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Executive Summary: Founder and Executive Director.

R.I.K. Technical College cc was established in 2009 by Mr. Reinhard “Issie” Katjire, a highly experienced mechanical engineering professional, qualified boilermaker, vocational education specialist and industry leader. The name “R.I.K.” represents the initials of his name Reinhard “Issie” Katjire and reflects the founder’s personal commitment to technical education, skills development and the empowerment of Namibian youth.

Mr. Katjire was born on 15 August 1965 at Nevada Farmstead in the Otjozondjupa Region. He completed his secondary education at Tamariskia High School before joining Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM), now known as Namdeb Diamond Corporation, as an apprentice in the boiler making trade. This opportunity marked the beginning of an extensive career in engineering, mining, industrial maintenance, project management and vocational education and training.

Through dedication, discipline and continuous professional development, Mr. Katjire obtained a Boiler making Trade Diploma, a Mechanical National Diploma and National Technical Certificates N2, N3, N4, N5 and N6. While employed, he continued his studies on a part-time basis and completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His educational journey demonstrates his belief that professional growth is achieved through perseverance, lifelong learning and the practical application of knowledge.

During his career at Namdeb, Mr. Katjire gained extensive practical and managerial experience. He served as a Boiler making Artisan in both the plant and fabrication workshops, where he developed specialized expertise in fabrication, plant maintenance, mechanical systems and workshop operations. He was subsequently promoted to Engineering Foreman and Mechanical Foreman, positions in which he supervised employees, coordinated engineering activities, managed workshop operations and ensured compliance with production, maintenance, quality and safety requirements.

He also served as Project Manager for the Pocket Beach Phase 2 Project, further strengthening his capabilities in project planning, resource coordination, budgeting, workforce supervision, operational control and the successful execution of engineering projects.

As part of his professional development at Namdeb, Mr. Katjire completed a wide range of inter-mine and industry-related courses, including:

• SAMTRAC;

• Budgeting;

• Occupational Health and Safety;

• Free-to-Grow;

• Payroll Administration;

• Employment Equity & Affirmative Action;

• Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM);

• Reliability-Centered Spares (RCS);

• labor Relations;

• Labor Law;

• Vibration Analysis;

• Fluid Dynamics;

• Logistics (Procurement, Inventory Management and Control);

• Supervisory Management; and

• Working Safely at Heights;

• First Aid and Emergency Response;

• Firefighting.

After gaining substantial industrial and leadership experience, Mr. Katjire entered the vocational education and training sector as a Senior Instructor at the WVTC (Windhoek Vocational Training Centre). In this role, he transferred his industrial knowledge and practical expertise to aspiring artisans, helping trainees develop the technical competence, discipline and professional conduct required by industry.

He later served as a consultant within the Mechanical Division of the Namibia Training Authority when it was being established. His work in the TVET sector enabled him to gain a comprehensive understanding of competency-based education and training, curriculum implementation, assessment, moderation, quality assurance and institutional management.

Through the Namibia Training Authority, Mr. Katjire completed professional courses in:

• Assessment;

• Moderation;

• Design and Development;

• Facilitation;

• Master Facilitation;

• Quality Management;

• Verification; and

• International Computer Driving License (ICDL).

The decision to establish R.I.K. Technical College cc arose from Mr. Katjire’s recognition of the shortage of skilled artisans and the limited access many young Namibians had to practical, industry-relevant technical training. Drawing on his experience as an artisan, engineering foreman, project manager, senior instructor and mechanical training consultant, he envisioned an institution that would bridge the gap between vocational education and the actual skills required in the workplace.

His vision was to create a technical college that would provide accessible, practical and quality vocational training to school leavers, employed persons, unemployed youth and individuals seeking to improve their qualifications. The College was therefore founded on the principles of practical competence, discipline, safety, innovation, entrepreneurship, employability and lifelong learning.

Under Mr. Katjire’s leadership, R.I.K. Technical College cc has grown from its original focus on boiler making and welding into a multidisciplinary private technical and vocational education and training institution. The College now contributes to national skills development by offering programmes that respond to Namibia’s industrial, agricultural, technological and socio-economic needs.

Mr. Katjire is recognized for his strong work ethic, technical competence, resilience, discipline and results-oriented leadership. He is a visionary leader who believes in leading by example and creating opportunities for others. His leadership approach combines industrial experience with educational expertise, sound management principles and a deep commitment to developing competent, responsible and employable graduates.

As Founder and Executive Director, Mr. Katjire continues to guide the strategic direction and growth of R.I.K. Technical College cc. His more than four decades of combined experience in mining, engineering, maintenance, project management, technical training and institutional leadership remain central to the College’s credibility and success.

His life and professional journey embody the values on which R.I.K. Technical College cc was established: determination, excellence, integrity, discipline, practical competence and service to the Namibian nation.