Masters of Engineering in Chinese

Swakop Uranium’s new Chinese owners this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Namibia, to send Namibian students to universities in China for Master’s degrees in various technical disciplines.

In terms of the agreement, Swakop Uranium will sponsor Namibian students to study for a Master’s degree at a University in China. The programme will give the students an opportunity to establish international networks which will be invaluable to their future success.
The programme is an extension of Swakop Uranium’s current bursary scheme. Since its inception in 2011, twelve students have received bursaries in various fields such as Mining, Electrical, Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering and Chemistry. In 2014, four additional under-graduate bursaries will be awarded to students studying at local tertiary institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UNAM, Professor Lazarus Hangula, said the university welcomed the partnership. He highlighted the areas of cooperation which focus on training in the mining industry, opportunities for internships for the university’s students and possible joint research. “I am confident that this programme will yield the needed results, namely enabling our students to obtain the needed expertise and ultimately result in a source of highly skilled employees for Swakop Uranium.”
“It is the first time that a company of this magnitude seeks cooperation with the national university, thereby helping us to create rounded professionals in mining and engineering,” he said.
Prof. Hangula said the university is there to train employees for all sectors of the economy, both public and private. “I encourage other private sector institutions to emulate this noble example of Swakop Uranium by identifying their partners at UNAM and submitting proposals to us.”
“As the highest concentration of brain power in the country, we believe we have a lot to offer. At the same time, we have a lot to gain from the private sector’s priceless wealth of knowledge and experience. I am aware that we have some machinery that is not being put to maximum use in this country, and I believe with such partnerships and collaboration this will become something of the past,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Swakop Uranium’s CEO, Zheng Keping, said it was important for Swakop Uranium to be involved in the development of Namibia’s education. He pledged Swakop Uranium’s commitment towards the development of various technical fields for the benefit of the company and the country.
Swakop Uranium’s Human Resources Director, Percy McCallum, said: “We mark yet another milestone where we take hands in the development and expansion of our human resources skills.
The memorandum of understanding formalises and strengthens the relationship between Swakop Uranium and the University of Namibia.
Said McCallum: “Studying in China presents an excellent opportunity to explore the country’s unique blend of ancient and modern civilisation, and experience China’s scenic beauty. This opportunity will open their eyes not just to China, but to the whole world. We then expect these graduates to return home and add value to our company.”
He added that Swakop Uranium recognises the skills shortages in Namibia. “Through our strategic human resources development drivers, we focus on the sustainable development of our human resources skills.”