Zebaldt Ngaruka

After proudly representing Namibia at the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) in Harare, Zimbabwe, recently, renowned sport journalist Limba Mupetami said her participation was not merely to make up the numbers – it was earned and deserved.

The RASA, hosted annually, honour and celebrate sporting excellence within the African Union Sports Council Region 5, which includes nations such as Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Mupetami, who heads the New Era Publications sport desk, is no stranger to this prestigious platform. 

She was previously nominated and participated in the RASA ceremony back in 2019.

She cemented her status as one of the continent’s top sport writers.

Speaking to this publication, Mupetami stressed the importance of Namibia being seen as a serious and valuable contributor at such events.

“I am not new in this territory. I believe in working smart – not just hard,” she said with confidence.

Looking ahead, she remains focused on continuing her advocacy for athletes, federations and the broader Namibian sports community.

“I will keep asking the tough questions others avoid, and stay committed to doing my job to the best of my ability,” Mupetami added.

With a wealth of experience, the seasoned journalist has a passion for mentoring the next generation of sport journalists in Namibia.

Her love for storytelling goes beyond elite sport. 

She enjoys covering community and grassroots stories, which she says keep her grounded and in touch with the people.

“This work often aligns closely with grassroots sport, which is where my passion lies,” Mupetami noted.

A four-time Namibia Sports Award recipient, she has been active in sport from a young age. 

Reflecting on the media landscape, she said very few women work in print sport journalism, though many are present in broadcasting.

“But of course, there are quite a number of them in the broadcasting field,” she observed.

To aspiring female journalists interested in sports coverage, Mupetami offers words of encouragement:

“Do it for the upliftment of sport in the country. It requires long hours and going out of your way for us,” she said.

At the RASA ceremony, Mupetami competed alongside Cosmas Mulenga of Zambia and Ellina Mlanga of Zimbabwe. 

Zambia’s Mulenga ultimately walked away with the RASA Best Sports Journalist of the Year Award.