Investing in Namibia’s future talent

David van Schalkwyk
  • 1 Day Ago

Young Namibians pursuing higher education and professional careers were recognised at a bursary and internship handover ceremony hosted by SanlamAllianz last week, underscoring the role of corporate investment in developing the country’s future workforce.

The event welcomed five bursary recipients for 2026 and introduced 15 new interns, reaffirming the company’s commitment to nurturing young professionals in fields such as finance, actuarial science, law, and related disciplines.

Speaking at the ceremony, Laurencia Prinzonsky said the initiative is centred on recognising potential and empowering young Namibians to pursue their ambitions. “Today is a proud and meaningful day for all of us at SanlamAllianz. We are gathered not only to award bursaries and welcome a new cohort of interns, but to celebrate potential, resilience, and the bright future of Namibia’s young talent.”

Since the bursary programme was launched in 2002, the organisation has supported more than 120 students, investing over N$8 million to help remove financial barriers to tertiary education. Prinzonsky noted that many recipients come from challenging backgrounds, including first-generation university students.

“This bursary is more than financial support. It is a stepping stone to a better life, a vote of confidence in your dreams, and an opportunity to break generational cycles,” she said.

Former bursary recipient Lelan Beukes, now a candidate attorney at ENSafrica, said the support played a defining role in her journey. “Sanlam did not simply provide financial assistance; they provided hope. They showed me that someone recognised my potential, even when circumstances made it difficult for me to see it myself.”

Addressing the new interns, Steven Harageib encouraged them to understand the environments they enter and the responsibilities they carry. “When you walk into a building like this one, you are sitting in three chairs,” he said, referring to the individual, the institution, and the wider world that shapes a person’s journey.

He urged young professionals to prioritise substance over appearance. “Choose depth, because real growth is about judgment and substance, not polish,” he said.