Coach Larry Laursen at Windhoek in 1982.

The former German colony of South West Africa  was governed by South Africa as a United Nations Mandate from 1919 until its independence in 1990. Athletes from South West competed as a province in South African events.

The main centre was Windhoek, while smaller centres included Swakopmund, Walvisbaai, Tsumeb and Oranjemund. The South African Defence Force had a big presence in the country, and many soldiers' families attended school there.