Governance
The Board of Directors consists of directors, appointed on three-year terms by the Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, as per Section 8 of the Public Enterprises Governance Act, 2019. In line with the NamCode, the Chairperson is an independent, non-executive director. The line Minister appointed Mr. Jerome Mutumba as the chairperson. The CEO, Mr. Erick Fundula Nenghwanya is an ex officio member of the Board.
Legislative Mandate
Policy Mandate
Core Business
Legislative Mandate
The NTA is a statutory body established by Section 4 of the VET Act, No. 1 of 2008, from which it draws its mandate and which gives the NTA juristic personality. Section 5 describes the overarching mandate, namely to advise the Minister responsible for VET on national policy, as well as on any matter arising from or connected with the application of the Act. Specific powers and functions of the NTA, emanating from its overarching legislative mandate as set out in Sections 5(2)-(6).
The NTA carries out its legislative mandate with full appreciation of the provisions of the Public Enterprises Governance Act, No. 1 of 2009, which is aimed at the efficient governance of public enterprises by, among others, monitoring their performance.
The NTA carries out its mandate in line with its enabling and other relevant legislation.
Furthermore, the NTA aligns with other relevant legislation, which is augmented by various internal policies as approved by the Board, as well as applicable national policies and documents.
- Read more about our mandate as articulated in the VET Act of 2008. Download the full document at the link below: Vocational Education and Training Act, Act 1 of 2008
Policy Mandate
(T)VET is steadily emerging as a global frontrunner in driving national development agendas, and features prominently in the strategic and operational priorities of regional economic communities and multilateral organisations alike, including that of the African Union (AU), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO.
Namibia, too, recognises the establishment of a robust (T)VET skills base as a key prerequisite to realising its national development agenda. The rationale to prioritise the development of VET skills is strong and convincing and stems from the recognition that (T)VET is a source of skills, knowledge and technology needed to drive productivity in knowledge-based and transitional societies for the 21st century. Accordingly, the importance of the (T)VET sector is captured in national policy imperatives as the most practical avenue for acquiring readily employable skills for the world of work and for creating the conditions required for an inclusive economy that generates decent employment opportunities through which to eradicate poverty by 2030. Entrusted with the responsibility to spearhead and accelerate the national skills development agenda, the NTA aligns its work to the following national policy imperatives:
a) Vision 2030: Namibia’s macro-economic development strategy anticipates the transformation of the Namibian economy into an industrialised and knowledge-based economy. It moreover challenges the country to implement an efficient and effective Technical and Vocational Education and Training system that is able to equip people with the necessary skills required by the labour market.
b) Fifth National Development Plan: NDP5 is the Namibian Government’s fifth five-year plan to achieve its development objectives set forth in Vision 2030. NDP5 highlights that “VET needs strengthening and expansion to better serve the current and emerging needs of skilled human resources in the country”. Accordingly, it requires increasing the immediate and long-term supply of skilled labour to alleviate the country skills needs.
c) National VET Policy of 2021: The policy targets initial and ongoing education and training and stresses the significant role of (T)VET in assisting people to acquire the skills needed for the economy.
d) Harambee Prosperity Plan: A targeted action plan to accelerate development in clearly defined priority areas, HPP does not replace, but complements the long-term goal of the National Development Plans (NDPs) and Vision 2030. HPP introduces an element of flexibility in the Namibian planning system by fast-tracking development in areas where progress is insufficient. Its Social Progression Pillar affirms a strong emphasis on VET, inter alia, improving the image of VET; expanding VET opportunities; improving quality and scope of VET offerings; and apprenticeship.
Core Business
In line with the provisions of the VET Act, its core mandate and through promoting access, quality and equity in VET, the NTA’s endeavours are aimed towards inter alia: an effective regulatory framework for the TVET sector; sufficient and sustainable funding for TVET programmes and initiatives; and high quality training and related services aligned with the needs of industry.
Board of Directors
Board Committees & Councils
The non-executive directors are appointed to Board committees and councils based on their qualifications and expertise. Board committees and councils operate under Board-approved terms of reference, which are updated regularly to keep abreast of developments in corporate law and governance best practices. The Board delegated certain functions to its committees and councils, which constitute an important element in the governance process.
The following board councils and committees are in place: a) Human Resources Committee (HRC); b) National Training Fund Council (NTFC); c) Standards, Assessment and Certification Council (SACC); and Information and Communication Technology Committee (ITCC).
As committees of the Board, the industry Skills Committees (ISCs) comprise of external experts and industry leaders who support the Board in carrying out the mandate of the NTA.
National Training Fund Council (NTFC)
Standards, Assessment and Certification Council (SACC)
Human Resources Committee
Information and Communication Technology Committee
Industry Skills Committees (ISCs)
National Training Fund Council (NTFC)
The VET Act of 2008 mandates the establishment by the Board of Directors of the National Training Fund Council (NTFC) to assist the Board to control and administer the National Training Fund and set out a framework for the implementation of the Vocational Education and Training Levy, as part of the National Training Fund. The membership of the NTFC consists of individuals with direct industry work experience, especially in fund management. The NTFC’s members are:
Elizabeth Kamutuezu (Chairperson) Edward Kafita Ndapewaoshali Nanghala Justus Tjituka Raymondt Vilander
Standards, Assessment and Certification Council (SACC)
To assist the Board of Directors in its task of developing and reforming the Vocational Education and Training system and exercise the strategic management of the work of the Namibia Training Authority, it has established, as mandated by the Act, a Standards, Assessment and Certification Council (SACC).The SACC operates as a sub-committee of the Board of Directors. It advises the Board on the performance of standards, assessment and certification settings as set out in the VET Act of 2008. It therefore performs an invaluable role in overseeing the work of the NTA in relation to its regulatory functions.
The SACC’s members are:
Eva Tomas (Chairperson)
Jerome Mutumba
Tangeni Nghiwewelekwa Lucia Oarum Indileni Mweutota Leena Kloppers
Human Resources Committee
The Human Resources Committee provides human resources support to the Board. The HRC’s members are :
Edward Kafita (Chairperson)
Cliff Olivier
Information and Communication Technology Committee
The Information and Communication Technology Committee renders technical support to the Board to allow it to give effect to its responsibility in exercising oversight over the NTA’s ICT environment. The ICTC’s members are:
Eva Thomas – Chairperson
Dr. Elizabeth Kamutuezu
Ruben Ndjibu
Industry Skills Committees (ISCs)
The Industry Skills Committees (ISCs) comprise of experts and leaders from the industry who support the Board in carrying out the mandate of the NTA. Members perform a consulting, monitoring, evaluation and advisory role. Amongst others, the ISCs identify, oversee and inform research into sub-sector training needs; advise and report on sub-sector needs, scarce skills, grants, projects, and other appropriate matters; identify education and training needs in the sub-sector for consideration by management; monitor the development and implementation of sub-sector programmes; and render inputs into training policies and systems that make an impact on the sub-sector. Click on the link below to view the membership of the NTA’s 10 (ten) ISCs: