President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says investment in sport must go beyond the playing field to create employment, support livelihoods and expand opportunities for young Namibians.
Speaking at State House during the handover of Namport’s N$90 million football sponsorship on 8 October, the President said sports development was a priority under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). “We want to build a sports industry that develops talent, creates employment and supports livelihoods,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the role of sport in developing discipline, teamwork, leadership and resilience among young people, while also creating opportunities for coaches, referees, groundskeepers, administrators and local businesses.
She said well-organised sporting competitions could stimulate economic activity in towns and communities while bringing Namibians together across regional, linguistic and social boundaries.
However, she stressed that investment must be accompanied by good governance and responsible financial management to maintain sponsors’ confidence and ensure long-term sustainability.
Sponsors, she said, were more likely to continue supporting sporting codes when their contributions were properly managed and tangible results were delivered. “Every organisation seeking support must therefore recognise that accountability is part of the work of developing sport,” she said.
The President also emphasised the importance of regional development, saying young people must have access to opportunities regardless of where they live.
She called for talent in smaller communities to be identified and nurtured alongside that found in larger towns, noting that regional sport was essential to developing future athletes.
Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged other enterprises and partners to contribute to sports development, saying Government could not carry the responsibility alone. The President said partnerships between Government, public enterprises and sporting bodies could help build a sustainable sports industry that contributes to national development.
She urged those responsible for managing the investment to ensure that its benefits reach young people and communities throughout Namibia.
By Rudi Bowe
