Oryx’s commitment to education and development

Bursary programme officially launched
The initiative is aimed at developing competent property managers and providing graduates with valuable exposure to the working world.
Phillipus Josef
  • 3 Months Ago
Three years ago, Oryx Property Limited launched a trial property and commerce graduate programme in response to a skills gap in the property industry. Last week, the initiative - aimed at developing competent property managers and providing graduates with valuable exposure to the working world - was officially launched as a full bursary programme.

Speaking at the launch last Thursday, Oryx CEO Ben Jooste explained that the programme began as an 18-month trial to address the scarcity of property managers in Namibia. “We saw this as a necessary step to fill the void in property management skills in the country,” he said. The programme, conducted in collaboration with the Namibia Property Association, combines local courses with those from South Africa to bring new expertise to the market.

Unique partnership

Gabriel Kaulihowa, a final-year bachelor of accounting honours student at the University of Namibia (Unam) and a bursary recipient, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “I was attracted to the bursary and internship opportunity because of the unique partnership it offers. I am passionate about real estate and property management, and I believe that working with Oryx will provide me with valuable hands-on experience and the chance to learn from industry professionals,” he said.

Amber Stein, a graduate with a bachelor's degree in property studies from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), also shared her experience: “During my tenure at Oryx, I frequently managed multiple tasks with overlapping deadlines. By creating detailed action plans and breaking down larger projects into manageable tasks, I ensured that I stayed organised and focused".

Stein also highlighted the importance of independent thinking, quoting Coco Chanel: “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud".

The programme has benefitted several individuals, namely: Kaulihowa, Stein, Daniel Hammond (property studies student), Petrus Iipinge (property studies graduate), Rosalia Paulus (property studies graduate) and Adelaide Ashipala (intern and mathematics and statistics student).