By Laurentius Murenga
Minister of Sports Youth and National Service Hon. Agnes Tjongarero encouraged members of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 to work hard. This was said during her speech on the official meeting of the AUSC committee.
Tjongarero told the committee not to remain in their comfort zones, but improve the lives of athletes. “As a region we need to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and our focus must not be limited to what happens on the pitch of play but on matters that transform lives and livelihoods,” she said.
She further spoke about how the region has been planning to improve the standards of programs. “For many years this region has been taking the need to improve its programs and activities such as Podium Performance Program, Region 5 Youth Games, Regional Annual Sports Awards, Regional Marathon, Women Leadership Program and Confederations Assistance,” she said.
Tjongarero further urged the committee members to unite in attracting investment using various connections they have and make use of major events like the joint 2027 Africa Cup of Nations between Namibia and Botswana to bring in revenue.
Moreover, she encouraged the members to work against conflict and corruption. “we must guard against allowing conflict and other unethical practices,” she concluded.
This meeting took place on May 19, 2022, at the Swakopmund hotel.