Justicia Shipena
Two students from the University of Namibia (Unam) recently received bursaries from Rosh Pinah Zinc (RPZ).
Each year, RPZ awards one bursary to a student from the //Kharas Region and another to a student from another region.
While previous bursaries were limited to mining-related fields, this year the RPZ opened the opportunity to all fields of study.
It marks the second bursary cycle since Appian Capital Advisory took over the mine.
The 2025 recipients are Paulina Shakumu, a second-year Chartered Accounting student from Oshakati, and Secilia Kalimwe, an Economics student from Rundu who was raised in Rosh Pinah.
Secilia’s award also fulfils a promise RPZ made in 2024 to top-performing learners at Tsau//Khaeb Secondary School.
Acting on behalf of the general manager, RPZ’s Health, Safety & Training Manager, Roelof Pretorius, congratulated the students.
“Knowledge is a privilege, earned through hard work, and deserving of respect, admiration, and humility in its application,” he said.
He urged the students to use the opportunity to shape their future.
RPZ’s HR superintendent, Silas Shalauda, echoed the value of education, recalling the vision of the late Minister of Education, Dr. Abraham Iyambo.
“Once you have an education, no one can take it away from you,” he said.
He added that the bursary program also includes internships at the company to support students’ professional growth.
RPZ’s processing manager, Dane van Zyl, who once received the same bursary, encouraged the students to stay committed.
He said the journey would not be easy, especially while balancing studies with internship work.
“It’s going to be a tough journey, watching your peers go on study breaks while you gain practical experience in Rosh Pinah, but it will shape your future for the better,” he said.
RPZ said it remains committed to supporting Namibian youth through education and helping build a skilled workforce for the country’s development.
