UNAM staff excel at the 24th SAUSSA Games and prepare to host in 2026

Staff members from the University of Namibia (UNAM), through the University Staff Sports and Social Club (USSSC), delivered commendable performances at the 24th South African Universities Staff Sports Association (SAUSSA) Games, hosted by Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), in Pretoria, South Africa. The annual games, held from 07 – 13 December 2025, brought together university staff from across the SADC region for sports, wellness, and unity.

The Games concluded on a high note, with UNAM athletes and teams securing medals across multiple sporting codes, reflecting a strong competitive presence. A significant highlight of the closing ceremony was the official handover of the SAUSSA banner to UNAM, confirming the University as the host of the 25th SAUSSA Games in 2026.

As the incoming host institution, UNAM expressed readiness and enthusiasm to deliver a well-organised and memorable event.

Team Achievements

  1. Men’s Tennis Team: Gold Medal
  2. Tug of War (2024/2025): Silver Medal
  3. Netball Team: Silver Medal
  4. Women’s Tennis Team: Bronze Medal
  5. Women’s Volleyball Team: Bronze Medal

 

Individual Athletics Achievements

  1. Saarah Namandje (100m & 200m): Gold
  2. Ndapanda (200m): Gold
  3. Collin Tjitemisa (100m & 200m): Gold & Silver
  4. Wesley Peiters (Men: 36–40 years, 400m): Bronze
  5. John John (100m & 200m): Bronze
  6. Wilka (100m & 200m): Bronze
  7. Tino Haingura (100m): Bronze

 

Relay Achievement

  1. Women’s 4 × 100 m Relay: Bronze

Team members: Saarah, Bertha, Albertina, and Ervinia

The University of Namibia congratulates all participating staff teams and athletes for their dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship. These achievements continue to enhance the University’s sporting profile and demonstrate the collective commitment of its staff.

Commenting on the success, the Chairperson of the Staff Sport Club, Ms Imelda Nerongo, said the strong performance was the result of sustained institutional support and a strategic realignment within the club.

“Our performance reflects the continued support we receive as a club and a deliberate shift in how we prepare and select our teams. We now place strong emphasis on competence, ensuring that UNAM competes with purpose and distinction, rather than merely participating,” she said.

Ms Nerongo further noted that the Games presented a valuable platform for the University to showcase its competitive readiness ahead of hosting SAUSSA 2026.

“These Games were an important opportunity for us to demonstrate UNAM’s competitive strength, unity and organisational capability, especially as we prepare to host SAUSSA 2026,” she concluded.

 

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