Namibia is setting its sights on the peaceful use of nuclear energy following the World Atomic Week in Moscow — a global event that brought together over 20,000 experts from 118 countries to explore how atomic technology can drive sustainable growth.

Held under the theme “From a New Technological Paradigm to a New Philosophy,” the event focused on energy diversification, domestic value addition of uranium, nuclear safety, and the peaceful industrial uses of atomic technology. It was attended by a high-level Namibian delegation comprising members of Parliament’s Natural Resources Committee, local community activists, and academics such as Dr Marius Johannes from the Namibia Business School.

This encapsulates Namibia’s ambitions to industrialise and reduce poverty through science and innovation, an ambition that can be realised through the sustainable application of nuclear energy in industries such as mining, energy, health, and robotics, as showcased during the week-long forum. Reflecting on the event, Dr Johannes emphasised the progressive use of nuclear energy demonstrated throughout the World Atomic Week.

Innovative and Sustainable Mining

Namibia accounts for roughly 12% of the global uranium supply, with production surging to 7,300 tonnes in 2024. This positions the country among the world’s top three uranium producers and underscores a growing focus on sustainable mining methods such as in-situ recovery (ISR) – a cleaner and more cost-effective extraction technique.

The ISR method, showcased in Moscow, was presented as a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional mining, now accounting for nearly 60% of global uranium production. Unlike open-pit or underground mining, ISR extracts uranium through pumped underground solutions, leaving geological formations largely intact. The technology could be a boon for Namibia’s sandstone-hosted deposits, creating local jobs while minimising environmental impact. However, experts caution that groundwater protection and strong regulatory oversight will be essential.

The Case for Clean Power

Namibia currently imports up to 70% of its electricity, primarily from South Africa; with power demand peaking around 600 MW. This dependence on regional suppliers costs the country nearly N$4 billion annually, which can be reduced by Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These reactors, as showcased by BRICS nations at the forum, generate between 50 and 300 MW, designed for smaller grids. Rosatom also unveiled a floating nuclear power unit tailored for coastal regions. For Namibia, such innovations could support both electricity generation and desalination along its Atlantic coastline. Inspired by new BRICS cooperation frameworks, Namibia could follow the examples of Egypt and Niger in exploring nuclear partnerships that balance cost, safety, and sustainability.

Healing Through Science

The Moscow discussions also spotlighted nuclear medicine, a field with immense promise for Namibia’s healthcare system. Radiopharmaceuticals are revolutionising cancer treatment and diagnostics worldwide, with Russia performing nearly a million such procedures annually.

Namibia’s nuclear medicine facilities are expanding but demand far exceeds supply. By investing in isotope production and medical technology training, Namibia could not only improve healthcare access but also establish itself as a regional supplier. Developing a medical cyclotron or isotope production laboratory would reduce costly imports while creating highly skilled employment opportunities.

Digital and Human Capital Frontiers

Beyond reactors, Namibia’s delegation observed how artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation are reshaping nuclear and mining industries globally. A practice that local operations such as Husab Mine already employ by using remote-controlled loaders and automated rigs, boosting safety and productivity.

Embracing Industry 4.0 which could position Namibia as a leader in intelligent, efficient resource extraction required strategic collaboration with human capital frontiers such as higher education institution. Education will serve as the cornerstone of this transformation. Institutions such as UNAM and NUST must serve as catalysts for innovation through the introduction of modules in nuclear science, reactor physics, and radiopharmacy.

Africa and BRICS — Partnerships for Progress

Namibia’s potential nuclear journey mirrors a broader African movement. More than 20 African countries, from Kenya to Niger, are exploring atomic energy solutions. Through BRICS partnerships and IAEA cooperation, Namibia can access financing, technology transfer, and capacity building.

Additionally, collaborative training with Russia’s MEPhI and India’s Bhabha Atomic Research Centre could fast-track local expertise which can be realised through Russia’s Rosatom, China’s CGN, and South Africa’s Necsa willingness to assist. Joint ventures could extend to nuclear power plant feasibility studies, research reactors, and regional power-sharing projects.

A Vision for the Future

For policymakers, the roadmap is becoming clear: regulate responsibly, educate the public, and reinvest uranium revenue into research and human capital. Establishing a Nuclear Technology Development Fund could support scholarships, university laboratories, and pilot projects. The goal should be a future where Namibia powers its homes and industries with its own uranium, treats its citizens with locally produced isotopes, and leads Africa’s scientific advancement. If Namibia acts decisively, that future may arrive sooner than expected, glowing not from fossil fuels, but from the steady light of the atom.

