As Namibia openly considers nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy mix, one requirement stands above all others: a skilled, nationally anchored workforce capable of governing nuclear science safely, independently and responsibly.
It is precisely at this intersection of policy intent and human-capital readiness that the University of Namibia (UNAM) is stepping forward, through the establishment of the School of Applied Nuclear Sciences (SANS).
SANS is envisioned as Namibia’s flagship platform for training, research and applied expertise across the full nuclear value chain, spanning nuclear medicine, radiation protection, environmental monitoring, agriculture, uranium value-addition and future nuclear-energy systems.
Hosted at the national university, the School positions UNAM as the primary institution Namibia can rely on for producing graduates for a sustainable national nuclear workforce.
“Namibia’s development choices must be matched by domestic capability,” says Prof. Dr. Kenneth Matengu, Vice-Chancellor of UNAM and Project Director of SANS. “The School of Applied Nuclear Sciences reflects UNAM’s responsibility to ensure that as the country advances in nuclear-related activities, it does so with its own people, trained to the highest international standards, grounded in safety, ethics and public trust.”
Namibia already operates in nuclear-related domains. Uranium mining, radiation diagnostics, nuclear medicine, environmental radio-analysis and regulatory oversight are established realities.
National planning frameworks, including NDP6, explicitly call for the training and development of professionals in the nuclear field to support energy security, healthcare, food systems and industrial growth. SANS represents UNAM’s structured, long-term response to that mandate.
Led operationally by Dr. Roswita Hamunyela, Project Manager of SANS and Senior Lecturer at UNAM, the initiative is being developed in alignment with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and international best practice. Its emphasis is applied, multidisciplinary and safety-driven, ensuring graduates are immediately relevant to national institutions and regional markets.
“Human capacity is the foundation of nuclear readiness,” notes Dr. Hamunyela. “SANS is designed to build that foundation deliberately, by producing professionals who can serve hospitals, regulators, industry and future energy systems with competence, integrity and independence.”
Beyond national impact, the School of Applied Nuclear Sciences positions Namibia as a regional hub for nuclear education and collaboration, inviting partnerships with universities, research institutes, regulators, industry and multilateral agencies across Africa and globally.
UNAM is not reacting late; it is acting early, ensuring that Namibia’s nuclear future is shaped by knowledge, preparedness and national leadership.
Institutions, individuals and partners interested in collaboration, programme development or research engagement are invited to connect with the SANS Project Manager at: rhamunyela@unam.na
