Namibian Lawmakers Champion Fitness for a Healthier Nation

Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp, her deputy, Dino Ballotti, and fellow parliamentarians recently hit a gym in Windhoek, aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle. In a statement, the ministry said Steenkamp was accompanied by Sharonice Busch, Clemencia Coetzee, John Louw and Martha Itope in their efforts to change the mindset of Namibians regarding a healthy lifestyle and the importance of maintaining a fit body. The lawmakers participated in guided fitness assessment sessions, free InBody screening assessments, and fitness testing and goal-setting at the Fit City Namibia event, held in collaboration with the ministry as part of the new year leadership honourable engagement. Talking to The Namibian Sport, Fit City Namibia administrator Sharon Tjiramba says: “Any leader must hit the gym. As a leader you should lead by example by living a healthy lifestyle. “Fitness is one of the key elements for a leader to incorporate in their lifestyle.” Tjiramba expresses her appreciation for the lawmakers’ decision to emphasise the importance of a healthy lifestyle through action. She says she hopes that both young and old people will prioritise a healthy lifestyle in 2026. Research shows that fitness is the overall state of health and well-being, defined as the ability to perform daily tasks with energy, strength, and endurance, while also managing stress and resisting disease. This is achieved through exercise, nutrition, rest, and a balanced lifestyle. Fitness encompasses physical attributes like cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and coordination, allowing you to enjoy activities and meet life’s demands efficiently.