Rundu:The Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) has invested N$100,000 into its annual teachers' tournament, marking the first time it has done so since the end of its three-year sponsorship agreement with Sanlam Allianz.

According to NAMPA, the eighth edition of the tournament is being held in Rundu from 22 to 25 October 2026, featuring over 50 teams competing in football, netball, and volleyball. The tournament aims to bring together teachers who form teams within their respective circuits to compete in various sporting codes. After the expiration of the agreement with Sanlam Allianz, Nantu stepped in to provide financial support for this year's event.

At the official opening ceremony on Wednesday, Kavango East Education Director Christine Shilima, whose remarks were delivered by Education Inspector Wencislaus Kudomo, emphasized the tournament's role in helping teachers build friendships, share experiences, and promote their physical and mental well-being. Shilima praised the organizers and stakeholders for sustaining the initiative over the years and noted that the tournament was originally organized separately by the two Kavango regions before becoming a joint event.

The collaboration has united teachers from Kavango East and Kavango West, fostering interaction, learning, and stronger working relationships. Shilima highlighted that despite differences in geographical location and administrative arrangements, teachers from both regions share the responsibility of providing quality education and preparing learners to become responsible citizens.

Teachers from the Zambezi, Oshana, Omusati, and Ohangwena regions are also participating, expanding the tournament's reach beyond the two Kavango regions. Meanwhile, Nantu Kavango West regional chairperson Daniel Lyambezi reaffirmed the union's commitment to supporting teachers and improving their welfare, mentioning plans to engage more directly with its members and introducing a proposed teachers' savings cooperative.

Lyambezi encouraged teachers to visit the union's stand at the tournament to learn about the cooperative and other benefits available to members. He also revealed Nantu's aspiration to establish a teachers' bank, inspired by similar initiatives in other countries, to expand financial services for educators. Last year, the Rundu circuit won the football and volleyball championships, while the Ndiyona circuit claimed the netball title.