Traditional sport not given due support – Ndjavera

Traditional sport is said to have been compromised by monetary oriented sport codes accredited to the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

Speaking to Desert Radio recently, deputy director of schools and community sports Irvine Ndjavera argued that traditional or indigenous sport is still alive but not given the due respect and support it needs.

“The visibility and promotion needed of the traditional sports are lacking and not seen but does need all the support to grow.”

Ndjavera is adamant that traditional sport is still taking place in many parts of the country’s rural areas.

“Rural communities in Namibia and elsewhere are not occupied with many of the cities’ or urban sport activities that are available,” said Ndjavera.

He added that the continuation of traditional sport in those areas is very much alive but is compromised to a significant extent across Africa and elsewhere.

“That compromise is done unconsciously, where your so-called professional sport or recognised sport codes have turned the dynamics of the monetary incentives to an extent that many athletes, coaches and everybody in the sport sector has turned focus on that area because it is lucrative,” said Ndjavera.

“As the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, we thought it necessary to relook into it as part of the African Union (AU) Agenda and Region 5 programme.

“We have aligned all our policies towards the AU, and if you look at the Region 5 strategic plan or priority areas, the promotion of traditional sport is an important part of these organs that covers the leisure part of the recreational sport.”

Ndjavera said prioritising traditional sport contributes to the bigger populace in terms of health and physical activities like play time.

He said traditional sport is needed to address the issues of communicable diseases, social cohesion, interaction and mental health issues, and has bigger roles to play in terms of activities.

Ndjavera welcomed the formation of the Namibia Traditional Sport Federation, which is recognised by the line ministry through the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC).

He said the ministry has taken a strategic decision to collaborate with the federation and other role players in the promotion of traditional sport.

Ndjavera acknowledged that resources are needed to promote the sport but expressed thanks for the formation of the national federation to drive traditional sport.

Ndjavera said during the reviewing process of the Sport Act, they deliberately spelled out the importance of traditional sport.

He added that the line ministry will also work hand in hand with the Namibia Schools Sport Union (NSSU) to promote traditional sport at school level while looking at identifying community members who can promote the sport.

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