Accountability central to N$750m allocation for youth, sport

Governance
Mariud Ngula
  • 2 Hours Ago

The allocation of N$750 million to youth, sport and national service programmes for the 2026-27 financial year comes with clear expectations of accountability and measurable performance, sports minister Dr Sanet Steenkamp has cautioned.

Steenkamp delivered the remarks in her keynote address at the sporting federations’ annual general meeting convened by the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on Friday.

The general assembly provided a platform for sports leaders to reflect on progress within their respective codes, deliberate on strategic priorities and reinforce a collective vision for the advancement of sport in the country.

The national budget, tabled by finance minister Ericah Shafudah on Thursday, once again recognised sport as the country’s second national priority after agriculture.

Steenkamp said the allocation reflects government’s recognition of sport as a driver of youth development, social cohesion and economic opportunity.

“With this investment comes a clear expectation. Where public resources are entrusted, accountability must be beyond reproach.

“Federations are therefore required to ensure the timely submission of audited financial statements, constitutional compliance and stable leadership structures,” she said.


Resource allocation, planning

As the country prepares to host regional and continental competitions, Steenkamp called for improved coordination and strategic planning. She emphasised that hosting international events demands realistic budgeting and disciplined execution.

“Beyond prestige, these events contribute to tourism, investment visibility and our continental standing. The matter of appropriate fleet management and operational resources must be addressed within a sustainable framework,” she said.

She cautioned against reactive decision-making, noting that it undermines performance outcomes. Closer collaboration between the Directorate of Sport and the NSC, she added, is essential to ensure that resource allocation is aligned with performance objectives.

“If we aspire to podium success, we must equally strengthen the base of the pyramid,” she said.


Taking sport beyond Windhoek

NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya echoed the call for reform, urging sports leaders to avoid centralising development within Windhoek and the central region.

He encouraged federations to expand programmes to all regions so that communities across the country can benefit equitably from sport development initiatives.

“We need to change the way we administer sport to ensure that compliance is central and that sport commands the respect it deserves,” he said.

The general assembly brought together what Mwiya described as one of the largest gatherings of sporting leaders since he assumed office nine years ago.

“I am impressed by the strong attendance of presidents and secretaries-general from sporting bodies,” he said.

He cautioned that while the meeting may appear routine, it remains a critical governance platform for providing strategic direction to federations.

– mariud@nsh.com.na