Windhoek:A member of the constitutional review and drafting committee, Kurry Matundu, has highlighted deficiencies in the current Namibia Schools Sport Union (NSSU) constitution, particularly concerning the recognition and compensation for teachers who accompany learners to sporting events on weekends.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Matundu expressed these concerns during a stakeholder consultation meeting held on Tuesday aimed at reviewing the NSSU's constitution. The review seeks to address current challenges and reflect the needs of teachers, learners, and other stakeholders engaged in school sports.

The consultation process is gathering insights and recommendations from regional stakeholders, including teachers, sports organizers, and coordinators actively involved in sporting activities. Matundu noted that the existing constitution does not clearly outline compensation for teachers who dedicate weekends and personal time to school sports, unlike other government employees who receive compensation for duties performed outside normal working hours.

Matundu further explained that the review intends to identify gaps, clarify ambiguous sections, and eliminate outdated provisions from the constitution, which last saw amendments in 2018. A six-member committee has prepared a draft revised constitution, which has been presented to the Executive Director of Sport before undergoing regional consultation.

The proposed amendments will be aligned with the national sports policy, the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, and relevant legislation. Matundu stated that feedback from the regional consultations will be consolidated to improve the draft before its finalization.

In a related statement, Kavango East Education Director Christine Shilima emphasized the proposed policy's goal of strengthening governance and enhancing the skills and qualifications of individuals managing school sports. She highlighted the need for training teachers and sports officials in first-aid and injury prevention skills for learners.

Drawing from her experience as a former school principal, Shilima pointed out that some communities have been restricted from using school sports fields, despite schools being community institutions. She advocated for stronger cooperation between schools and communities, suggesting that school sports facilities should be accessible to local sports clubs and residents whenever possible.