QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine has handed over a lathe, a milling machine and a bandsaw valued at approximately N$250,000 to the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) Arandis Campus, reinforcing its commitment to technical skills development in Namibia’s mining sector.
The equipment was officially presented on Monday, 23 February 2026, during a ceremony addressed by Mr McLyn Kasale, Senior Public Relations and Communications Officer, who spoke on behalf of Managing Director George Botshiwe.
The event brought together NIMT leadership, industry representatives and members of the media.
Kasale said Navachab’s corporate social responsibility strategy is anchored on education and training, describing the donation as a practical investment in the country’s technical capacity.
“Sustainable mining is not only about responsibly extracting mineral resources; it is about investing in people, empowering communities, and developing the technical capacity that sustains our industry and our country,” he said.
The donated equipment — all fully functional — will be integrated into NIMT’s mechanical workshops to support students pursuing fitting and turning and related engineering disciplines.
Kasale noted that technical skills form the backbone of mining operations, with artisans and technicians playing a central role in machinery maintenance, precision engineering and operational safety.
Navachab highlighted its longstanding relationship with NIMT under a Memorandum of Understanding that facilitates internships, apprenticeships, job attachments and graduate development programmes.
The mine counts NIMT among its key feeder institutions, with many of its current artisans and employees having trained at the Arandis campus.
Kasale commended NIMT’s leadership for producing technically competent and disciplined graduates, saying the quality of interns and apprentices received from the institution strengthens the mine’s confidence in expanding cooperation.
Responding on behalf of the Executive Director and NIMT management, Randy Erkana expressed appreciation for what he described as a meaningful and impactful contribution to technical education.
“Today, you are not just handing over machines. You are investing in people. You are investing in skills. You are investing in the future of Namibia’s technical workforce,” he said.
Erkana said the lathe, milling machine, and bandsaw represent the core of mechanical training and will immediately enhance practical instruction on campus.
He added that the equipment will be maintained and fully integrated into structured training programmes aligned with mining and industrial standards.
The ceremony underscored the growing collaboration between Namibia’s mining industry and technical training institutions, with both parties emphasising the need to bridge the gap between classroom theory and workplace application.
Navachab reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the partnership and exploring further areas of cooperation focused on youth empowerment, skills development, and sustainable growth in Namibia’s mining and industrial sectors.
