2015-04-01Staff Report 2 WINDHOEK – The longstanding relationship between the Namibia Olympic Committee (NNOC) and her chairperson Agnes Tjongarero has finally come to an end. Speculation over the eligibility of Tjongarero’s lodging at Olympic House became rife after she was sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 2009. Although a thorough explanation was advanced to concerned groups that a Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) clause that prohibits lawmakers from serving on any sports umbrella body was in total conflict with the Olympic Charter, critics are at it again! The argument, which is partly justified, is that the ‘Iron Lady’ of Namibian sports was compromising her functions as head of the Olympic movement with her presence at the NNOC, amounting to a conflict of interest since the NNOC resorts directly under the portfolio ministry which she deputizes. Approached by New Era Sport to shed light on the confusion regarding her position as NNOC president, a bemused Tjongarero was quick out of the blocks saying there was no need for debate since she had already tendered her resignation as NNOC president with immediate effect upon her appointment as deputy minister of sports. The Namibian Sports Commission (NSC) Act of 2003 Part V 25 (b) (11) stipulates that a person may not hold office as a member of the executive organ of a national sports body or national umbrella sports body, if such a person is a member of the National Assembly, a regional council or a local authority council. In contrast, rule No. 16 of the Olympic Charter 1.5 reads that members of the NOC will not accept from governments, organizations, or other parties, any mandate or instructions liable to interfere with the freedom of their action and vote. 2015-04-01Staff Report 2
