Windhoek-Commonwealth Games Gold medalist Helalia Johannes has been promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two with effect from the 19th April, having jumped two ranks. The promotion ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Windhoek on Thursday. Helalia Johannes became the first female to have ever collected a Gold medal at the Commonwealth games for Namibia after winning the Marathon race at the Gold Coast in Australia last Sunday. Officially welcoming Corporal (Cpl) Helalia Johannes, the Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist and other NDF Commonwealth participants at the Defence Headquarters was Minister of Defence Hon. Penda Ya Ndakolo and Major General Ben Kadhila representing the Chief of Defence Force. As an acknowledgement for her achievement, the Chief of Defence Force promoted Cpl Johannes to the rank of a Warrant Officer Class 2 with effect from 19 April 2018. Johannes has been employed by the ministry since 2008 and previously served as a Corporal. “The news of your achievement has come as a great delight to all of us here all your hard work commitment ,practise and years of experience have finally paid off by winning the Gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth games women's marathon in Australia, congratulation on another milestone in your athletics career” said Brigadier General Ben Kadhila. Four marathon runners from the defence force competed at the Commonwealth games. “Winning a gold medal at the games of this magnitude is a national pride, it has put Namibia on the world map again. Her history as an athlete is telling us that her persistence has finally paid off as she has finally made it to the top athletes. Singling out warrant officer Johannes does not mean that we down play the participation of the rest of you. We are proud of what all of you have done for Namibia” Defence Minister Hon. Penda ya Ndakolo said. The defence minister used the platform to encourage sports participation in the force, stating that it's beneficial for both body and mind. He said the his ministry and the defence force will have to do more to support sport in the Namibian defence force in particular to support sports men and women , so sports can become a hobby in amongst the force.