Over the years, I have been a keen follower of all debates and discussions around the role and functions of local sports development officers employed by the sports ministry. The role and functions of sports development officers largely remain undefined, and continue to call for renewed introspection. 

I have always questioned the role and competencies of our local sports officers, especially those stationed in the various regions of the country. 

Over here in Namibia’s metropolis (Windhoek), we continue to advocate for the deepened development of sport in all facets of society, and equally for more funding towards the construction of more sports facilities and support towards various sports projects.

But our calls for the construction of more facilities and support towards sports projects will continue to fall flat until we, as a country, truly revisit the role and functions of our sports officers – specifically those in the regions. 

Generally, my understanding is that the role and responsibilities of sports officers are to generate interest and increase the participation of community members in sports activities by running initiatives that will inspire people to take part in sports.

Similarly, I expect sports officers to plan and organise projects and campaigns in order to get more community members, especially the youth, involved in sport, and to also work towards making sporting activities and opportunities more accessible to everyone within the communities where they (sports officers) operate from. 

I also expect our sports officers to work smartly in finding potential funding for their various initiatives, and to work with relevant organisations or agencies, including youth services, schools, clubs, sports coaches and sports councils in order to take sport closer to the people, wherever they might find themselves.  

Sadly, it is not the case with many of our sports officers who are scattered across the country. To be quite honest, the only local sports officer who has and continues to do inspirational work for his community is none other than Bethold Karumendu, who is stationed in the Erongo region. 

As for the rest, I have no idea what they are doing in their respective regions as nothing seems to be happening on the ground.

Karumendu, who is equipped with a government vehicle and other meagre resources like his colleagues in the other regions, continues to set the bar high through numerous athletics initiatives, and he has managed to win over a number of sponsors to support those initiatives. 

My point is that it will be of no use to come up with good policies and sports development programmes if the foot soldiers (sports officers), who are expected to implement those respective policies and development programmes, are not in sync with the bigger development agenda.

Equally, it will be of no use to pump millions into sports development programmes if those entrusted with taking the benefits of those programmes to our communities and youth are nowhere to be seen in action. 

It becomes discouraging to the government to build million-dollar sports facilities in regions and the end-result is that our sports officers are not doing their job in terms of sensitising the communities to make full use of those facilities, or no community sports events are organised at those facilities. 

So, I say if sports development is to move to the next gear, we will need to redefine and revisit the mandate, role and functions of our local sports officers. 

Until next time, sharp sharp!!