With less than two weeks to go, Namibia has entered the final stretch in preparations for the 11th edition of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, which will run from 4 to 13 July in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Ndeulipula Hamutumwa, chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), has affirmed the country’s readiness under the inspiring theme ‘Own the Moment’. He stressed that despite receiving the mandate to host on short notice following Mozambique’s withdrawal, Namibia has remained focused and committed to staging a world-class event.
Ten Southern African countries are expected to participate in the regional youth games. Besides hosts Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe will also take part. In total, close to 5 000 athletes and officials are expected.
The games will feature a wide array of sporting disciplines, including athletics, basketball, boxing, football, judo, karate, netball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, and e-sports.
As part of preparations, several key venues have undergone major upgrades to meet international standards. These include the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium and the University of Namibia grounds in Windhoek, as well as Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund. The renovations will enable athletes to compete in top-tier facilities, reflecting Namibia’s commitment to hosting a memorable and high-standard sporting event.
One of the most symbolic and unifying elements of the pre-Games activities has been the Region 5 Torch Tour, which has swept across the nation, igniting excitement and pride among communities.
The tour kicked off in Swakopmund on 21 June, energising the Erongo coastal town. From there, it made its way to northern Namibia, warmly welcomed in Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omusati, and Kunene regions, reaching Oshakati on Monday.
On 25 June, the flame was taken to Rundu, allowing residents from Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, and the two Kavango regions to see the torch and meet Rhino, the official games mascot, alongside notable Namibian athletes. The same day, the torch was taken to Gobabis in the Omaheke region and is set to continue its journey to Keetmanshoop on 27 June, before making its grand arrival in Windhoek on 29 June.
The torch relay has included appearances by former Region 5 athletes — both able-bodied and para-athletes — who have inspired the youth and reinforced the spirit of inclusivity and unity through sport.
During the torch stops, regional leaders shared heartfelt sentiments about the significance of the event. Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka, delivered a stirring address:
“It is with immense pride and an overflowing heart that I stand before you today, as the Region 5 Youth Games torch, a symbol of encouragement and unity, graces our magnificent Kavango East region. The sight of this torch ignites a special spark in the eyes of our youth, a reminder of the power of dreams and the joy of coming together.”
Similarly, Rundu mayor Gabriel Kanyanga said during a symbolic tree-planting ceremony:
“We are here to celebrate a different kind of growth, a growth that extends far beyond the sporting arena. We are here to plant trees, living symbols of our commitment to a sustainable future.”
Echoing these sentiments, a Gobabis councillor from Omaheke region added: “As this flame journeys across our beautiful Namibia, it carries the collective hopes of a nation.”
Meanwhile, LOC chairperson Hamutumwa emphasised that every detail is being fine-tuned for the big event.
“Everything is going according to plan. We are confident in delivering a truly exceptional event for all participating nations. We call upon Namibians to come in large numbers and cheer both local and international athletes as they test their prowess against each other in a sporting spirit. These young athletes will make friends for life during these games; hence, we must support them.”
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na