President Nangolo Mbumba has urged the most recent graduates from University of Namibia (UNAM) to, in the absence of work, harness their entrepreneurial spirit and visionary mindset to create new opportunities, challenge the status quo, and pioneer innovative solutions to address the complex challenges facing our societies.
Mbumba who was speaking at the Windhoek Campus Graduation Ceremony of UNAM said that government expects the graduates to be absorbed in the formal employment market but in the absence of that, they should look to other ways.
“Rather than lamenting unemployment, try and change your mindset positively to find something to do, and one day you will certainly become the author of your own, unique and inspiring life-story of having engineered your own economic freedom. Although Namibia is a resource-rich country, it requires a well-educated and skilled 5 workforce, as well as entrepreneurs to harness these endowments. It is now in your hands to play your part in our nation building process,” he said adding “Remember that success is not merely measured by individual achievements but by the impact you have on the lives of others and the contributions you make to the greater good of this nation. Stay true to your values, lead with integrity, and always strive to make a positive difference in the world.”
Mbumba went on to say that in today’s rapidly changing world, the role of professionals extends far beyond traditional boundaries. While it is essential to uphold and strengthen the systems that are already in place, it is equally crucial to embrace innovation and creativity to drive positive change and transformation, he extended.
“Our economy is transforming and a new promise is on the horizon – the emergence of oil and gas, as well as green hydrogen complimented by discoveries of critical minerals, requires you to rise to the challenge and play your part in the advancement of our development agenda.
“Certainly, education has the ability not only to shape our minds at an individual level but also transform the trajectories of entire societies. As graduates, you have developed the requisite acumen and acquired sufficient knowledge to enable you to become catalysts for societal transformation. Therefore, you are among the best placed people to foster development and peace within our society, because without peace, economic development cannot take place. Without peace, the son of a farmworker cannot become a President. Without peace, the daughter of a domestic worker cannot become a doctor,” Mbumba said.
Conclusively, Mbumba appealed to all our citizens to conduct themselves responsibly as Namibia moves towards Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in November. Recently, he said, we have witnessed some disturbing media images of violence in the arena of politics and these incidents and those fomenting unrest and anarchy must be nipped in the bud.
“As graduates, you have worked hard to build a future for yourselves through hard work, dedication and commitment, however, without the guarantee of peace and security your dreams will end in tatters. On that account, I call upon all Namibians to hold hands and embrace the spirit of Harambee as espoused by our late President Dr. Hage Geingob, to ensure that we root out from amongst our society, those elements that wish to engage in violence against fellow Namibians premised on political differences. By embracing each other as inhabitants of one Namibian House and conducting peaceful election campaigns, we will ensure that our graduates will be able to work and live in a peaceful Namibia in which they can pursue their dreams and drive our nation towards greater prosperity.”