At a defining moment for southern Africa’s regional sports leadership, Namibia’s Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet L. Steenkamp, MP, delivered a compelling farewell address on 3 December 2025. The occasion marked the official handover of the Region 5 Council of Ministers Chairperson role from Namibia to Mozambique, highlighting a journey underscored by unity, empowerment, and shared purpose.
Minister Steenkamp framed sport as far more than mere competition, describing it as a powerful force for uniting communities, fostering youth empowerment, and instilling national pride. Ranking as Namibia’s second most crucial national development sector after agriculture, sport stands as a beacon of hope and social cohesion. She pointed to landmark events such as the Regional Annual Sports Awards in Harare, the Region 5 Youth Games hosted in Namibia, and Zambia’s Walk for Life, which collectively showcase the region’s resilience and ability to deliver world-class initiatives despite economic and logistical challenges.
Central to the region’s sustained success are foundational pillars that Minister Steenkamp emphasized as essential and non-negotiable: inclusion, integrity, and good governance. Initiatives like the “Making Noise” campaign have prioritized empowering women, girls, and persons with disabilities through sport, embodying both justice and strategic wisdom. Collaboration with the International Olympic Committee underlines Region 5’s commitment to athlete safety and ethical standards, while sound governance practices ensure ongoing trust from global partners.
The credibility of Region 5 is further validated by support from international institutions such as UNESCO, FIBA Africa, and the Stockholm Environmental Institute. These partnerships demonstrate the region’s strategic importance and capacity to create meaningful impact.
Looking ahead, Minister Steenkamp outlined an ambitious vision grounded in innovation, sustainability, and a stronger regional identity. Economic integration stands as a key driver, exemplified by the regional apparel manufacturing program aimed at boosting local production and job creation. Additionally, the establishment of a Region 5 House a permanent administrative and leadership hub promises to enhance the region’s visibility and stature on the continent.
Acknowledging challenges like funding constraints, personnel turnover, and climate-related risks, the Minister highlighted unwavering commitments from member states that inspire confidence. Zimbabwe’s pledge to construct a Regional Sports Museum and South Africa’s hosting of back to back Regional Marathons attest to strong belief in the Region 5 brand.
Minister Steenkamp closed her address with a rallying call to fellow ministers and stakeholders, urging them to take ownership of Region 5’s continued growth: “Region 5 is a Going Concern. Let us own it. Let us support it. Let us advance it.” Through courage, clarity and a united vision, the region is poised to set a new standard for excellence demonstrating that collective action with purpose and integrity holds limitless potential.
