Shipanga resigns from Olympic Committee

SECRETARY-General of the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) Eliphas ‘Oupapa’ Shipanga resigned from the body yesterday.

The resignation followed a judgement in an assault case in which he was sentenced to a fine of N$2 000 or eight months imprisonment last Friday. Shipanga was charged with assault with intent to do grievious bodily harm to his former wife in an incident that occurred about three years ago.Yesterday, the president of the NNOC, Agnes Tjongarero, confirmed the resignation of Shipanga, saying that he had to resign because the case was a moral issue and did not reflect well on the organisation.The resignation of the former football official and player followed an urgent meeting yesterday to look into how they should deal with the matter after an outcry regarding his credibility to the organisation that seek to promote good human values and principles.Shipanga (48), after the resignation said: “Thank you for the trust and confidence in my potential as a leader that I could make a difference and meaningful contribution.”Tjongarero in response said: ” You have done an admirable job Mr Shipanga.Knowing your meticulous work habits, I am sure your replacement will have no difficulties in picking up where you left off.I dare say he or she will find every ‘t’ crossed and every signature line authorised.”She said Shipanga took a bold step to resign based on social principles, moral value and self-esteem.She also thanked Shipanga for his contribution to the development of Namibian sport and performance on the national, regional and international level.She said the NNOC board will have a meeting on Monday next week to appoint a new secretary-general.The person to be elected from within the board members, and will be in an acting capacity until the next congress in 2008.Shipanga was charged with assault with intent to do grievious bodily harm to his former wife in an incident that occurred about three years ago.Yesterday, the president of the NNOC, Agnes Tjongarero, confirmed the resignation of Shipanga, saying that he had to resign because the case was a moral issue and did not reflect well on the organisation.The resignation of the former football official and player followed an urgent meeting yesterday to look into how they should deal with the matter after an outcry regarding his credibility to the organisation that seek to promote good human values and principles.Shipanga (48), after the resignation said: “Thank you for the trust and confidence in my potential as a leader that I could make a difference and meaningful contribution.”Tjongarero in response said: ” You have done an admirable job Mr Shipanga.Knowing your meticulous work habits, I am sure your replacement will have no difficulties in picking up where you left off.I dare say he or she will find every ‘t’ crossed and every signature line authorised.”She said Shipanga took a bold step to resign based on social principles, moral value and self-esteem.She also thanked Shipanga for his contribution to the development of Namibian sport and performance on the national, regional and international level.She said the NNOC board will have a meeting on Monday next week to appoint a new secretary-general.The person to be elected from within the board members, and will be in an acting capacity until the next congress in 2008.