A group of Master of Business Administration (MBA) students from the Namibia Business School recently explored Namibia’s most sustainable envisaged mining practice pioneered by Headspring Investments in Leonardville, Omaheke and the complexities of sustainable practices.

Headspring Investments is a uranium mining affiliate of the world’s third-largest uranium producer – Uranium One Group.

The field trip led by Dr. Marius Johannes, Natural Resource Management lecturer, and hosted by Aldo Hengari, Operations Director of Headspring Investments sought to observe and critically engage with the complex interplay between economic development, novel mining practices, and environmental stewardship.

The tour focused on the envisaged In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mine, which provided students with firsthand insights into the proposed sustainable method of extraction that looks to extract uranium from previously challenging low-grade sandstone-hosted deposits ensuring environmental friendliness, efficient extraction, and cost-effectiveness.

This method using novel mining technologies demonstrates Headspring Investments mining technological and strategic efforts towards minimising environmental impacts. “Our commitment goes beyond compliance. It’s about integrating sustainable methods into every facet of our operations,” shared Hengari with the group.

He further indicated that compliance is imperative in the mining industry and that though this sustainable practice is proven, there are “ongoing efforts to get approval for the pilot test mining and hydrological studies of the area which will be very crucial in providing real-time data on environmental impact in Namibia. These findings will guide the company on which best mitigation techniques will be used to improve the project’s environmental management systems upon commencement”, said Hengari.

“Since our first mining activity in Leonardville, we have sponsored the construction of one secondary school, a newly built kitchen at the primary school, clinic, police station, post office (NamPost) and a fish farm indicating our commitment to support economic development in the areas we mine”, said Hengari.

During the visit, MBA students carefully criticised while also noting the intricacies of the mines waste management, socio-economic benefits for the community, and the long-term environmental risk and disruption to the groundwater and euchology. Clarence-Nocky Kaapehi, an MBA student specialising in Natural Resource Management noted that “the visit clarified the practical challenges of implementing sustainable practices in environments that are as demanding as they are fragile”.

Eradius Mwaetako, MBA student specialising in Natural Resource Management, with a decade of frontline experience in mining “compared the trip and information gathering as critical to balance data and decision making”. Other students further noted that this experience bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, highlighting the nuanced realities of the mining sector in Namibia.

Dr. Johannes emphasised the importance of such field visits in educating responsible business leaders who are prepared to tackle the pressing issues of our times. “Our goal is to cultivate a new generation of managers who are not only skilled in business but are also stewards of environmental integrity and social responsibility”.

The visit to the Wings Project is just one of many steps the University of Namibia is taking to integrate practical, on-ground experiences into its curriculum, ensuring that its graduates are well-equipped to lead in the complex landscape of modern business and sustainability.

Graduation is a memorable occasion that commemorates students’ hard work and perseverance – and this year’s Spring Graduation was no exception!

With two functions at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Main Campus, ceremonies featured grandaunts from all 12 campuses, to recognize this very special moment in their lives.

The two ceremonies catered for an unprecedented 1 054 grandaunts who each enjoyed their walk across the stage to get their qualifications conferred by UNAM Chancellor, His Excellency, Vice President Nangolo Mbumba. The Chancellor also commemorated this remarkable achievement, which was accomplished under very strenuous conditions the past couple of years, during his keynote address.

“These campuses are not only expanding our citizens’ access to higher education, but they greatly benefit our communities when it comes to the cultivation of knowledge, technology, and innovation”, His Excellency further remarked. The Chancellor also pointed out, that, of the total number of graduates, 60 percent are women whereas men constitute only 40 percent. Here the Chancellor gave reference to the concerted efforts to empower the girl child, which clearly paid off.

During the first ceremony, the University graduated its first cohort of home-trained anesthesiologists, emphasizing the critical role the university plays in national development. As one of four specialist areas, it is building on some of the key achievements at UNAM, including the establishment of the first Veterinary Academic Hospital, and the first cohort of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, who graduated in April this year.

In addition to this milestone, two honorary doctorates were bestowed upon members of society who have significantly contributed to the liberation struggle of Namibia and the preservation of indigenous knowledge and culture.  An Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Political Science was bestowed upon Damara Head of Chiefs, Mr Gaob Justus |Uruhe //Gaoraeb, for his immense contribution to politics, education, and economic empowerment of the Namibian people.

