Hesron Kapanga The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) has temporarily suspended the membership rights of the Namibia National Paralympic Committee (NNPC), citing its failure to fulfil obligations under the federation’s constitution. In a communication seen by Nampa, IBSA informed the NNPC that its executive board had taken the decision at a meeting held on 17... The post IBSA suspends NNPC membership rights appeared first on New Era .
**Hesron Kapanga **
The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) has temporarily suspended the membership rights of the Namibia National Paralympic Committee (NNPC), citing its failure to fulfil obligations under the federation’s constitution.
In a communication seen by Nampa, IBSA informed the NNPC that its executive board had taken the decision at a meeting held on 17 July 2026.
“We wish to inform you that, at its meeting held on 17 July 2026, the IBSA Executive Board resolved to temporarily suspend the rights associated with the membership of Namibia National Paralympic Committee,” the document reads.
The suspension comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the NNPC, which has had significant implications for Namibia’s para-athletes.
The dispute followed the election of a new NNPC board on 14 February 2026. However, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) continued to recognise Michael Hamukwaya as the NNPC’s official contact person and raised concerns about the legitimacy of the elections.
According to the IPC, the elections were not conducted in accordance with the NNPC constitution currently on file with the international body.
The leadership dispute has left the NNPC’s governance and representation in uncertainty, while athletes have faced difficulties registering for competitions and accessing international events and qualification opportunities.
IBSA said the decision to suspend Namibia was adopted pursuant to Articles 9.2 and 9.3.1 of the IBSA constitution. These provisions empower the executive board to suspend the rights associated with membership where a member fails to meet the conditions of membership or comply with its obligations under the constitution.
“In reaching its decision, the executive board noted that your organisation had not participated in the activities of the federation for an extended period and had failed to fulfil its obligations under the IBSA constitution,” the statement reads.
IBSA said it had repeatedly contacted the NNPC before taking the decision, reminding the organisation of its obligations, inviting it to regularise its status and giving it an opportunity to present its position in accordance with Article 9.2.1 of its constitution.
The suspension takes effect immediately, IBSA said, adding that the executive board will report the decision to the next general assembly in accordance with Article 9.2.2.
Although the NNPC remains an IBSA member, it will not be able to exercise the rights and privileges associated with membership for the duration of the suspension.
According to IBSA, Article 9.2.3 provides that the suspended organisation may not vote or be heard, except in matters relating to the suspension, enter athletes in IBSA-sanctioned competitions or participate in IBSA activities.
IBSA stressed that the measure does not amount to termination of the NNPC’s membership.
“Rather, it is intended to ensure compliance with the obligations established by the IBSA Constitution, encourage active engagement in the federation’s activities, and strengthen the effectiveness of IBSA’s governance system,” the federation said.
IBSA said it remained committed to maintaining constructive relations with its member organisations and would consider restoring the NNPC’s membership rights once the circumstances that led to the suspension had been satisfactorily addressed.
The federation also invited the NNPC to contact its administration for clarification or to discuss the measures required to restore its membership rights.
-Nampa
The post IBSA suspends NNPC membership rights appeared first on New Era.
Follow the story
