Swakopmund: R¶ssing Uranium has awarded bursaries to three Namibian students to pursue Master’s degrees in nuclear energy at Harbin Engineering University in China. This initiative marks R¶ssing as the first company to heed the president’s call for Namibia to leverage its uranium resources.
According to Namibia Press Agency, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the importance of investing in skills necessary to achieve Vision 2030 during her visit to R¶ssing mine and the launch of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). At the send-off ceremony held in Swakopmund, R¶ssing’s General Manager for Human Capital, Safety and Sustainability, Liezl Davies, highlighted that the bursars will also engage in structured graduate development programmes and job attachments at China National Nuclear Corporation facilities, gaining practical experience at advanced plants.
Davies expressed that this investment is a strategic step in building the expertise Namibia needs to fulfill the president’s vision. She thanked the Chinese government, the China Scholarship Council, Harbin University, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for supporting the studies in line with bilateral agreements.
In addition, R¶ssing announced that four young learners, aged 12 to 15, will participate in the Gen Z Youth Exchange Programme in China. The participants, Elrechia Subes from West Side High School, Berlize Fuls from Pro-Ed Akademie in Swakopmund, and Benjamin Jacobus and Jeremia Nekongo from Oshakati Private School, will explore science, technology, and cultural exchange opportunities during their 10-day visit.
Erongo Governor Natalia !Goagoses described the initiative as a reaffirmation of Namibia’s commitment to development, expressing pride in the students’ achievements and contributions to their communities and the nation.
Human Resources Manager Germano Musili noted that the bursars will receive support through graduate development pathways, mentorship, and financial assistance to ensure they successfully complete their studies and contribute to Namibia’s nuclear future upon their return.
The bursars are set to depart for China at the end of August 2025, while the youth exchange students will travel in the third week of September 2025.