inister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Agnes Tjongarero, has called on the newly established National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) to prioritise the interests of athletes.
She said this here on Monday, during the development of an anti-doping legislative framework for Namibia.
Tjongarero emphasised that it will require the collective efforts of all Namibians to continue receiving support from the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA).
“As we embark on this journey, it is important to remember that the fight against anti-doping in Namibia has been ongoing. The Namibia Sport Act of 2003 recognises the significance of anti-doping,” she said.
The government has authorised the Namibia Sports Commission to enter into agreements with individuals, organisations, or institutions, both within and outside Namibia, to conduct doping control tests or analyse substances for such tests.
Tjongarero further stated that government cooperation is crucial in establishing this important institution that will contribute to the fight against doping in sports, despite the institution’s goal of operating independently.
“Ultimately, when an athlete fails a doping test, it reflects negatively on their country of origin,” the minister remarked.
She further noted that it is a well-known fact that African countries still lack sufficient sustainable, relevant, and independent national anti-doping organisations.
“Due to the absence of anti-doping institutions in Africa, many countries rely heavily on Regional Anti-Doping Organisations (RADO),” Tjongarero said.
She acknowledged that WADA has facilitated the creation of RADOs and continues to support them, ensuring assistance to each member country.
The minister also said numerous African countries, along with other regions worldwide, face challenges in terms of resources for sports and anti-doping.
“I am extremely grateful to Unesco and WADA for their commitment to securing resources to help regions like ours develop our capacities and programmes further. Namibia is prepared to initiate the process of establishing independent and relevant anti-doping offices that meet the country’s needs,” Tjongarero said.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency