KEETMANSHOOP - President Nangolo Mbumba has called for an increased intake of students from the //Kharas and Hardap regions’ learners Unam's southern campus in the town. He advocated for this whilst delivering the keynote address during the fifth graduation ceremony at the campus last Friday in his capacity as Chancellor of the University of Namibia (Unam).
A total of 159 out of over 4 000 Unam students countrywide were conferred with qualifications in the academic fields of Business Administration, Education, Accounting and Nursing during the
graduation ceremony.
“Although we are doing well nationally, more needs to be done to increase the number of graduands in the Hardap and //Kharas regions,” he emphasised.
The Head of State further strongly appealed to the parents, families, communities, education officials and councillors to join hands and encourage more students from the southern regions so that Unam can increase their participation and success at the university level. Mbumba reasoned that education has always been about partnerships, and thus called upon development partners, the private sector and civil society organisations to hold hands with government, and ensure that the country’s educational institutions contribute towards the achievement of national and global education goals, and to build resilient, effective as well as transformational strategies for quality and equitable education for all.
“To reach the pinnacle of graduation is a testament to hard work, determination and perseverance. It speaks to an innate desire in the committed student to excel and achieve academic success against all odds in his or her academic journey and personal life,” he noted.
He added that given the wonderful results of the ceremony, he is confident that Unam will continue its efforts in increasing access to higher education by expanding quality infrastructure and facilities at the Southern Campus. “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948 in Paris in Article 26 (1) states the following, and I quote ‘Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available, and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit’”, the chancellor stated.
He also expressed his pride in the fact that Namibia has by and large complied with the United Nations’ declaration in that everyone has a right to education; primary and secondary education is free; and a majority of students at tertiary level are supported through government scholarships and loans.
“Moreover, in Namibia, education at all levels is widely available in all the 14 regions, except for tertiary education, which we are still busy rolling out as resources permit,” he told the audience. In his welcoming remarks, Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu said skills and competencies are determinants in global competitive economies.
“This reality informs the determination of the University of Namibia to continue producing the human capital required to develop Namibia and beyond, and to enable the students to have choices and options in life in fields such as accounting, business administration, education, geology and nursing, which are critical for social and economic advancements,” he observed.
Congratulating the students, he told them that this is the beginning of their fight against poverty and ignorance. “You will succeed, and your life and that of your family will never be the same,” he added. Matengu then wished that the spirit of hard work, perseverance, resilience and the desire to excel and achieve lives on in them. Unam started its educational operations in Keetmanshoop in 2014. The first group of students (148) were conferred with qualifications in 2018. This was followed by 200 in 2019, 137 in 2020, 243 in 2021, 224 in 2022 and now 159 in 2023.
Newly-qualified Desmond Basson, who graduated with a Diploma in Accounting, said he indeed felt proud of himself for pleasing his parents in successfully completing his studies.
“It is now my intention to get employed and continue my studies to a higher level,” he enthused. In his message to his peers, he urged them to grab opportunities coming their way to prepare themselves better for the future. His mother, Magdalena, felt the investment they made in their son’s future reaped the desired fruits. “It is now mine and his father’s sincere wish that he will excel further in the future for his own good,” she beamed.
Demand public services
Engaging traditional authority leaders of the two southern regions on Friday as part of his four-day visit to the //Kharas and Hardap regions, President Mbumba assured leaders and members of traditional authorities from there that they have the right to demand public services due to them. “It is just proper that every community/region/person gets a fair share in benefiting from resources in our country,” he emphasised.
In his contribution, Gaob Johannes Isaack from the /Hai-Khaua community (//Kharas region) said the traditional authorities are grateful for the President’s thoughtfulness to consult respective leaders.
“As you are aware, our communities in the south are battling with socio-economic challenges to put food on the table, and I will be brief in stating some points in the interest of time,” Isaack said.
