Since gaining independence in 1990, Namibia has been steadily carving out its place on the global sporting stage.
However, the journey for athletes doesn’t end on the podium. Recognising the importance of sustaining their development and welfare beyond competitions, Namibia has implemented several initiatives aimed at supporting athletes’ post-independence.
One cornerstone of these efforts is athlete funding. The Namibian government, along with various sports associations and corporate sponsors, has allocated substantial resources to provide financial support to athletes. Some of the funding has helped or assist cover training expenses, travel costs for competitions, and essential equipment, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the progress of talented athletes.
As Namibia commemorates its 34th year of independence, New Era Sport had the opportunity to engage with several sports pundits and administrators. They shared insights into the achievements Namibia has garnered since gaining independence and discussed strategies to enhance athletes’ welfare, along with initiatives aimed at supporting them.
Former Namibia Premier League, chief executive officer Mathew Haikali commended these initiatives, highlighting the significance of reward policies approved by the cabinet in 2018.
Haikali emphasised how these policies incentivize excellence and commitment within the sporting arena, providing athletes with tangible recognition for their efforts. Additionally, Haikali noted the importance of introducing various sports courses at the university level, empowering athletes, and former athletes to navigate their careers effectively.
“Since independence, Namibia has taken significant strides in bolstering its sports sector. From the enactment of reward policies to the establishment of sports management programs at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, and support from institutions like Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund and Namibia Training Authority. While progress has been made, there remains a pressing need to fortify the entire ecosystem that underpins sports in our nation,” said Haikali.
He stressed the importance of ensuring sustainable mechanisms accompany rewards, facilitating long-term development and growth for athletes. Haikali also emphasised the role of comprehensive capacity building in all facets of sports management and support services, highlighting its potential for job creation, economic empowerment, and social cohesion.
Moreover, Namibia has prioritised the well-being of athletes through initiatives like the Athletes Safeguarding Programme introduced by the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC). This program focuses on safeguarding athletes, protecting the integrity of sport and sport organisations, and promoting the values of safe sport. It also assists coaches and athlete representatives in addressing disclosures of harassment and abuse, mitigating risks to athletes’ development and well-being.
Reacting to the progress in terms of supporting athletes, NNOC member Dr Ndeulipula Hamutumwa echoed the same sentiments as Haikali. He acknowledged the government’s role in creating platforms for athletes to showcase talent and nurture them.
However, he emphasised the need for further investment to ensure athletes thrive in their space.
“I think it’s important to look at what the government has done since we gained independence. They have established the Namibia Schools Sport Union where talent is unearthed at the grassroots level. They have also created infrastructure where all these athletes compete.
There is sport at the tertiary level where athletes are moulded into fully fledged competitors who represent Namibia at various international levels,” said Hamutumwa.
He stressed the necessity for increased investment in developing athletes, advocating for collaboration between the government and private sectors to mobilise funding for athletes to compete in serious events.
Hamutumwa highlighted the importance of high-standard facilities and high-level competition, akin to those in Europe, which allow athletes to test their skills at the highest level.
“I believe getting the right people in the right positions will also assist in supporting athletes. By ensuring that qualified individuals are leading initiatives and programs, we can optimise the use of resources and provide athletes with the best possible opportunities for success,” added Hamutumwa.
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na