Rehoboth SAMSA games cost N$803,450
The Rehoboth Town Council spent an estimated N$803,450 on its participation in the 2026 Southern African Inter-Municipal Sports Association (SAMSA) Games in Eswatini, the council heard yesterday. The games were held from 20 to 25 September, with Rehoboth Town Council staff participating in various sporting codes. According to the expenditure and funding report presented at yesterday’s council meeting, the council’s Sports and Recreation Committee organised fundraising activities to reduce the financial burden of the trip.
These included a Geisy Dance held in June and a car show in July. The Geisy Dance generated a profit of N$36,500, while the car show raised N$51,950. Participating staff members also contributed towards the trip, with each of the 72 participants paying N$1,500. This resulted in a total staff contribution of N$108,000. Contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders contributed a further N$458,503.45 towards the team’s participation.
The report said the contributions were intended to reduce the financial burden on the council while encouraging staff participation, teamwork and community involvement. The council covered accommodation and transport costs estimated at N$508,750. However, the sports club is expected to repay the council N$315,000 once outstanding contributions and donations from suppliers have been received. The Sports and Recreation Committee opened a bank account in May into which the financial contributions were deposited.
Based on the anticipated supplier contributions and the repayment arrangement, the committee estimated that the net contribution required from the council would be approximately N$230,000, which is expected to be refunded to the council coffers. The report was presented following the council’s participation in the SAMSA Games, which bring together local authorities from Southern African Development Community countries.
She specifically highlighted the N$315,000 expected repayment, saying she would monitor the matter and provide feedback to the community once the money had been repaid to the council. The full expenditure and funding report is available to community members upon request.
