Welwitchia Marks Milestone with First Graduation

(Story: Contributed, Welwitchia University)

The Welwitchia School of Agriculture and Nature Conservation (WSANC) celebrated a historic occasion on 18 July 2025, as 71 graduates completed their programs in key agricultural disciplines at the Mururani Campus in the Otjozondjupa Region.

The graduation ceremony featured an exciting real-time agricultural exhibition hosted by the Mururani campus trainees, showcasing their cultivated agricultural produce and farm machinery offerings for sale to parents, stakeholders, and the wider community. This live exhibition highlighted the students’ entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and efforts toward economic diversification in agriculture.

This milestone is a proud moment not only for the students but also for WSANC, as it solidifies its role in providing quality technical and vocational training to Namibia’s youth. WSANC was established in 2022 as a pivotal subsidiary of the Welwitchia University Group with a focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Recognized and accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority and registered with the Namibia Training Authority, WSANC is committed to nurturing skilled professionals who can support Namibia’s agricultural development and contribute to food security and economic diversification.

Located at Mururani, the campus boasts an impressive infrastructure that includes modern training workshops, a commercial farm spanning fifteen hectares, and recently completed accommodation facilities for trainees. These facilities provide students with practical, hands-on learning that reinforces theoretical knowledge. Students cultivate agricultural produce that not only sustains the campus feeding program but is also sold commercially, integrating practical business skills and community engagement.

The programs offered range from National Vocational Certificates Level 2 and 3 in Horticulture and Crop Husbandry, Farm Machinery and Infrastructure, and Livestock Husbandry, to higher-level qualifications such as the National Vocational Certificate in Agriculture Level 4 and National Vocational Diploma in Farm Machinery and Infrastructure Level 5.

Admission requirements include academic qualifications and prior study in related subjects such as Agriculture, Biology, or Geography, ensuring students are well-prepared for their courses. The recent graduation ceremony was highlighted by a keynote address from Mr. Erick Fundula Nenghwanya, CEO of the Namibia Training Authority, under the theme "Catalyzing Youth Innovation for Food Security and Economic Diversification in Namibia."

This theme encapsulates WSANC’s mission to empower young Namibians through education and practical skills that meet national development goals. Looking ahead, WSANC is evolving into Welwitchia Polytechnic, aiming to broaden its TVET offerings across multiple sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, business services, manufacturing, tourism, and more.

This planned growth aligns with Namibia’s Vision 2030 and addresses critical gaps in vocational training nationally. The graduation of these industrious students is a testament to WSANC’s dedication to excellence and its important role in shaping a skilled, innovative workforce ready to meet Namibia’s agricultural challenges and drive sustainable development. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 as they move ahead to make significant contributions to the nation and its economy.