Interview: Guidance, Skills & Passion: Haitula’s Advice for Namibia’s Next Generation

 

Human resource specialist Tuuda Haitula has urged Namibian students and parents to look beyond the excitement of free tertiary education and instead focus on careful planning, career guidance, and passion-driven study choices to prepare the country’s youth for a rapidly evolving job market.

Speaking to our newsroom, Haitula welcomed government’s pledge for free tertiary education but cautioned that it must be implemented thoughtfully to avoid straining institutions and missing the real goal of producing graduates who can build Namibia’s future.

“We still need to give the ministry enough time to plan how they will roll this out,” Haitula said. “It’s not just about free access — it’s about creating real value for young people.”

He emphasised that students should not rush to apply for any course simply because it won’t cost them money. Instead, they should seek proper career guidance and align their studies with their passions, personalities, and skills.

“Don’t pick engineering just because it’s free — pick it because you’re good at maths, you love solving problems, and you see yourself building things,” he explained.

Haitula highlighted the urgent need for skills in critical areas like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), environmental science, renewable energy, and climate solutions. These fields, he said, are vital for Namibia’s sustainable growth and competitiveness on the African continent.

“There’s still a gap in our workforce when it comes to climate strategies, tech and engineering. We must equip our youth for tomorrow’s challenges,” he added.

He also pointed to healthcare and education as sectors that always need fresh talent — especially specialists like surgeons, therapists and sports coaches.

“We can’t have enough teachers and we definitely need more specialised health professionals,” he noted.

While many students flock to traditional courses like business administration and human resources, Haitula cautioned that these fields are becoming saturated. He encouraged students to specialise further, combine skills, and add niche expertise to stand out in a tight job market.

Haitula stressed that entry-level qualifications — diplomas, certificates, or bachelor’s degrees — still matter greatly, but students must not stop there. Gaining real-world experience, building a professional reputation, and adding value through volunteering or internships are equally important.

“A qualification alone doesn’t guarantee a job. It’s about how you brand yourself and prove your worth,” Haitula said.

To ensure the promise of free education becomes meaningful, Haitula believes all stakeholders — from parents to schools, universities, and employers — must work together to offer better career guidance.

“Guided choices lead to motivated graduates. Passionate people build nations,” he concluded.

As Namibia moves towards free tertiary education, Haitula’s advice is clear: prepare with purpose, study with passion, and position yourself to fill the gaps that will shape the country’s future.