Also known as: Executive director of sport Gerard Vries
Executive director who stressed financial prudence and collaboration among sport stakeholders at a federations' assembly in April 2026.
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Windhoek Observer
Executive director Gerard Vries rejected characterisation of non-compliance
“Responding to the Windhoek Observer, executive director in the ministry of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture Gerard Vries, rejected what he called the characterisation of non-compliance.”
NYS operates with four board members for over a year …falling below statutory limit of at least seven membersThe Namibian
Gerard Vries said no construction tender has been awarded for the five stadium projects yet
“Executive director of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Gerard Vries last week said no construction tender has been awarded for the five stadium projects yet.”
Independence Stadium renovation set for JulyThe Namibian
Gerard Vries said Independence Stadium is being rebuilt specifically to pass CAF and World Athletics inspections
“He said the Independence Stadium is being rebuilt specifically to pass CAF and World Athletics inspections.”
Independence Stadium renovation set for JulyThe Namibian
Gerard Vries described the project as the future revolution of the youth mandate
“MEIYSAC executive director for lifelong learning, arts and culture Gerard Vries described the project as "the future revolution of the youth mandate."”
Youth centres to be transformed into multi-purpose hubsWindhoek Observer
Gerard Vries said transition comes amid financial and operational challenges within government
“Meanwhile, executive director of the ministry, Gerard Vries, said the transition comes amid financial and operational challenges within government.”
Sankwasa warns against power struggles in decentralisationWindhoek Observer
Education ministry executive director Gerard Vries asked for questions to be submitted in writing
“Education ministry executive director Gerard Vries asked for questions to be submitted in writing.”
Education ministry wants out of Chicco building deal …as it pays N$1.1 million monthly for empty buildingThe Namibian
Gerard Vries says the ministry has not appointed RCC to represent the government in sourcing funding from DBN
“Executive director for sport, youth and national service Gerard Vries says the ministry has not appointed the RCC to represent the government in sourcing funding from the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN).”
Sport ministry unaware of RCC’s N$500-million development bank loanThe Namibian
Executive director Gerard Vries said sport development in Namibia demands deliberate planning, disciplined leadership and measurable results
“Executive director of sport Gerard Vries said sport development in Namibia demands deliberate planning, disciplined leadership and measurable results.”
Govt calls for transparency, discipline and unityNew Era
Ministry's current executive director Gerard Vries stated ministry merged in March 2025 with other education ministries, contributing to relocation delays
“Furthermore, Vries stated that in March 2025, the ministry was merged with the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation.”
Ministry pays over ‘N$27 m’ to ChiccoThe National Youth Service has operated with only four board members for more than a year, below the statutory minimum of seven prescribed by the NYS Act 6 of 2005. A governance expert warned the arrangement creates compliance concerns and heightens governance risks, with sources fearing resolutions passed under the current arrangement could be deemed void.
4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The National Youth Service has operated with only four board members for more than a year, below the statutory minimum of seven prescribed by the NYS Act 6 of 2005. A governance expert warned the arrangement creates compliance concerns and heightens governance risks, with sources fearing resolutions passed under the current arrangement could be deemed void.
4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government is expected to start the procurement process for a contractor to redevelop Independence Stadium in Windhoek during the second quarter of the current financial year, with the stadium currently at the final design and documentation stage. The project is one of five stadiums planned across the country to be upgraded to Confederation of African Football category three standards, to be implemented in phases.
24 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Twamanguluka youth organisation and the ministry of youth have launched a national Youth Centre Revitalisation Project to transform youth centres into integrated hubs offering education, healthcare, enterprise development, sports, technology and employment pathways. Pilot programmes will begin in Katima Mulilo, Rundu and Gobabis.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has warned against political and administrative power struggles as the government decentralises youth empowerment, sports promotion and development planning functions to all 14 regional councils, with 327 staff members expected to be seconded during the transition. Sankwasa stressed that decentralisation cannot succeed if institutions compete for authority and called for clarity on reporting lines and responsibilities between governors, regional councils and decentralised staff.
15 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Education has sought legal advice to cancel a lease agreement for an unoccupied Independence Avenue building that has cost the state N$1.1 million monthly since 2024. The building, leased from northern businessman Erastus 'Chicco' Shapumba since December 2023, was found unsuitable for office use and remains empty.
11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture said it had not appointed the Roads Contractor Company to source funding from the Development Bank of Namibia for sport stadiums, nor was it aware of or party to any loan application by the RCC. The ministry said it remains the custodian of sport infrastructure development and is implementing its national programme with N$5 million per facility as part of phase 1 of a long-term, phased approach.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The government has awarded Roads Contractor Company (RCC) a N$140-million project to build sport facilities across Namibia's 14 regions, bypassing standard public procurement rules under a presidential fast-track exemption. The decision has drawn criticism from industry groups and opposition politicians over transparency and accountability, though officials argue the project follows existing legal frameworks and incorporates oversight mechanisms.
5 March 2026 · The Namibian →
At a sport federations' assembly, Minister Sanet Steenkamp called on federations to remain disciplined, transparent and united, emphasizing that the government has allocated N$750 million to sport within a three-year framework and expects accountability in financial management and governance. Executive director Gerard Vries stressed the need for financial prudence and collaboration among stakeholders, noting that internal division weakens progress while unity strengthens impact.
2 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has paid an estimated N$27.5 million in rental fees over 25 months for a Windhoek office building owned by Erastus Shapumba that remains unoccupied since the lease was signed in December 2023. The Works and Transport Minister confirmed the government cannot easily terminate the contract despite ongoing construction delays and a subsequent ministry merger in March 2025 that contributed to the delayed relocation.
17 February 2026 · New Era →
A N$11.6 million hostel accommodating 60 learners was officially opened in Gochas by education minister Sanet Steenkamp, donated by Spanish non-profit Foundawtion in response to an initiative by retired principal Theo-Paulina Goliath to improve living conditions for students in the community.
26 January 2026 · New Era →