Boxing Community Group in Windhoek Seeks No Confidence Vote Against NABF Leadership

Windhoek – A faction within the Namibian boxing community, referring to themselves as a ‘concerned group’, is seeking to initiate a vote of no confidence against the current leadership of the Namibia Amateur Boxing Federation (NABF). The group alleges that the executive board has been ineffective in revitalizing amateur boxing in Namibia since their tenure began on 1st December 2020.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Karen Shikongo, the spokesperson for the group, stated during a press conference in Windhoek on Tuesday that they had earlier met with the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) to discuss their concerns. An ultimatum was issued to the NABF leadership to address these issues, but according to Shikongo, there has been no substantial progress since then. The group cites the leadership’s disinterest in promoting the sport, failure to initiate boxing development programs, and inability to fulfill their mandate as reasons for the proposed vote.

Shikongo highlighted the decline in national team selections, noting that the number of boxers in the national team has dropped from ten to four in the past seven years. She expressed concerns about Namibia’s representation in the upcoming Olympics, citing a lack of new talent and struggles faced by the current team members.

However, NSC Chief Administrator Freddy Mwiya deemed the group’s actions illegal on the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation Sports Show, stating that only the 14 regions can pass such a vote. Mwiya informed that the NABF had resolved in February to conduct elections in three regions and organize a boxing tournament in Swakopmund. Despite challenges, particularly in the /Karas region, the NABF conducted these activities, including a tournament in Swakopmund.

Mwiya advised the concerned group to acquaint themselves with the Sports Act and the statutes governing their organization. In response, Shikongo criticized the sports commission for siding with the NABF despite its failure to select a national team for the past seven years. The group plans to dissolve the current NABF leadership and establish an interim committee to oversee the federation until the next annual general meeting, where new leaders will be elected.

The current executive members of NABF include Benjamin Rebang (president), Jeremia Ndjembo (deputy), and other key figures.