The Khorixas Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in the Kunene Region was inaugurated on Wednesday by President Nangolo Mbumba, marking a significant turning point in the educational and economic development of the region.

The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) and the Ministry of Higher Education provided funding for the state-of-the-art facility. Classes are expected to commence in September following the initial intake of trainees.

Speaking at the event, Mbumba remarked that the VTC was long overdue, given the community’s persistent requests for economic improvements, such as the construction of an institution of higher learning.

‘The community of Khorixas, including the youth, elders, and women, made a concerted plea for economic upliftment, stating that the town was dying after several government ministries were moved to Opuwo, the regional capital of Kunene,’ he said.

Mbumba asserted that the establishment of the centre is a resounding testament to the government’s unwavering dedication and resolve to bu
ild VTCs in each of Namibia’s 14 regions.

He added that many young people seeking to empower themselves through education will now be able to participate in emerging industries through the Khorixas VTC, particularly in the Oil and Gas and Green Hydrogen sectors, which are said to have enormous potential to transform the economy and propel developmental aspirations into an era of unprecedented success.

The VTC offers a National Vocational Certificate in Bricklaying and Plastering, Joinery and Cabinet Making, Plumbing and Pipe Fitting, and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

Speaking at the same event, Itah Kandji-Murangi, Minister of Higher Education, Training, and Innovation, said that the youth of Kunene were crucial to the development of the VTC.

‘This national project is to the benefit of Namibian youth in general and the youth of the Kunene region in particular. The mobilisation of the youth to come and work on this project was unprecedented, and I must highly appreciate it,’ she noted.

She stated th
at the centre will initially provide training in the aforementioned fields of study, with plans to introduce new courses aligned with the natural resources that will be discovered in the region. She also mentioned that, through extensive engagement with the community, benchmarks have been established to explore new discoveries within the region.

Kandji-Murangi stated that Phase 1-A of the centre’s construction cost N.dollars 21 million, while Phase 1-B came at a cost of N.dollars 58 million.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency