Ishitile wants a house

… Takes swipe at government over support for athletes

By Michael Uugwanga

Paralympian gold medallist Lahja Ishitile says she deserves to be rewarded with a house, just like fellow Namibian Paralympic champions Johanna Benson and Ananias Shikongo.

Ishitile made history at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games when she became the third Namibian to win gold at the Paralympics, taking first place in the women’s 400m T11.

She followed in the footsteps of Benson, who became Namibia’s first Paralympic gold medallist when she won the women’s 200m T37 at the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

Shikongo later added another gold medal for Namibia at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games in Brazil, winning the men’s 200m T11.

While Benson and Shikongo have since been rewarded with houses, Ishitile says she is still waiting for similar recognition.

Benson received a house from government in Walvis Bay, while Shikongo was rewarded with a house in Windhoek through Standard Bank.

Ishitile, meanwhile, continues to rent accommodation in Khomasdal while studying at the University of Namibia (UNAM) and raising her child.

She said she has grown tired of repeatedly raising the issue of a house because she no longer believes that one will be forthcoming.

Speaking to Confidente about her sport- ing plans, Ishitile said she has temporarily put her athletics career on the back burner as she concentrates on completing her final year at UNAM. “Since it is my final year at UNAM, when I am not busy, that is when I go for training.

Since I also stay very far, I kept on moving around looking for cheaper accommodation.

“I used to stay in a hostel, but ever since giving birth I have been renting because I need to take care of my baby. I have to look for a better place where I can also accommodate the nanny. I also have to manage my time because I have to take my studies seriously. No corporate company or government has come forth regarding a house,” she said.

Ishitile said the challenges faced by Paralympians are often overlooked despite their contribution to Namibia’s international sporting success.

She said paralympians have repeatedly brought medals home for the country but do not receive the same level of support as able-bodied athletes.

“You know when it comes to paralympians, everyone knows that the only athletes who bring medals are Paralympians. But the way people treat us is really bad.

“We Paralympians can no longer say much. You see, when you talk, it is useless and pointless, as I have not received anything, apart from our main sponsor, NamPower,” she said.

According to Ishitile, NamPower has been supporting her with N$3,000 a month since the end of November 2024.

The assistance covers her rent, food, transport and training-related needs and is expected to end on October 30 this year.

“NamPower is the only company that gives us Paralympians something,” she said. Ishitile also took aim at government, saying she has not received basic support such as transport money or running shoes to help her prepare for international competitions.

“Not even the government itself gave me something like transport money to go for training or running shoes to represent the country. Therefore, it is up to us paralympians to decide whether to continue representing the country or to give up,” she said.

For Ishitile, the issue is bigger than simply receiving a house. She believes the treatment of paralympians raises questions about how Namibia values athletes who overcome significant challenges to compete internationally and win medals for the country.

Despite her frustrations, Ishitile has not completely closed the door on athletics. For now, however, she said her priority is completing her studies and ensuring that she can provide a stable environment for her child.

Her call for a house comes after Namibia has previously recognised its paralympic champions through housing and other forms of support, leaving her questioning why her own gold-medal achievement has not attracted similar recognition.

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