Police Deputy Commissioner Petrus Shiwedha.