Hamutumwa leads NNOC 

New Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) president Ndeulipula Hamutumwa says sport leaders should band together if they are to grow the industry.

Hamutumwa was elected as unopposed NNCO figurehead in Windhoek on Wednesday night, with Gaby Ahrens, who also ran unopposed, elected as his deputy.

The new executive board consists of Maggy Mengo, Joseph Amakali, Dawie Augustyn, Riaan Steyn, Thomas Wylie, Brit Byl, Andrew Masongo and Cylas Wilders.

Long-serving president Abner Xoagub has decided not to accept nomination to serve for another four-year term.

Hamutumwa has over 25 years experience in sport management, during which time he has been involved in an assortment of roles in Namibian sport.

He holds a doctorate of commerce in sport management, an executive master’s degree in sport organisational management, a master’s degree in business leadership, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

The new leadership’s key priorities include enhancing the NNOC’s capability to drive the development and submission of viable funding opportunities in the private sector, and to improve planning and coordination among the NNOC and its key stakeholders.

Additionally, Ndeulipula and co are tasked with optimising national sport federations’ and athletes’ performance by rendering the requisite support.

This exercise is expected to improve international participation and the socio-economic conditions of athletes.

These objectives would need to be guided by good governance architecture, which would promote organisational sustainability.

“It’s a responsibility we have to make sure to deliver with care, diligence and humility,” Hamutumwa said on Wednesday.

“We need to make sure athletes are at the centre of what we do. We want all stakeholders to collaborate with each other as this will improve our chances of making a difference.

“So, in essence, I’m calling for unity.”