An Honorary Doctorate in Language Studies was bestowed upon Mr Angula Thomas Ndjembo for his concerted efforts toward written literature, oral history, and community service through the translation of health and education material into Oshidonga.

This year’s graduation ceremonies – Spring and April ceremonies – have recorded the highest number of graduates in the history of the University of Namibia, with a total of 5 833 graduates. Prof. Kenneth Matengu, UNAM Vice-Chancellor elatedly stated that: “We are proud, as a university community that we have kept to our mandate of training students for the past 30 years”.

Original article by: Laurentius Mahongo

The School of Education, under the Faculty of Education and Human Sciences, and the Windhoek International School (WIS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote work-integrated learning.

This MoU will enable students to conduct their practical teaching and learn international skills and knowledge at the only school in Namibia that offers an international curriculum for primary programmes and International Baccalaureate diplomas.

At the signing ceremony, Ethan Von Drunen, Director of WIS emphasized that this MoU will help pipeline teachers from the University of Namibia to WIS for skills development and knowledge transfer.

“I hope through this practicum and international fellowship that students will have a partner and master teacher that can help guide them and have them identify as people that can take risks and try new methods”, said Von Drunen. He excitedly added, “We look forward to getting to know UNAM students and having our teachers learn from them”.

Dr Ellen Namhila, Pro-Vic-Chancellor for Administration and Finance, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, welcomed this meaningful collaboration and emphasized that “this collaboration will allow us to do things in a meaningful way and will create the impact that we want the education system to have”.

She further added that this MoU speaks to the core responsibilities of the university – which are to educate and train young people to develop the nation across various sectors and to prepare global citizens.

These sentiments were further highlighted by the Executive Dean of the School of Education, Dr John Nyambe, who remarked that this agreement is quite unique in the sense that it taps into the international community within Namibia.

“This partnership ties in and stems from the School of Education’s internationalization objective”, he further explained that the school would normally partner with international institutions to meet this objective, however, with this agreement ‘we can access international expertise at home”.

In commemoration of breast cancer awareness month, 3rd-year radiographer students paired with staff members from the radiographer department, held breast cancer activations in the Central and Katutura intermediate hospitals vicinity to educate the public on breast and cervical cancer.

This activation is an annual activity that the School of Allied Health organizes to encourage members of the public and hospital staff to get screened and demonstrate how to perform self-examinations.

“Breast Cancer is one of the leading causes of death amongst women in the Namibian society, therefore this activation aims to bring information to the people through the distribution of pamphlets and fliers”, said Moneni Shilumba, lecturer in the Radiographer Department.

She demystified the misconception that people should shy away from thinking about death once associated with cancer and elaborated that the early detection of cancer saves lives. “The sooner the cancer is detected the more options you have for treatment”, she remarked.

Another lecturer in the department, Luzanne Kalondo stated that “Radiographers are involved in doing mammography, which is a radiographic examination that looks at the breasts to provide diagnoses”.

Kalondo further added that there are other means to screen for breast cancer such as self-breast cancer examination – which is one of the aims of this activation, “to show people how to do self-examination and give them an opportunity to be assisted immediately by nurses present.

According to Mondjila Amkongo, who is also a radiographer lecturer and lead of the central hospital campaign group, treatment can only start with detection. “Regular checkups can reduce the chances of getting breast cancer, this can be done through the feeling of lumps or any irregularities around the breast areas or within the armpits. Most important though, is to visit the nearest hospital for regular checkups”.

4^th year nursing student Jacob Jacob remarked that: “A lot of people are living with undetected cancer and as a result, the campaign aims to encourage the general public to make use of screening services at the nearest clinic or hospital”. His sentiments were further echoed by Theresa Musili, a 3rd-year radiography student, who emphasized that this awareness campaign aims to inform the public of the right time to get screened, and the importance of regular check-ups.

Shane Rivas, a fourth-year radiography student remarked: “We intend to conduct further research on women with breast cancer in Namibia, of which the results will assist the public with key information on how to reduce or avoid reaching an advance stage of cancer and what precautions to take”.

This activation was held in partnership with the assistance of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, BioDynamics, the KONGOM Group, and the Cancer Association of Namibia.

The article was originally submitted by: Laurentius Mahongo

In early October, Performing Arts, in collaboration with the National Theatre of Namibia held two special evenings showcasing the talents of both staff and students, backstage at NTN. On the first night, drama and music were showcased with three powerful short drama pieces (ranging from comedy to psychological suspense) presented by students inside the venue, while the choir under dynamic leader, Bonnie Pereko and the band, performed outside during intermissions.

