Alie Thaniseb

KEETMANSHOOP – In a landmark moment for the //Kharas region recently, the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre was officially inaugurated, marking a new chapter for technical education in southern Namibia. Delivering the welcoming address, Melody Swartbooi, Mayor of Keetmanshoop, issued a stirring call to action, urging trainees to adopt a “culture of discipline” to honour the government’s investment in their future.

Describing the new facility as more than just a collection of classrooms, Swartbooi characterised the centre as a “beacon of hope and opportunity.” She noted that the K-VTC symbolizes a localized commitment to fostering skills that are essential for national economic growth and the eradication of poverty.

“This centre is for you,” the mayor told the gathered youth. “It symbolises our commitment to fostering education and skills development, which are crucial for economic growth and social progress.”

While celebrating the physical infrastructure, mayor Swartbooi’s message turned pointedly toward the responsibility of the students. She emphasized that while the government can build state-of-the-art facilities, the ultimate success of the initiative rests on the shoulders of the students.

“Young people, please, humbly self-discipline,” Swartbooi pleaded. “Focus on your studies. The government is investing, centres are being set up, but we must take responsibility and accountability. We must do our part.”

She stressed that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is the primary tool for addressing modern workforce demands but noted that it requires a rigorous personal commitment from the youth to be effective.

The mayor also extended her gratitude to Sanet Steenkamp, the minister of education, attributing the “solid progress” in Namibia’s TVET sector to the minister’s steadfast leadership and strategic direction. The presence of Vice President Lucia Witbooi as a main speaker was also highlighted as a testament to the State’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of the education sector.

Swartbooi reaffirmed the municipality’s support for the trainees, promising that the community stands “100%” behind them. The VTC is expected to become a cornerstone of success for generations to come, providing the practical, hands-on training necessary to transform the socio-economic landscape of Keetmanshoop and the wider //Kharas region.

*Alie Thaniseb is an Information Officer in the MICT, //Kharas region.