Will NNPC's internal wars be settled now?

The Namibia National Paralympics Committee (NNPC) former president Johannes Litwayi has leaped to the defence of ousted secretary-general Michael Hamukwaya, describing his dismissal as “unlawful”.Hamukwaya was served with a dismissal letter on 8 August 2025, having served in the position in recent years. The dismissal letter signed by the chairperson of the interim committee, Daniel Trum, states: “However, you shall still remain as one of the active coach in the disability sport.”Following “careful consideration of the current situation”, Hamukwaya was requested “to stay away from managing NNPC to allow the transition to take place”.The world-governing International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has also been informed to remove Hamukwaya from representing the NNPC, to be replaced by Trum.The interim committee has been officially given the sole mandate to continue the NNPC’s operations by the Namibia Sports Commission "for an initial three-month period". Besides Trum as chairperson, the interim committee also consists of Yvonne Hansen (vice-chairperson; Hardap), Johana Haifiku (treasurer; Khomas), Pedro Nghishiwete (PRO; Oshana) and additional members Pandulo Sheehama (Khomas) and Johannes Matias (Kavango West).BacklashLitwayi has however condemned the move which he says has been coming due to interference with NNPC operations since 2023. “I categorically condemn the unlawful and unconstitutional attempt by the so-called Interim Committee via a letter dated 8 August 2025 to remove our Secretary General.“Had I not remained grounded in principle and education, I may have been manipulated by individuals seeking to turn me against our core mission serving persons with disabilities. “I stand firm in rejecting those who wish to exploit our movement for personal gain,” Litwayi said in a statement. The president of the committee reaffirmed his commitment to empower and not to enrich a few. It is alleged that Hamukwaya and some members of the NNPC have been under fire for alleged mismanagement of funds by the Namibia Sports Commission. Litwayi however alleges that these funds were not requested by the persons accused, but by other individuals in the sport fraternity. “Yet, records clearly show that funds were requested under the NNPC banner and transferred to entities linked to Kleopas Hamhola and Jean-Paul Schmidt individuals who continue to stir confusion in pursuit of control over government funding, all while claiming to represent para sport.” It is further alleged that the president of the NNPC was not consulted when the interim committee which orchestrated the ousting of Hamukwaya was appointed. “We must ask, if the NSC claims there was financial mismanagement, why did they themselves continue to request funding through NNPC? To be help we have the records? The removal of our Secretary General is not only unlawful and malicious it directly contradicts the NNPC Constitution.“It is a blatant attempt to override the will of our membership and install individuals aligned with political and personal interests, not the needs of our athletes,” Litwayi fumed. Long-standing feudThe feud at the Paralympics Committee has been going on for a while now, with the organisation shrouded by controversy and infighting. This year, the Committee had planned for elections which were initially cancelled, leading to the appointment of an interim committee. “We are particularly concerned about the role of a suspended former treasurer, who is linked to several private organisations operating in the parasport sector. “His record includes: Attempts to block athlete opportunities, such as preventing their international classification.Always challenging para-athletes that are not in their favours and actively diverting resources and recognition away from the NNPC.” Hamukwaya’s ousting has been linked to his efforts to expose actions which he deemed unlawful.“In one communication, the chairperson of the interim committee openly admitted that ‘the government didn’t want NNPC to do an election’.”“This is a direct confession of state interference in a National Paralympic Committee – an unacceptable breach of both governance standards and the principles of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).” Lityai remarked that the Paralympic movement in Namibia belongs to its athletes and members; not to opportunists seeking financial or political power.He claims that some athletes are now allegedly benefiting from these parallel structures and have aligned themselves accordingly.“But let us remind them many rose to prominence through the tireless work, funding, and advocacy of the NNPC.” The NNPC have requested the NSC to immediately cease unconstitutional interference in the affairs of the NNPC.They demand that the Ministry of Sport and international partners to recognise only the duly elected NNPC leadership that will be appointed through an election. “As sitting President l am ready to hand over to a correct leader, to lead us and not to manipulate.”Legal feud expected Sport Wrap has been informed by labour sources that the ousting of Hamukwaya could be heading to the labour courts soon.NSC response Namibia Sports Commission Chief Administrator Freddy Mwiya has played down Litwayi’s allegations, stating that he has no capacity to interfere in the operations.“We choose to ignore that letter, because he has no capacity to write this letter and I ask everyone to read section 25 of the Sport Act to understand,” Mwiya said. Mwiya further ordered Litwayi to refrain from presenting himself as president, given that the term of his former exco expired in November 2024.

Will NNPC's internal wars be settled now?

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Republikein 2025-08-21

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Will NNPC's internal wars be settled now?

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