In terms of the Neckartal Dam, he informed Mbumba that there is an urgent need to expedite the construction of irrigation schemes at the dam. “Once done, we can create opportunities for local businesses and SMEs’ participation in the agricultural value-chain to boost the economy, create jobs (particularly for the unemployed youth), uplift the living standards of the local communities and enhance food security in Namibia, “ the Gaob reasoned.
Referring to the Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Project located in the Tsau //Khaeb (formerly known as Sperrgebiet) National Park, he underscored that beneficiation of locals in the southern regions cannot be overstated. “We, therefore, appeal to you, Your Excellency, to take extra measures to ensure that young people from the south of Namibia will not be left behind during the next intake of beneficiaries”, Isaack pleaded.
He also sensitised the audience on the need for tangible involvement and participation of businesses and SMEs of southern Namibia throughout the entire value-chain of the Green Hydrogen project. “If this can be done through the local content policy which is currently being reviewed, government can further boost the local economy and create job opportunities for the youth. But traditional authorities should be consulted as well during the process”, Isaack said. He also recommended that politics should not interfere when laws, like the Traditional Authorities Act, are being implemented. Isaack further raised the concern of poor rainfall affecting all sectors in the country, and that another spell of drought is looming. “Drought relief aid must thus reach those in need on time to avoid loss of life and livestock,” he urged.
Gaob Hendrik Witbooi, on behalf of the Witbooi Traditional Authority in the Hardap region, expressed their appreciation to the President for his initiative of giving priority to traditional authorities on the agenda of his out-of-office mission. “This clearly shows that you will never forget us in your journey ahead, and that you are going to walk with us,” he added. Witbooi then turned his attention to a matter of grave concern regarding government’s involvement in the tragic genocide saga which has afflicted the Namibian nation.
“While acknowledging government’s efforts in addressing this dark chapter of our history, it is imperative to emphasise the critical role of traditional authorities in the reconciliation and healing process,” he noted.
The Gaob further advocated for the stringent implementation of customary law-based Community Courts in addressing cases related to intra-tribal disputes. “By working hand-in-hand with traditional authorities and embracing these courts on national level, we can ensure that justice is served and healing achieved in a manner that respects our cultural heritage and promotes reconciliation amongst our people,” he stressed. In responding to the challenges raised, Mbumba said government will do what traditional authorities asked, but they are in the same vein asking these structures to support them.
“Since the //Kharas region is the richest in the country in terms of having natural resources, it is rather imperative that children in the region study in the fields of engineering, geology, to mention but just a few, as this will be demanded with the implementation of the upcoming Green Hydrogen project,” he stated.
In terms of electing traditional chiefs, he advised them to be well-organised and to remain united. “The community must choose their own chiefs; I have no power to do it for you,” the Head of State explained.
“It is now our duty to tell those coming to invest in the upcoming energy projects to do things addressing the needs of our people, “ he added. Mbumba then urged all Namibians to work hard, and build a united nation which will be a better place for all.
Met Masts at green hydrogen site
President Mbumba over the weekend also inaugurated 10 meteorological masts (met masts) at the green hydrogen site outside Lüderitz. The Head of State expressed satisfaction that the locality of Lüderitz is ideal for the project, and described the 120m high masts as one of a kind in Namibia.
“The message should go out that this is the start of the project, and that the production of green hydrogen is a reality that will definitely take place in Namibia,” he enthused.
Mbumba said clear support will be needed from all stakeholders to make sure that the environmental impact is considered and being taken care of during the project.
During a media briefing, Hyphen’s Head of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ricardo |Gôagoseb said the main purpose of the masts is to increase the bankability of the project. “It is further needed to accurately understand the renewable energy potential of the space we find ourselves in,” he added.
|Gôagoseb said the apparatus has sensors on it that measure the strength of the wind as well as its potential, and that of the sun (creating solar energy).
“The production of green hydrogen will require electricity, wind power and of course solar power,” he noted.
These tests will be carried out over a 12-month period as part of the pre-feasibility study of the project.
“The fact that Hyphen was willing to invest N$40 million in this early stage of the green hydrogen project for these masts and two light detection sensors is testament of the belief and confidence Hyphen has in it,” he emphasised.