Allexer Namundjembo
Windhoek municipal councillor Austin Kwenani has submitted a motion asking the City of Windhoek to identify land in all constituencies and set it aside for the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture.
He wants the land to be used to speed up the development of sports facilities and youth infrastructure across the city.
Kwenani, who chairs the Management Committee, introduced the motion in terms of the Standing Rules and Orders of the Municipal Council. He said the proposal aims to ensure coordinated land allocation to support structured sports development in the capital.
In motivating the motion, Kwenani said sport has become a national priority under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“Sport is no longer just recreation; it is a strategic driver for socio-economic development, youth empowerment and national cohesion,” Kwenani told the council.
“By allocating land for sport and youth infrastructure, we are investing directly in the future of Windhoek.”
He said while the ministry remains a key stakeholder in youth empowerment and sports development, the municipality faces financial constraints in upgrading and building modern facilities.
The motion directs relevant municipal departments to engage the ministry, the private sector and other stakeholders to develop implementation frameworks and partnership models. It also calls for coordinated planning to align with national sport strategies and urban development plans.
Kwenani pointed to ongoing national projects such as the construction and upgrading of CAF-standard and category 3 stadiums in Eenhana, Nkurenkuru and Mariental, and the rollout of sports centres of excellence across the country’s 14 regions.
Namibia is set to co-host the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup with neighbouring countries. Kwenani said this presents “a historic opportunity” to showcase the country’s ability to host major international tournaments.
Windhoek hosted the 2025 Region 5 Youth Games, which drew more than 2 000 athletes from across Southern Africa.
“Our communities are deprived of the opportunity to rally behind the Brave Warriors at home, and our local businesses lose out on the economic activity that comes with international fixtures,” he said. “Sports tourism benefits taxi operators, vendors, accommodation establishments and small enterprises,” he added.
Kwenani said the Namibia Football Association (NFA) has approached the council to request land for world-class football infrastructure, which he said strengthens the need for structured land allocation.
“Sport builds nations, fosters unity and ignites economic opportunities. This motion is not merely about land; it is about positioning Windhoek as a city that embraces national priorities and leverages sport as a catalyst for inclusive growth.”
Councillor Demetreo Beukes seconded the motion. The council will deliberate further on how to implement the proposal.
