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NSC ends suspension of boxing, paralympic bodies

• 16 Hours Ago

In a decisive move to restore stability and improve governance in the country’s sports sector, the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) has lifted all restrictions on the Namibia Boxing Federation (NBF) and the Namibia National Paralympic Committee (NNPC).

The decision, made by the NSC in Windhoek yesterday, paves the way for both federations to access critical funding and resume full operations.

Earlier this year, local newspapers reported that the NSC issued a compliance ultimatum to sports federations, including the NBF and NNPC, giving them until 14 March to comply with the Namibia Sports Act requirements. The NSC had emphasised that only compliant federations would be recognised starting from 1 April.

Speaking at a press conference, NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya addressed lingering concerns regarding the NBF’s leadership.

According to Mwiya, the federation’s elective congress held in November last year raised concerns among some members of the boxing community over the legitimacy of the elections.

“This prompted the NSC to conduct a fact-finding mission that spanned nearly four months,” he said.

Term limits on leadership

Mwiya confirmed that while the fact-finding mission revealed that most governance conditions had been met, two leadership positions required attention. “The newly elected president, Jeremia Ndjembo, will have his term capped at one year, expiring on 27 February next year.

“This complies with the Namibia Sport Act of 2003, which limits executive committee members to a maximum of ten years in national office. Similarly, executive member Lysias Hangula, who has served since 2016, will see his term conclude on the same date. A special election will be required next year to fill both positions,” he said.

Mwiya also assured stakeholders that the federation is now in good standing and encouraged sponsors and supporters to engage with the NBF without hesitation.

The NSC has directed the NBF to pursue affiliation with World Boxing, the International Olympic Committee (IOC)-endorsed governing body, replacing the embattled International Boxing Association (IBA). “This move is critical for Namibia’s boxers to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics,” Mwiya stated.

The NSC’s decision effectively confirms Ndjembo’s authority but sets a clear deadline for change.

NNPC under interim leadership

While the boxing federation’s issues revolved around leadership tenure, the NNPC faced an absence of leadership and internal disputes.

According to Mwiya, the entire executive committee’s term ended in February, leaving the committee without governance. With no existing structure to oversee operations, the NSC facilitated discussions to form an interim leadership body.

“A virtual meeting attended by representatives from all 14 regions, as well as key stakeholders, resulted in the formation of an interim committee tasked with managing the NNPC for three months.

“This committee has been mandated to finalise constitutional amendments, organise a Special Elective Annual General Meeting (SAGM), and oversee the election of a permanent executive committee,” he said.

The interim committee, tasked with stabilising operations, consists of chairperson Daniel Trump, vice-chairperson Yvonne Hansen, treasurer Johanna Haufiku and public relations officer Pedro Nghishiwete, with additional members Pandulo Sheehama and Johanness Matias.

Awaiting new leadership

Mwiya stated that members of the interim committee will not be eligible to contest positions in the upcoming election to ensure neutrality.

Additionally, the committee holds full financial oversight but is prohibited from making long-term strategic decisions, ensuring that the final policy direction rests with the incoming elected leadership.

Mwiya urged all stakeholders to prioritise sports development over internal disputes and underscored the NSC’s commitment to athlete-centred governance. “The road was not easy, but we have done what is required. Some may still complain, but the process was thorough and necessary,” Mwiya stated.

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