Gertze seeks private sector support for workforce training

The Governor of the ||Kharas Region, Dawid Gertze, has called on the private sector and emerging industries, including mining, oil and gas, and green hydrogen, to partner with the University of Namibia (UNAM) Southern Campus and the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) by investing in infrastructure and equipment needed to train the skilled workforce they require. 

"The University of Namibia Southern Campus enrolled 1,014 students for the 2026 academic year, a testament to its growing impact. However, it continues to face infrastructure challenges, particularly the need for accredited laboratories and specialised equipment essential for technical training," Gertze said recently. 

He described the UNAM Southern Campus and KVTC as strategic assets for both the ||Kharas Region and Namibia, saying they are pillars of hope, opportunity and transformation for the youth. "Our youth deserve world-class education, and our industries demand world-class graduates. These institutions have the vision, expertise and commitment. They now need the resources to match their potential. Let us invest in education, empower our youth and secure the future of the ||Kharas Region through knowledge, innovation and partnership. Let us continue to support our vocational institutions and build together the skilled workforce that will secure the future of the ||Kharas Region and Namibia," Gertze said. 

According to the governor, the UNAM Southern Campus had strengthened water security through its Geology Department by supporting the exploration and installation of four boreholes in underserved villages. "This achievement was made possible through support from the SADC Groundwater Management Institute. In a region where water is life, this work restores dignity and sustains livelihoods," Gertze said. 

He highlighted that the campus was also working with TotalEnergies to develop specialised human capital for Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector by helping to train engineers, geologists and technicians locally. The campus also participates in the African Network for Climate Resilience and Energy Sustainability, strengthening research and innovation to address the effects of climate change in the ||Kharas Region. According to Gertze, a recent academic exchange with Sol Plaatje University in South Africa has strengthened collaboration in teaching, research and community engagement, creating new opportunities for staff and students. 

Gertze said the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre (KVTC), officially inaugurated on 19 March 2026, has enrolled 260 trainees for the 2026 academic year. "KVTC enrolled trainees across multiple disciplines, including welding, electrical installation, plumbing, fitting and turning, carpentry and mechanics. These are the skilled professionals who will power the green hydrogen economy, the construction boom and the expanding mining sector," he said. Operating under the Namibia Training Authority, KVTC was established to equip young Namibians with industry-relevant technical and vocational skills that support employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.