Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Minister of Sports, Youth, and National Services Agnes Tjongarero announced that all sports activities and gatherings will be temporarily suspended, similar to the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 outbreak.
This follows a directive issued on Monday, instructing all sports organisers to halt activities during the mourning period for the late founding president, Sam Nujoma, who passed away on Sunday.
“We are doing it the same way we did it during COVID-19. We don’t want any gatherings. Wherever there are gatherings, they are not allowed. We want to honour this great man, so even if it’s training and there is a gathering, it is also not allowed,” said Tjongarero.
Tjongarero confirmed this to the Windhoek Observer on Monday.
She added that sports training sessions are also suspended, as they also constitute gatherings.
She urged all federations, associations, and organisational bodies to comply with the directive.
“Further guidance on the resumption of sporting activities will be communicated in due course. The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Services appreciates the cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders during this solemn period,” said Tjongarero.
The decision has sparked widespread criticism, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment.
Sports enthusiast Toivo Ndjebela described the directive as shocking, arguing that Nujoma would never have supported such a move.
“President Nujoma would never have approved that. Obligatory international matches hosted here, cost of logistics, paid hotels, and flights. All flushed down the toilet. President Nujoma wasn’t selfish to want this to happen in his noble name. President Nujoma encouraged hard work. Sport is work and it’s a costly business,” said Ndjebela.
He further warned that the decision would have economic consequences, especially for those who rely on sports for income.
“Not by confining them in their homes, Namibians are already pained by their hero’s passing. There’s no need to pile more pain by cancelling events for prolonged spells, some of which have been paid for—and mostly by young people who are trying to make ends meet due to high levels of unemployment. Suspending sports for a weekend—like last year when President Geingob passed—would have sufficed,” he said.
Ndjebela suggested that instead of suspending events, the nation could honour Nujoma with moments of silence before matches.
“President Nujoma should be remembered for his bravery, humility and unmatched heroic deeds for Namibia—not for pain caused by cancelling events indefinitely in his name,’ said Ndjebela.
The Namibia Revolutionary Transport Union (Naretu) leader, Petersen Kambinda, also criticised the decision, calling it irrational.
“That just proves that you can work very hard for something and some wannabe just flush your hard work down the drain!! What types of things do these people smoke who take such irrational and nonsensical decisions to inflict financial problems on fellow citizens?” said Kambinda.
Mbepo van Koichas added that people don’t understand how sports work these days.
“What if no work, no pay applies in some sports industries? Why are others allowed to work and others denied the opportunity to earn moolah?,” said van Koichas.
Slice Kuzatjike also expressed frustration, suggesting that sports could have been used to honour Nujoma instead of being suspended.
“Why only sports, then suspend everything? It’s a very irrational decision. I doubt proper consultation with all stakeholders was done. Instead of suspending sports, at least use it to honour the Founding Father at the beginning of each sports game with a moment of silence,” said Kuzatjike.
However, some defended the decision, comparing it to international precedents.
Mil Tigo pointed out that when Queen Elizabeth II passed away, the English Premier League was also paused.
“When Queen Elizabeth II passed, the English Premier League was also paused, so the interruption of sporting events is not an uncommon occurrence. Let us take a moment to commemorate the courageous freedom fighter who valiantly fought for the liberties that allow us to express ourselves freely. May Dr. Sam Nujoma rest in power,” said Mil Tigo.
Others, like Lam Tukondjela, questioned the duration of the suspension and its impact on sports events planned outside Namibia.
“I have no words for this decision. So even preparations for events that take place outside Namibia, will be put on hold? And for how long again? This means the calendar is closed for some events, right? I feel GRN overthought this. Sport should’ve been a tool used to honour the founding president. They should’ve taken an example from the UK when they lost their queen!” Tukondjela said.
