Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Funding for the Namibian National Paralympic Committee (NNPC) from the Ministry of Sport is on hold due to non-compliance with governance requirements.
The Namibia Sports Commission’s (NSC) chief administrator, Fredy Mwiya, informed the committee’s secretary general, Michael Hamukwaya, of the decision during a consultative meeting held two weeks ago.
“The current board term of office has expired. Hence their involvement to run the affairs has ceased, and funding from the ministry has been put on hold as the federation is non-compliant,” reads the minutes of the meeting seen by the Windhoek Observer.
The meeting was also attended by the commission’s legal advisor, Tony Bock; compliance officer Bernadine Negonya; and public relations officer Givean Samulandela.
Three weeks ago, The Windhoek Observer reported that the NSC halted the NNPC from holding its elective congress, which was set to elect NPC leadership.
“It was highlighted that the compliance matter of the Annual General Meeting was not adhered to, as the organisation failed to submit requested documents and for proper vetting to be confirmed. In the same vein, elections could not take place, as first a need to adopt the constitution was needed and the election,” reads the minutes.
The meeting agreed to appoint an interim committee to serve for three months.
Its tasks will include reviewing the committee’s constitution and organising an elective congress to choose new leaders.
No interim committee member will be allowed to stand for election.
They will instead serve as the Electoral Commission to oversee the process.
“All nominations will be vetted by the team and the Namibia Sports Commission will provide oversight on all activities until such time the federation is in good standing,” added Mwiya.
Hamukwaya confirmed that athletic events have been paused while the committee focuses on putting its governance structures in place.
“All our activities will be funded by the Sports Commission, and the elective congress will be held in the next two weeks or so because it’s urgent. Athletic events will commence after we sort the governance issue,” explained Hamukwaya.
