Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has challenged stakeholders to think outside the box if they are to develop sports across the country.
The ministry’s Principal Secretary Jameson Ndalama made the remarks Thursday at Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre during a Southern Region Consultative Meeting Review of the National Sports Policy (NSP).
During the review, Ndalama engaged with various stakeholders including athletes, journalists and officials.
He said ordinary sports policies were detrimental to the growth of various sport codes.
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“Over time, the sports landscape—both locally globally—has evolved significantly. Today, sport is no longer just about recreation and competition. It has become a major driver of economic development, a tool for social inclusion, and a platform for promoting health and national unity.
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“Issues such as sports commercialization, professionalism, athlete welfare, gender equality, safeguarding, sports science, and the use of technology are now central to the development of sport,” Ndalama said.
He said an NSP is a critical instrument in the development of sport in any country.
“National Sports Policy provides strategic direction and ensures that all stakeholders are working towards a shared vision. It guides investment in sports infrastructure, talent identification and development, capacity building of sports personnel, governance systems, and the overall promotion of sport at all levels.
“Furthermore, a well-developed policy helps to coordinate efforts among government institutions, sports associations, the private sector and development partners,” Ndalama said.
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Among officials who made presentations at the event were Director of Sports in the Ministry of Sports Justin Msopera, Malawi National Council of Sports Director of Planning, Marketing and Infrastructure Development Limbani Matola and Ministry of Sports spokesperson Macmillan Mwale.
Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa) president Blackson Malamula said it was important to review the NSP as it was outdated.
“This is a foundation and guiding framework that ensures that sports is a strategic part of national development, education and talent building,” Malamula said.
Netball Association of Malawi vice president Tadala Billie applauded the ministry for involving associations in reviewing the policy which was formulated in 2007.
“Things have changed and we really need to align sports development with what is happening currently,” Billie said.
Sports Council acting Chief Executive Officer Ivy Chinangwa also attended the gathering and participated in group discussions.
