Minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security Lucia Iipumbu, delivered at Windhoek on 4 August 2025
Allow me, first and foremost, to recognise the presence of Zhao Weiping, the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Namibia, for honouring us with his presence at this important occasion.
I extend a heartfelt welcome to the heads of corrections, prisons, and penitentiary services from our neighbouring countries: Angola, the kingdom of Eswatini, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Your participation in these games underscores the importance of regional cooperation in correctional reform. Please feel at home – Namibia is your home away from home.
Once again, you are most welcome.
I also take this opportunity to thank you all for entrusting Namibia with the honour of hosting the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Corrections/Prisons/Penitentiary Services Sport and Cultural Games under the powerful theme: ‘Fit to Serve, United for Victory’.
These games are in alignment with Namibia’s national development priorities, particularly the promotion of professional sport and youth development. They resonate with priority area 2: sport, of the Swapo Party Manifesto Implementation Plan, which seeks to integrate sport within the broader national development framework.
As we launch this year’s championship, I am reminded of the profound words of Nelson Mandela, and I quote:
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
Indeed, sport transcends barriers. It fosters mutual respect, promotes shared values, and strengthens relationships across borders. It is a platform for both personal growth and institutional pride.
The origin of these games dates back to critical regional engagements, beginning with the SADC ministerial meeting on corrections, prisons and penitentiary services held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 2 to 3 July 2003. Later, during the Conference of Eastern, Southern, and Central Africa Heads of Corrections, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 8 to 12 August 2005, important resolutions were adopted.
These focused on enhancing regional collaboration in areas such as staff recruitment, training, and well-being. Such initiatives directly support theme area 7 of the 2021 to 2025 Strategic Action Plan, particularly in improving the welfare of correctional and prison officers through sport and cultural exchange.
I am pleased to note that the inaugural edition of these games was held in South Africa in August 2006. Since then, they have been hosted in Botswana in 2015, and again in South Africa in 2023. This continuity demonstrates our unwavering commitment to regional solidarity and collaboration.
In 2024, the SADC Secretariat finalised and adopted the rules for the games, which were formally approved by the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security.
For this year’s edition, I am informed that a total of 793 athletes from Angola, Eswatini, Namibia (as host), South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe will participate. Competitions will span a wide array of disciplines, including football, netball, volleyball, tug of war, athletics, darts, chess, pool and golf.
These games represent more than just a sporting event. They are a vital platform for building mutual understanding, collaboration, and camaraderie among correctional professionals across the SADC region.
Participation brings multiple benefits: It improves physical health, enhances mental resilience, and facilitates the exchange of best practices. It strengthens teamwork, discipline, and leadership – all essential traits in our line of duty.
The World Health Organisation has highlighted the high-stress nature of work within correctional facilities. The mental and physical toll on officers is considerable. Therefore, initiatives such as these games are not just welcome, but essential. They support the fitness, resilience, and emotional well-being of our officers – the backbone of our correctional institutions.
Furthermore, the knowledge and experience gained here can be extended to inmate rehabilitation programmes. Structured sport activities can significantly contribute to behavioural transformation, build self-esteem, and prepare inmates for reintegration into society.
This adds tremendous value to our broader mission of reform and rehabilitation.
To all the athletes present: This is your moment. You have trained hard and have earned the honour of representing your nations. Compete with pride, discipline, and integrity. Let your performance be a reflection of your personal commitment and the values of your respective institutions.
With these few words, it is my distinct honour and privilege to declare the fourth edition of the SADC Corrections/Prisons/Penitentiary Services Sports and Cultural Games officially open.
I thank you.
