The Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation has officially launched a Task Force to oversee the transformation of state-owned Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.
Speaking at the launch at Windhoek’s Mercure Hotel,, Dr. Kandjii-Murangi emphasized that while Namibia’s TVET system produces graduates up to Level 3, a critical gap remains at Levels 4 and 5, hindering qualification progression and limiting opportunities for higher-skilled, better-paying roles.
“The lack of qualifications at Level 4 and 5 leaves the labour market excessively polarized, hampering qualification progression and articulation, as well as social mobility. Our TVET graduates exit at Level 3, whereafter they often struggle to progress to higher levels of qualification,” the Minister explained.
The newly launched Task Force comprises industry experts, researchers, education specialists, and representatives from various sectors. Their mandate includes conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing VTCs, developing a strategic transition plan, and engaging stakeholders to ensure alignment with national development goals.
They will also be responsible for curriculum enhancement, quality assurance, and benchmarking best practices to increase employer confidence in higher-level TVET qualifications.
The Task Force consists of the following members:
| Name | Role | Stakeholder Representation |
| Prof. Francis Sifiso Nyathi | Chairperson | Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) |
| Ms Loide Shaanika | Vice-Chairperson | Union Representative |
| Mr. Abraham Ndakolute | Member | Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation (MHETI) |
| Mr. David Iigonda | Member | Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation |
| Ms Leilani Hochobeb | Member | Finance Expert |
| Dr. Albertina Ngurare | Member | Researcher |
| Dr. Aune Sem | Member | University of Namibia (UNAM) |
| Dr. Rowan van Dyk | Member | Relational Leadership Expert |
| Mr. Henry Kapalu | Member | Legal Expert |
| Ms Monica Nehemia | Member | ICT Expert |
| Ms Asnath Kaperu | Member | Qualifications Expert |
| Mr. Amon Haufiku | Member | TVET Standards Expert |
| Mr. Henny Seibeb | Member | Organisational Development Expert |
| Mr. Uaapi Utjavari | Member | Mining Expert |