The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology, in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports and National Youth Services, last week announced that they have entered into an agreement to provide national sporting attire to all sports codes.

This joint venture, a five-year partnership, will see the ministry sponsoring national attire for all sports federations, ensuring they wear the same attire when representing Namibia at international events.

Speaking at the event last week, ICT minister Peya Mushelenga emphasised the significance of the new national sports dress code. 

He stated that it will play a crucial role in helping Namibian athletes be easily identifiable when competing on the global stage. 

Moreover, he noted, it will serve as a powerful symbol of unity, contributing to better performance when everyone stands together.

Minister Mushelenga highlighted that “The Cabinet mandated the ministry to use the Nationhood and National Pride Programme (NNP) as a means to educate the public, particularly the youth, in developing critical thinking skills. This education will foster a sense of ownership, patriotism and national pride in their daily lives. It will also facilitate a deeper understanding and appreciation of national symbols, considering them as our national treasures”.

He went on to say, “The Cabinet also directed the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service to prioritise the national youth service and utilise sports as a conduit for nation-building. Today, we mark a significant milestone as we witness this partnership between MICT and the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, through the Namibia Sports Commission, as they launch the National Dressing of Namibia National Teams. This collaboration is the result of continued engagement between the two institutions”.

“After the conference, the Namibia Sports Commission, along with various other stakeholders, were tasked with spearheading the establishment of the National Sports Dress Code. This initiative aims to give Namibians a distinct brand identity in the field of sports. Through these efforts, we are witnessing the launch of this partnership in response to the call for national branding, national identity and patriotism through the NNP programme, under the banner, ‘My Namibia, My Country, My Pride’.”

Meanwhile, at the same event, sports minister Agnes Tjongarero expressed her support for the introduction of national attire for all sports codes. 

She stated, “This is a fantastic initiative because once we are all identified as one, it signifies our unity and strength. This means that anyone representing Namibia across borders will be dressed in the same attire, ensuring they are easily recognised as such. We will not allow anyone to represent Namibia without wearing the same attire”.

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na