Namibia loses another sport administrator

Namibian sport has been dealt another blow following the death of long-serving athletics administrator Annastatia Sandlana, better known as Stay-C Namases, on Saturday.

Sandlana is a former secretary general and executive board member of Athletics Namibia (AN) who also served as the anti-doping secretary for the country until November last year.

As former national director of Special Olympics Namibia, Sandlana believed the nation should prioritise sport as an avenue for socio-economic development and equity.

“Athletics Namibia extends heartfelt condolences to the husband and entire family of Stay-C Sandlana who sadly passed on,” AN says.

“Mrs Sandlana has been part of a large athletics family and notably she was an executive board member of the Athletics Namibia serving as an anti doping secretary, a portfolio she served until November 2024 when the board’s term came to an end,” AN continues.

The Africa Zone VI Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) has also mourned Sandlana’s death, saying she was a “dedicated and passionate” sport lover.

“She devoted her life to promoting integrity, fairness and clean sport in Namibia and beyond. [Sandlana]’s unwavering commitment to educating athletes, coaches and communities about the importance of clean competition has left an indelible mark on the world of sport,” says Andrew Kamanga, the Africa Zone VI RADO regional manager.

“For twelve years, as [a member] of the Africa Zone VI RADO, [she] served as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration and hope. Her tireless efforts to combat doping and uphold the values of fair play have touched countless lives and will continue to resonate for generations to come,” Kamanga says of the late anti-doping educator’s impact.

“[Her] legacy is not only in the policies and programmes she helped shape but also in the countless individuals she inspired to pursue excellence in sport with honesty and respect,” Kamanga continues.

“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends, and colleagues. May the family and all Namibians find comfort in the knowledge that [her] work has made a lasting impact, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her,” he says.