The Government has taken another step in advancing decentralisation by handing over youth and sports functions from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture to Regional Councils.
The functions were handed over by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to strengthen decentralisation, improve service delivery, and bring government closer to communities.
The decentralisation process involves the transfer of staff, functions, and finances to Regional Councils to support the implementation of youth and sports programmes at the sub-national level.
Key functions being transferred include youth development programmes and the promotion and coordination of sports codes.
Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp reminded officials that they occupy positions of trust, emphasising that no individual owns the positions they hold, but are entrusted to serve the public.
“The moment someone begins to derive personal superiority from this delegated mandate, they have inverted the purpose of public service. Our legal framework calls for clarification of roles,” Steenkamp said.
Executive Director for Youth and Sports, Gerard Vries, said young people remain at the centre of Namibia's development goals, while sport serves as an instrument for social development and unity.
“This handover is about improving the lives of young people and strengthening opportunities for participation and development across Namibia. It's about ensuring that every young person, regardless of where they live, has access to programmes and opportunities to realise their potential”
Meanwhile, Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa said assessments are needed to determine whether Regional Councils are ready to receive the decentralised functions.
“In some cases, decentralised directorates in Regional Councils want to remain attached to central government, claiming authority. They forget that only their salaries remain linked to central government, while operations are under the Regional Councils”
Sankwasa emphasised accountability, stating that political leaders must monitor progress through regular reports detailing implementation at the regional level.
Otjozondjupa Regional Council Chairperson Paulus Nekundi said Regional Councils are encouraged by the trust placed in them to support youth development and sports initiatives at the local level.
“This delegation of functions allows regions to respond more effectively to the needs and goals of young people and sports communities”
The decentralisation process is expected to improve access to youth and sports services across the country, especially in underserved regions.