On the Saturday afternoon, three free workshops were offered to the public on mbira performance, vocal exercises & song learning, stage acting, and script writing.

All the dance pieces by students were ensemble pieces that were vibrant, energetic, and engaged with enthusiastic audiences. The main highlight was the lecturers’ performance, mainly consisting of students, for which they received a standing ovation. These individual performances were like a gift from the lecturers to their students after a year of hard work. They included songs by the brilliant Bonnie (and one love song with Sascha), two moving modern feminist pieces by Sepiso Mwange, wonderful saxophone pieces by Elifas Kauwinga which were reminiscent of township jazz, playing of the mbira and a traditional stringed instrument, the chipendani, by Dr Perminus Matiure, two amazing animal fables narrated by Suzette van der Smit, two heartfelt prose pieces  (‘Rage’ was particularly powerful) from Laurinda Olivier-Sampson and superb sensual belly dances from Sascha Olivier-Sampson, involving a scimitar, a rope of colourful flashing lights, Isis wings, and gorgeous costumes. On keyboard was Hans Hariseb and on piano Erina Junius.

There was the magical vibe of elation on stage on both evenings which transferred to the audience.

Well done to the Performing Arts Section – both staff and students – and also to the NTN technical team. There was so much talent and discipline displayed and the two evenings were really enjoyable at the bargain price of N$30.

Original story by: Helen Vale (former senior lecturer in literature, English Department, UNAM)

A group of 10 students from the History Section, ranging from 3^rd year to Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage Conservation and Management, recently participated in a summer school at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Currently, a group of 10 students from Tübingen University is at our main campus for the second part of the exchange programme.  This part of the summer school ended on 14 October, which marked the end of the collaborative project.

The students will have a public podium where they can present the results of their engagements, both in Germany and Namibia. They will raise some particular questions about the future of museums in Africa and issues around the restitution of cultural belongings from European museums back to Africa. The event will be attended by guests from the German Embassy, the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, and the Museum in Windhoek.

The idea of a summer school exchange was conceived in 2019 as a by-product of the official handover of the Hendrik Witbooi Bible and Whip to Namibia, by the state of Baden-Wüttemberg. Academics from the Universities of Namibia and Tübingen sought ways in which future repatriations of cultural objects to Namibia could be made useful to Namibia’s youth. Thus, the idea of an exchange programme under the theme ‘Engaging the past, Sharing the Future’ was conceived. The partners are the University of Namibia, Tubingen University, Linden Museum (Stuttgart), National Museum of Namibia and the Museums Association of Namibia.

The summer school was made possible by generous funding from the state of Baden-Wüttemberg as part of their broader ‘Namibia Initiative’ programme.

FirstRand Namibia recently handed over medical consumables and clinical equipment worth N$136,382.31 for use by UNAM’s Primary Health Care Clinic, paired with a donation of N$500,000.00 towards equipment for the Small Animal Unit at the Veterinary Academic Hospital.

This donation, which was handed over on 03 October 2022, signifies the One Health approach that the university has implemented to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems and further highlights the support of the private sector in so doing.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, FirstRand Namibia Foundation trustee, Dr Magda Awases, remarked that this donation derives from FirstRand Namibia’s commitment towards “driving systematic change in education, delivering skills development, providing environmental protection, supporting health promotion and encouraging sport, arts, and culture in our country”.

Dr Awases further explained that they remain steadfast in their request to ensure that the right of every person’s access to medical care is protected, while also ensuring that all precautions are taken to save the lives of all communities.  She also remarked that she has no doubt that “these funds will go a long way to save the lives of our animals who provide great companionship and support to people”.

UNAM Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Professor Frednard Gideon, conveyed during his remarks, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, that the equipment will be utilized at the School of Nursing for academic work-integrated learning and distributed to the respective UNAM campuses for the purpose of community outreach clinics and in the campus-based sick bays.

He further added: “This gesture of collaboration between the University of Namibia and the private sector is important to advance teaching and learning, particularly now that UNAM has embarked on a transformed curriculum to be implemented as from 2023”.

Dr Rachel Freeman, Head of UNAM Cares, rounded up the event with a heartfelt message of gratitude to FirstRand Namibia and Vaccines of Hope – a consortium of corporates – that significantly contributed towards financing and equipping UNAM Cares to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and vaccinate communities across Namibia.

