KHORIXAS – President Nangolo Mbumba yesterday inaugurated the Khorixas Vocational Training Centre, breathing life into the hopes of many in Kunene, a region among the poorest in the land.
During yesterday’s event that saw the small rusty town of Khorixas come to a standstill, he implored private institutions to join hands with the government through collaboration in terms of internships and job placements.
This, Mbumba said, is to ensure those graduating from the new state-of-the-art facility gain the requisite skills and expertise to stand on their own.
“As we know, Namibia is rich in potential; our natural resources, cultural heritage and industrious people are assets that can propel us forward as a nation,” he said.
“Our country has entered a new and exciting phase of development, with the emerging green hydrogen as well as oil and gas sectors offering tremendous potential for transforming our economy and catapulting our developmental aspirations into an era of untold success. Hence, the skills from VTCs will serve as a gateway for many young individuals seeking to empower themselves through education to participate in the emerging industries.”
Various political leaders and community members, including learners, were gathered at the centre to witness the inauguration.
The project was initiated by late vice president Nickey Iyambo, who visited Khorixas many years ago, and heard the cry of the community for assistance.
The late Iyambo tabled this to late
president Hage Geingob and Cabinet, who endorsed the development, it was reminisced on the day. “The late Iyambo was the champion of the Khorixas VTC; it was one of those projects he wanted to see done and completed,” Mbumba said. He added that the inauguration of the centre was a clear testimony to the government’s unwavering commitment and resolve to construct vocational training centres in all 14 regions of Namibia.
The Head of State reiterated the government’s commitment to broaden access to technical and vocational training services countrywide to meet the country’s technical demands.
“We believe that by providing practical training that is aligned with industry needs, we are ensuring that every Namibian has access to quality vocational training that equips them with relevant skills necessary for today’s job market. This initiative will empower our youth to become job-creators rather than mere job-seekers,” the former finance minister said.
He stressed that the government, through the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, in collaboration with the Namibia Training Authority, has developed a comprehensive Technical, Vocational
Education and Training Transformation and Expansion Strategy aimed at broadening access to technical and vocational training services countrywide.
“In line with Vision 2030, we aspire to transform Namibia into a knowledge-based economy. The Khorixas Vocational Training Centre embodies this vision by offering programmes that promote innovation and entrepreneurship among our youth. We envision a future where every Namibian has access to quality vocational training that empowers them to realise their full potential,” the President stressed.
He then said, “This is your chance to gain valuable skills that will enhance your employability, or enable you to start your own business. Take advantage of this facility, designed specifically for you! Let us build a future where every young person has access to quality education, and can contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
Major investment
On her part, higher education minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi said the training centre, which used to be the old Braunfels Agricultural High School, was constructed to the tune of N$79.5 million.
Broken down, N$21 million was spent on site clearance; fencing; stone pitching around the river embankment; bulk earthworks; stormwater infrastructure; sewer reticulation; water and electricity installations; installation of trenches to protect the property against elephants; as well as the relocation of the auction pens and associated infrastructure to an alternative site.
Meanwhile, N$58.5 million was invested in the construction of the world-class centre.
She said the centre is constructed on donated land by the Khorixas Town Council to the government.
It measures 25.5 hectares. The VTC will offer courses such as bricklaying and plastering, joinery and cabinetmaking, plumbing and pipefitting, air-conditioning, and refrigeration.
These programmes were carefully selected, based on industry needs, with the community’s input.
“I urge all members of the Kunene community – parents, guardians and young people – to seize this opportunity presented by the Khorixas Vocational Training Centre,” Kandjii-Murangi said.
Beneficiaries
In the face of perennial droughts, high unemployment, malnutrition and limited business prospects, the VTC, even before opening its doors, was seen as a beacon of hope by many in the region.
This feeling reverberated through students who attended the inauguration yesterday.
“I am happy that there is finally an institution of higher learning in our town, and we don’t have to travel to other regions to search for courses,” said a student who only identified herself as Janet.
During our team’s visit to Khorixas earlier this year, Scott Kapi, a small-scale miner in Arizona village in Sesfontein constituency, welcomed the institution with open arms and vigour.
At the time, Kapi said most of those who could not afford enrolment elsewhere in cities like Windhoek, where the living cost is high, or even in Okakarara due to a lack of accommodation, can now access the same services in their own region.
“I really want to commend the government for bringing the training centre closer to the community. We have a lot of youth without proper education, and we hope that by bringing the training centre to Khorixas, young people will be able to acquire the necessary skills in their areas of interest,” he said.
He urged the government to consider students from marginalised communities such as Ovatue, Ovazemba, Ovatjimba and Ovahimba, who never went through formal school and do not meet the admission requirements, but have the talent and energy to pursue fields like small-scale farming and mining, to at least gain basic knowledge.
Kapi also hopes the centre will provide tailor-made information to address the knowledge gap on the socio-economic activities in the region.
“We have talents among those tribes who are currently on the ground – whether farming or mining – but these people lack formal education, technical skills and knowledge such as smart agriculture or value-addition to minerals,” he said.
Another local, Belinda Garises, voiced gratitude, which was vivid on her face.
“I just want to express gratitude to the government for bringing the training centre to our town. After completing high school, I have been sitting at home for almost three years with no prospects of furthering my education. Once our VTC opens, I will grab the opportunity so that I can better my life,” she said.