Students benefit from NAMIT EduFund
In a continued effort to empower the nation through education, the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN), through its NAMIT Education Fund (EduFund), has awarded bursaries totalling N$748 181 to 147 students for the 2026 academic year.
The initiative is expanding access to tertiary education, with a growing focus on postgraduate studies.
Established in 2023, the EduFund provides financial assistance to members, former members, and their dependents by covering non-refundable registration fees at accredited institutions. Funding is disbursed twice annually, in January and July, making EduFund the first initiative of its kind in Namibia, where a trade union directly invests in the education of its members.
Since its inception, the fund has supported 584 students, with 50 graduates now successfully contributing to Namibia’s workforce. Beneficiaries come from all regions of the country, with women representing 70% of recipients and men the remaining 30%.
Following the introduction of government-funded free undergraduate education in 2026, the EduFund now primarily supports postgraduate students. Applications for 2026 rose by 15% compared with 2025, reflecting a growing national appetite for advanced education.
This year, beneficiaries are enrolled at institutions including UNAM, NUST, STADIO, IUM, Lingua, NIMT, Welwitschia, I-Care, NIT, and Triumphant College.
Speaking at the handover, Namitvest principal officer Jason Kasuto encouraged students to pursue education as a means of empowerment. “This initiative is a brainchild of the MUN, aimed at giving back to future leaders.”
MUN president and acting chairperson of NAMIT, Poco-Key Mberiuana, emphasised the importance of supporting members, former members, and their dependents. “The grant is designed to take care of our members. We are joining hands with the government to ensure no former member is left stranded due to a lack of funding. For those who have received bursaries, we want to follow up on their success and identify how best we can improve.”
Success stories
Nammic chief executive John Ndeutepo highlighted the programme’s success in producing qualified professionals. “I believe we have managed to fund all qualifying applications. I thank the leadership for implementing this initiative and our beneficiaries for committing to their studies, ensuring they succeed and one day serve others.”
MUN national coordinator Brian Tjihero praised EduFund for its long-term vision. “Today, 80% of grant recipients are either former members or their dependents. This forward-looking decision continues to shape the legacy we are building,” he noted.
Beneficiaries shared how the initiative has transformed their lives.
Martha Iikela, pursuing a PhD in Extractive Industry Oil and Gas in India, said: “I lost my parents at seven. My father was a union member, and the Mineworkers Union stepped in to support my registration fees. Today, I am pursuing a PhD, and I am committed to advancing my skills and giving back to our nation.”
Johannes Paulus, a final-year Human Resource Management student at the International University of Management, expressed his gratitude. “This has been made possible by the NAMIT EduFund. On behalf of all beneficiaries, I sincerely thank the union for this opportunity. We are committed to contributing to our union and country.”
Haikali Haikali, a Master’s student in Data Science at NUST, urged others to seize the opportunity. “Four years will pass regardless of whether you study or not. The difference is, if you study, you will have a certificate to show for it. I encourage all members of the Mineworkers Union to further their education.”
Parents also expressed their appreciation. Janet Namises, whose daughter benefited from the bursary, said: “I sincerely thank my union and all sponsors for this opportunity, which has had a profound impact on my family.”
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