RPZ awards bursaries to two outstanding students, marking a milestone in its commitment to education
- RPZ
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
Rosh Pinah Zinc (RPZ) reaffirmed its dedication to education and skills development with the award of two bursaries to exceptional students at the University of Namibia on Thursday, 20 March 2025.
Over the years, RPZ has consistently supported students through its bursary scheme, with one always being awarded to a recipient from the //Kharas Region, while the other is awarded to students from other regions across Namibia.
The recipients have traditionally been required to pursue mining-related fields. This year, marking the second bursary award cycle since the mine was acquired by Appian Capital Advisory, RPZ broadened its approach, opening opportunities to students in all fields of study.
The 2025 recipients, both young women pursuing degrees outside the mining sector, are Paulina Shakumu from Oshakati, a second-year student in Chartered Accounting, and Secilia Kalimwe, an Economics student originally from Rundu and raised in Rosh Pinah. Secilia’s selection also fulfills RPZ’s promise to Tsau//Khaeb Secondary School learners in 2024, where the company pledged to support top-performing students, a commitment to help motivate high academic achievement.
Acting on behalf of the General Manager, Health, Safety & Training Manager, Roelof Pretorius congratulated the recipients, emphasizing the transformative power of education. "Knowledge is a privilege, earned through hard work, and deserving of respect, admiration, and humility in its application," Pretorius stated, as he encouraged the students to seize the opportunity and shape their future.
RPZ’s HR Superintendent, Silas Shalauda, reiterated the invaluable nature of education, alluding the late former Minister of Education, Dr. Abraham Iyambo’s vision for every Namibian child to be educated. Shalauda commented, “once you have an education, no one can take it away from you.” He further highlighted RPZ’s commitment to national development, affirming that the bursary program is not just financial support but a stepping stone towards professional growth, as it includes internship opportunities within the company.
The occasion was made even more special by the presence of RPZ’s Processing Manager, Dane van Zyl, who is a past bursary recipient from RPZ. Sharing his journey, he reflected on how the bursary changed his life and assured the students that while the road ahead may be demanding, especially balancing studies with internships, it will be worth the effort. “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,” Van Zyl advised.
RPZ remains steadfast in its mission to uplift communities by investing in the education of Namibia’s youth, ensuring a skilled and empowered generation ready to contribute to the nation’s growth.