Namdia announces bursaries
Fourteen young Namibians were awarded bursaries by the Namdia Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vehicle of Namdia.The bursaries valued at a total of N$2.8 million annually provide students with access to quality education and enable them to contribute to the development of the nation, whilst addressing social-economic challenges amongst the youth.
The beneficiaries are:
• Erongo: Patrick Kapunda (NUST Degree – Microbiology)
• Hardap: Morientes Izaaks (NUST Degree – Chemical Engineering)
• //Kharas: Hoamdi Naweses (NUST Degree – Metallurgy Engineering)
• Kavango East: Steven Kalihonda (NUST Degree – Mining Engineering)
• Kavango West: Mariane Karokoto (NUST Degree – Computer Science)
• Khomas: Rogeleo Nunuheb (NUST Degree – Environmental Health)
• Kunene: Katengerue Tjindunda (IUM Degree – Climate Health)
• Ohangwena: Tommy Shaningwa (UNAM Degree – Electronic & Computer Engineering)
• Omaheke: Mandy Hijamutiti (Stellenbosch Degree – Mathematical Science)
• Omusati: Acti Nondo (UNAM Degree – Medicine & Surgery)
• Oshana: Yolela Zombo (UNAM Degree – Medicine & Surgery)
• Oshakati: Immanuel Johannes (NUST Degree - Chemical Engineering)
• Otjozondjupa: Justina Shangheta (UNAM Degree – Agricultural Economics)
• Zambezi: Mutonga Liswaniso (UNAM Honours – Mining Engineering)
Assessment
“To ensure a fair and impartial assessment, the committee placed significant emphasis on key selection criteria,” Alisa Amupolo, Chairperson of the Namdia Foundation and Namdia chief executive said.
“Academic performance carried the greatest weight, constituting 50% of the total score. Furthermore, attention was given to the economic background of applicants with 20% weight assigned to individuals from previously disadvantaged or marginalised communities. The preferred field of study, as outlined in our policy accounted for 15% of the score, while proof of parental or guardian income supported by certified affidavits held a 10% weight.
“Additionally, preference was given to students pursuing studies in the diamond industry value chain, reflecting our commitment to fostering growth and development in our sector,” she said.
She added that the selected candidates demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities and a commitment to making positive impacts in their lives and those around them.
The application intake period ran from 5 October to 8 December 2023, during which the Namdia Foundation received a total of 343 applications from all 14 regions across the country. The Khomas region submitted the highest number of applications at 71, representing a share of 20.7%. Following closely were the Omusati and Oshana regions in second and third place respectively, while the Kavango West and Hardap regions had the fewest submissions.
Vision
“When the Namdia Foundation established the bursary scheme in 2022, our vision was clear: To drive meaningful and sustainable change within our community,” Namdia board chairperson Bryan Eiseb said. “Today, as we announce the Class of 2024, we are already witnessing firsthand the realisation of this vision. The Class of 2023, a remarkable group of students has demonstrated commitment and dedication, seizing the opportunities presented to them. I am proud to announce that we have achieved an impressive 86% success rate, with 12 out of our 14 students showcasing outstanding academic performance.