From law enforcement to youth empowerment

Johannes Kalla Mpinge believes that policing is not only about enforcing the law but also about preventing crime before it begins.

Serving at the Walvis Bay Police Station and residing in Seapoint, Kuisebmond, Mpinge has taken it upon himself to play an active role in shaping the future of the community he serves daily. As both a law enforcement officer and a community member, he experiences first-hand the social challenges affecting many young people, particularly after school hours and during weekends when supervision and structured activities are often limited.

“As police officers, we are given the mandate to maintain law and order, but living in the same community allows me to see the real challenges our young people are facing every day,” says Mpinge.

According to him, many young people are exposed to dangerous influences such as alcohol abuse, drug use, bullying and criminal behaviour at an early age. School dropouts and idle time often push children towards street life, increasing their vulnerability to negative peer pressure. Rather than only responding to crime incidents through policing, Mpinge chose to focus on prevention by creating opportunities that would positively occupy young people’s time and energy.

Prevention the answer

“I realised that waiting for crime to happen is not enough. We must prevent it by keeping our children busy and giving them something positive to focus on,” he explains.

Using his personal time after knock-off hours and during weekends, Mpinge began mobilising children from Kuisebmond to participate in football activities at an open space located behind the old age home. What initially started as informal football matches among neighbourhood children gradually developed into organised training sessions as more young people joined.

“I started gathering youngsters after work and on weekends because I wanted them to stay away from street life. Football became the best way to bring them together,” he says.

Small beginnings, big results

This grassroots effort later grew into MK Football Academy FC, an initiative officially established in 2018, with Mpinge serving as founder and managing director. The academy now consists of several development structures catering for different age groups, including Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and a senior team.

“My mission is clear: to keep young people away from alcohol, drugs, bullying and other negative influences found in the streets. When they are active in sport, they develop discipline and respect.”

Tracing back to his childhood, the passion that drives Mpinge’s work today originated in Oshihenge village, located in the Oshakati West Constituency of the Oshana Region, where his love for football began at the age of six. Even as a young boy, he demonstrated leadership by organising football tournaments that brought together surrounding villages.

“I have always loved bringing people together through football. At the age of ten, I organised my first tournament with only N$20, and villagers supported it,” he recalls.

By the age of 15, Mpinge organised another successful tournament valued at N$150, attracting teams from surrounding villages, including Onendongo, Okamule, Oniimwandi, Othingo, Omeege, Iikuku, Oshadumbala, Oshamale, Uuthilindindi, Oshikolongondjo, Ompundja and Okamahalelwa.

Balancing act

“Those who grew up with me know me as Kalla Mpinge. I was active in community gatherings then, and I am still the same person today,” he says.

Despite balancing demanding policing duties, Mpinge has remained committed to mentoring young people through MK Football Academy FC. However, sustaining and expanding the initiative presents ongoing challenges, particularly the shortage of essential sporting equipment.

“I am calling upon the community and the business fraternity to assist with footballs, kits, bibs, cones and other materials so that we can grow this initiative and help more young people.”

Mpinge believes that community safety begins long before criminal activity occurs and that investment in youth development remains one of the strongest crime prevention strategies.

“If we guide our youth today and keep them busy, we will build safer communities tomorrow.”

“For me, the football field represents hope; a place where young people learn discipline, teamwork and responsibility. My dream is to see our community free from criminal activity and safe for everyone,” he says.

Mpinge adds that his daily experiences as a police officer involved in crime prevention have inspired him to take action beyond his official duties.

Help out

“I see every day what is happening in our streets, and as a police officer working in crime prevention, I cannot simply rest when I am off duty. I spend most of my free time in open spaces with the children, keeping them engaged through football and positive activities,” he says.

However, the initiative continues to face challenges due to limited resources. Among the urgent needs are football kits, safety equipment, boots, reflector jackets, balls and training cones.

He is therefore calling on the business community in Walvis Bay to support the initiative to sustain and expand opportunities for young people.

Businesses and individuals willing to assist can contact Mpinge on 081 270 8761 or via email at [email protected].