The handover of consumables and equipment consists of; 10 x Medical Examination beds, 10 x Bed Screens, 10 x Drip stands, 10 x Double Step Footstools, 10 x Fingertip Pulse Oximeters, 10 x BP Monitors, 10 x Glucometers Accu Check Meters, 10 L Oxygen Concentrator and 5 Drawer Emergency Trolleys.

During the third week of September, the Department of Humanities and Arts celebrated Heritage Day under the theme ‘Unity in Diversity’ in an effort to give students a platform to celebrate their cultural identity and history.

On account of the vast cultural diversity that the university hosts, the heritage week paved way for students to showcase and learn about other groups’ indigenous cultural practices and traditions. This celebration featured various stalls exhibiting local and international cultures to create cultural awareness and instill cultural pride.

Khoekhoegowab indigenous heritage

Present in fully fledged cultural attire was the Nama and Damara group showcasing a range of indigenous medicine that the ethnical group utilizes, till today. According to Petronella Nauises, a psychology student, also studying Khoekoegowab at the university, “indigenous traditions and cultures are not practiced that much these days, but they still have relevance in society.”

Nauises, while exhibiting various plants, she explained how they are used. She further explained that these plants were used to treat asthma, stomach aches, abdominal pains, heartburn, and many other generic illnesses. Some could even be applied as sunscreen and perfume.

Cerlli Uiras, who is also studying Khoekoegowab, indicated that the practice of these traditions is growing extinct in society, and encouraged the Damara and Nama community to never stop educating their children about their culture.  She further added that: “a great means to preserve our culture is to learn about it and embrace it”, and as such, extended an invitation to the community to study Khoekoegowab, to better understand the language and cultural values.

Transcending boundaries

Heritage Day also serves as a platform for cultural exchange with ethnic groups beyond the borders of Namibia – creating a pivotal point for regional and international groups to showcase their traditions and customs.

Mandarin lecturer at the UNAM Confucius Institute, Ling Wang, relayed that this event also allows Namibians to familiarize themselves with Chinese culture, and vice versa. Through this activity, she stated, we realize that we are not that different. As a testament to that, she singled out similarities between local and international ethnic groups.

“There are similarities when it comes to food preparation, such as the dish of porridge with beans, we also have the same way of cooking but we use flour for the porridge” explains Ling. She further added that: “Chinese culture associate themselves with the red color which symbolizes happiness and showcasing decoratives, such as opera masks, reading material, and musical drums”.

Unity in diversity

The aim of all activities during the heritage event was to depict the theme of the event, namely “Unity in Diversity”. According to the “Afrikaans as ‘n Taal” stall, Afrikaans was founded in Africa, and as a result, it should be regarded as one of the Bantu languages. Paula Kaula a student studying Afrikaans remarked that “people have this negative perception about Afrikaans – saying that it was imported from a different continent, which is not the case”. Afrikaans is similar to any other English creole language such as Patois and Pidgin”.

Adrian Johannes, another student also studying Afrikaans, points out that Afrikaans is a beautiful language that we should embrace as such. He highlighted that the most fascinating part about the language is the fact that the language, “welcomes new words or new vocabulary almost every day”.

Universal language

The music stall aimed to showcase cultural musical instruments and assist people to understand the origin of music with regard to cultural heritage. Instruments ranging from what is called: Mbira, Marimba which is similar to a xylophone, clappers, and shakers which were used in the olden days for entertainment purposes, but also believed to be mediums of communication to the ancestors, said Antonia Nangolo a member of the stall studying music at the university.

Heritage week at the university indeed brings cultural diversity to the forefront, helping students and the community understand cultural diversity through relevant activities.

Original article by: Laurentius Mahongo

The University of Namibia (UNAM) and Hokkaido University (HU) in Japan, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster research, education, and development in various sectors.

Part of this five-year-agreement is a multidisciplinary regional initiative that will study the contamination of heavy metals in the environment and how it affects human and animal health. This initiative links to the One Health concept, a key component of the UNAM research agenda.

HU Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Takiguchi Mitsuyoshi, remarked that he hopes the “agreement will lead to further developments of both universities. HU brings to this collaboration strength in toxicology and environmental sciences and infectious diseases.”

UNAM Vice Chancellor, Prof Kenneth Matengu, welcomed the collaboration and stated that Namibia’s wildlife industry is big, which means “we need to strengthen our capabilities to make sure we conduct research that will help these industries thrive sustainably.”