Improved sport budget well received
SPORT in Namibia must take serious reforms seriously, says sports expert and former Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) Commissioner for Sports Ndeulipula Hamutumwa.
Relying on government handouts is not a sustainable strategy, he says.
In order to grow and stay relevant, an enterprise-centric model must be adopted, he says.
Hamutumwa was reacting in Parliament on Wednesday on the N$473.2 million budget allocated to the Department of Sport, Youth and National Service for the financial year 2023/24.
This corresponds to an increase of 20.5% compared to the 2022/23 budget.
“I commend the government for the decision to improve the sports budget and redesign Independence Stadium.
“The government has to be met halfway. The sports industry expects too much from the government,” Hamutumwa told The Namibian Sport yesterday.
“Until we can build a case for sport on how sport can contribute to and sustain our economy, we’re not going anywhere,” he said.
“At the moment sport is pursued as a hobby. . . This approach is holding us back.
“Our leaders need to put their small differences aside and come together to do what needs to be done to move the industry forward,” he said.
“We have to start looking at sport as a business. . . We want government support, but we’re not saying how we’re going to increase that value.
“We need to reform our sports institutes,” Hamutumwa said.
‘I AM HAPPY’
Sport, Youth and National Service Minister Agnes Tjongarero told Desert Radio yesterday that channeling financial support directly to federations, rather than channeling it through the NSC, could help maximize government funding.
“I don’t know if it works. We can now sit down and identify the shortcomings and see where we can improve for the athletes. Everything is for the athletes. We’re here for the athletes,” she said.
“I am very serious about what I want to try this year. But she [federations] have to have structures that account for every single cent that is given to them.”
Tjongarero expressed satisfaction with the improved budget allocation to the ministry.
The Sports Directorate’s share is yet to be determined but will cover the redevelopment of Windhoek’s Independence Stadium unsuitable for international football matches.
“Whatever we got, we can do with it. I am happy and we will continue with what we had planned.”
The African Football Association (CAF) recently sent an envoy to inspect stadiums in the country, the minister said.
Inspections are part of the preliminary review process of Namibia and Botswana’s shared interest in hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
“This week Namibia has another group of visitors conducting stadium audits at Independence Stadium, Swakopmund Stadium and Oshakati Stadium.
“What we’re going to do is take these test reports and see what can be done. We want experts to tell us what needs to be done now, in the medium term and in the long term.”
Renovation of the substandard national facilities should start immediately, Tjongarero said.
“I must also tell you that unfortunately on many occasions when it comes to government matters I do not know how we can shorten the process.
“We received additional funds [N$50 million last year] to do something about Independence Stadium, but so far we haven’t been able to do that.”
Hamutumwa said, “No nation in the world will respect you if you don’t respect yourself. Not having your own stadium is a disservice to the country and takes away patriotism.
“It deprives citizens of many opportunities to benefit economically that result from hosting international events. The sooner they start, the sooner we can personally support our brothers and sisters.”