In a call for increased corporate investment in sports development, NamibRe managing director Patty Karuaihe-Martin urged companies to aid the government in rebuilding the country’s sports programmes, which have been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The state-owned company donated N$100 000 towards the women’s indoor hockey team.

Speaking at a farewell event held at Standard Bank headquarters in Windhoek, Karuaihe-Martin emphasised the potential for sports to elevate poverty and promote good health, further calling on corporate entities to collaborate in finding ways to improve sports development in Namibia

“Sport development in this country has faced a significant setback due to the pandemic. But it is our responsibility, as corporate companies, to aid the government through the Ministry of Youth and National Service to rebuild,” said Karuaihe-Martin.

“As corporate entities, we can play a significant role in ensuring smooth competition for teams abroad. Sports have the power to alleviate poverty and promote good health. I urge all corporate companies to come together and explore ways to improve sports development in Namibia,” she said

MTC’s John Ekongo also spoke at the event, agreeing that corporate collaboration is crucial for the growth and development of sports in the country, and criticising the practice of only releasing funds when teams are winning.

“If corporates come together and collaborate, a lot can be achieved. Our approach to supporting Namibia has never been about taking the credit; it is rather about fostering growth in the country – not just economically but socially and in sports development. Without investing, we will not see progress or progress coming from outside of the country,” stated Ekongo.

“Sports is not just a leisure activity, but it plays a vital role in development. Without sports, we may see an increase in the need for more prisons. It’s unfortunate that funding is not consistently available, and it is only made available when teams achieve success,” he said.

The ladies’ team will compete in various friendlies in Europe, Netherlands, specifically ahead of the World Cup, which commences on 5 February. 

Meanwhile, Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief administration Freddy Mwiya also seconded all their views on funding, saying having more corporate invest in sports would change the landscape of sports in Namibia. 

“I would say I share the same views – and if corporate Namibia can come together and fund sport, our country and sport fraternity at large will change for the good. So far, sports federations are doing most of the work on their own, which is not enough to elevate sports development at large,” he said. - mkambukwe@nepc.com.na