Taimi Haihambo

Emmanuel Nathanael, a 21-year-old student from Valombola Vocational Training Centre in Ongwediva, has been crowned the overall winner of the 2025 National Skills Competition in Namibia.

Specialising in bricklaying, Nathanael not only secured a gold medal in his field but also walked away with the prestigious Presidential Award, which recognises the top achiever of the entire competition.

This was Nathanael’s first time participating in a national competition since joining the institution as a second-year student, making the achievement a remarkable milestone.

“This has really been a journey I never expected,” he said. “Even though I have been putting in effort, I did not think I would make it this far at just 21.” Along with his medals, Nathanael received a cash prize of N$35,000 – a reward he described as both surprising and life-changing. He admitted that financial challenges have been among his biggest struggles as a student. “This money will help me cover my basic needs and improve my living. I am really happy that my talent could bring me this far,” he added.

Nathanael credited his mentor, Philip Shiteni, from the Construction Engineering Department, for guiding him to success. Shiteni praised his dedication, noting that his victory was no surprise. “From day one, I could see he had the discipline, energy and skill to excel. His win is proof that hard work pays off,” he said.

The competition brought together 13 students from Valombola and over 170 participants from across the country. Valombola Vocational Training Centre once again proved its strength, scooping multiple awards.  In total, the institution walked away with two gold medals, one silver and four bronze. Among the winners was another standout student, who received a gold medal in clothing design along with a N$15,000 cash prize.

The centre’s manager, Isak Ndiwashimwe, praised the results, commending the Valombola leadership team and staff for their tireless commitment to student training. He noted that this was not the first time the centre had dominated the National Skills Competition, recalling that Valombola also emerged best overall when the event was first launched in 2014. “Valombola is one of the biggest vocational training centres in the country. We have the facilities, the equipment and the expertise to produce quality graduates, and the results are showing,” Ndiwashimwe said. He also expressed gratitude to regional partners who continue to support the centre’s initiatives, adding that such collaborations strengthen opportunities for young people.

Looking ahead, Ndiwashimwe revealed that Nathanael is expected to represent Namibia at the World Skills Competition scheduled for September next year in Shanghai, China. “Our fingers are crossed that he makes it there, just like others who have gone before him. This achievement proves that vocational training truly empowers young people. Once you are out in the market, even if jobs are scarce, you can still create opportunities for yourself. That is what we stand for,” he said.

Valombola’s dominance at this year’s competition has not only placed the institution firmly back on the national stage but has also reinforced the vital role vocational training plays in shaping Namibia’s future workforce.

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