Athletics

JOHANNESBURG – ANOCA Secretary Maxwell Jele has shared the importance of governance, strategic partnerships and leveraging opportunities for the advancement of athletics in the region.

The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) secretary who is also Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) chief executive officer (CEO) was addressing delegates during the Confederation of Africa Athletics Southern Region (CAA-SR) at the Southern Sun conference in Johannesburg two days ago.

Drawing on his extensive background in sports administration, Jele highlighted key areas for growth and improvement, emphasising the need for self-reliance and collaborative efforts among member countries.

He described ANOCA as the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, divided into seven zones, with Zone VI comprising 10 countries: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Jele stressed the importance of strategic partnerships, citing ANOCA Zone VI’s successful collaborations with AUSC Region V and the Africa Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) Zone VI.

He noted that despite a modest annual budget of E870 000 from ANOCA, these partnerships enable impactful programmes and activities, such as an upcoming Olympic education and anti-doping programme in Eswatini.

Jele also urged delegates to capitalise on opportunities from the Olympic Movement, such as the Olympic Solidarity funding, which offers support for coach education and the Development of National Sports Structures (DNSS) programme, with funding of up to E520 000.

Full article available in our publication.

ANOCA Secretary Maxwell Jele making his remarks during the CAA-SR Special Congress Meeting in Johannesburg on Saturday. (Pics: Sanele Jele)

Michael Meyer, the Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, addresses the delegates.