Mercure Hotel, Windhoek. 16–17 July 2026.
Introduction of the keynote speaker by Monika Pendukeni at the 9th Official Graduation Ceremony of Welwitchia University.
Honourable Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Honourable Susan Ndjaleka;
Chancellor and Co-Founder of Welwitchia University, Professor Scholastika Iipinge;
Chairperson of the University Council and Co-Founder of Welwitchia University (in absentia);
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marius Hedimbi;
Members of the University Council, especially Professor Alice Lakati from Amref International University in Kenya;
Dr Andreas Mwoombola, Welwitchia University Group Chief Executive Officer;
Mr Edward Kafita, Chief Executive Officer of Welwitchia Integrated Services;
Professors;
Members of the academic and administrative staff;
Representatives of other Higher Education Institutions;
Representatives of our regulators, including the Health Professions Councils of Namibia (HPCNA), the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA), the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), and others;
Sponsors of this 9th Graduation Ceremony;
Distinguished guests, partners, stakeholders and members of the media;
Proud parents and families;
Welwitchia students and alumni;
Friends; and most importantly, the Class of 2026.
All protocol observed.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my honour to introduce our keynote speaker, Honourable Susan Ndjaleka, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services.
Honourable Ndjaleka brings to this role a wealth of public service experience and a strong commitment to people-centred development.
She currently serves as Vice Chairperson of the Namibia Parliamentary Women’s Caucus and represents the !Nami#Nûs Constituency as Regional Councillor for Lüderitz and Aus. Her leadership record includes serving as Mayor of Lüderitz from 2010 to 2015, and she has also chaired the Board of the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT).
Honourable Ndjaleka has extensive experience in skills development, having headed satellite training centres in Lüderitz and Benguela, as well as serving at the Namibia Maritime and Fisheries Institute. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Senior Finance Administrator and in client services at Methealth Medical Fund Administration (PSEMAS).
Her professional qualifications include diplomas in Accounts and Bookkeeping, and in Marketing and Management from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the University of the Witwatersrand. She has also served as an EMPRETEC Regional Consultant appointed by the Ministry of Trade, Industrialisation and SME Development, bringing extensive experience in strategic planning and corporate governance.
A tireless advocate for inclusive services, Honourable Ndjaleka is passionate about supporting persons with disabilities and is currently establishing a centre for persons living with disabilities in Lüderitz. She is equally committed to expanding programmes that promote equitable access to healthcare and creating youth-friendly mental health spaces across Namibia.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in extending a warm Welwitchia University welcome to Honourable Susan Ndjaleka as she delivers today’s keynote address.
Thank you.
