Rössing Uranium continued to cement its corporate citizenship status with the donation of two busses to the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) in Arandis.
The donation, which forms part of the company’s deliberate strategy to uphold its CSI commitment, is a massive added advantage for NIMT, who have for long struggled to transport trainees to and from the vocational centre.
The donation of the two 52-seater busses, valued at N$2.4 million, will allow NIMT to replace some of its ageing fleet. In addition, each bus is equivalent to replacing three smaller busses, thereby improving road safety by reducing the traffic between Arandis and Swakopmund.
Rӧssing Uranium Managing Director, Johan Coetzee, highlighted the strong relationship between the two organisations. This partnership dates back to 1990 when Rӧssing constructed phase 1 of the vocational facility aimed to develop Namibian artisans to work and be employed in the mining sector.
“NIMT has become a leader in training and producing skilled artisans for the Namibian mining industry, as well other businesses in Namibia that require the technical qualifications provided at this institution,” said Coetzee. He added that nearly half of Rössing artisans have been trained at NIMT, which is testament to the excellent vocational standard at NIMT.
Coetzee added, “We therefore need no invite or permission to care for our own. It is a genuine gesture from a corporate that understands the importance of providing services to the engines of education and the betterment of communities that will carry the brand of Rössing even when some of us are long gone.”
NIMT Executive Director, Ralph Bussel, praised the work of Rössing, saying the donation places a huge relief on the transport burden at the institution.
Bussel highlighted the continued hard work of NIMT in producing disciplined artisans who are qualified to immediately take up work in the industry.
“It is because of donations such as this that we are able to fulfil our mandate. Many of our products here are proud employees of Rӧssing and we can only produce more qualified artisans with the help of the absorbing industry,” said Bussel.
Bussel also highlighted the transport troubles that existed at the institution, citing that most of their fleet is aged resulting in regular breakdowns.
“We really appreciate the work you continue to do for us. This is by far one of the biggest contributions to our institution, and it is surely a huge boost to fulfilling our mandate,” said Bussel.
Instrumentation trainee, Tia Conradie, shared sentiments of appreciation on behalf of the student community, highlighting that besides her dreams of working for Rössing, the donation is a huge relief the school.
“Thank you very much Rössing for contributing towards our journey in education. The comfort of the new busses will surely contribute positively to our education here at NIMT,” enthused Conradie.
