Windhoek
Some of Namibia’s leading sports gurus have expressed shock and disbelief, following the news that well-known South African sports administrator Mvuso Mbebe has died.
During his last visit to Namibia last year, Mbebe was one of the high-profile motivational speakers at the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) Review gathering in Windhoek. Mbebe succumbed to death on Monday after losing his battle to colon cancer, aged 52, at the ARWYP Private Hospital in Kempton Park.
Amongst his dozens of portfolios in various sporting disciplines, Mbebe served as the general manager of the 7th edition of the quadrennial All Africa Multi Sports Games in Greater Johannesburg in 1999.
A tough negotiator and levelheaded man, Mbebe was until the time of his passing the secretary general of the Region 5 Africa Council of Sports. In addition to his impressive resume and accolades, he was at the helm of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)’s Sports Department change of guard – having replaced the outgoing Koos Radebe.
It was during his time as head of SABC Sports that the likes of now revered sports presenters Robert Marawa and Carol Tshabalala (formerly Manana) blossomed as emerging sports presenters. He was also the chief executive officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 African Cup of Nations, as well as the African Nations Championship local organising committee.
His longtime ally, Dr Vetumbuavi Veii, says he knew the late Mvuso for many years and described the deceased as a dedicated man of enormous dignity.
“Indeed, it’s not only South Africa, but the entire African continent has lost a great sports administrator. He was a sharp mild-minded thinker, who never imposed his ideas on others but would always seek audience with others to resolve pressing issues,” said a tearful Dr Veii.
Seasoned local journalist Carlos Kambaekwa also had close links with Mbebe during his time as Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Head of Sport. “It’s a massive blow, I’m extremely saddened by the passing of Bra Mvu. He was such an intelligent, calculated bloke to be around – always prepared to share new ideas and come up with suggestions on how to improve the overall outlook of sports on the African continent. May his soul rest in eternal piece,” Kambaekwa said.
Mbebe is survived by his spouse Nomalungelo (Noma) and two children, son Ntsika, 18, and daughter Avuziwe, 11. He will be laid to rest at his home in Umzimkhulu in KwaZulu-Natal, on a yet to be announced date.