Namibian Professors Shine at Regional Forum

Two distinguished Namibian Professors were honored at the recently concluded XXVI Standing Conference of Easten Central and Sothern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) which was held in Mombasa, Kenya from 22 to 26 April.

This year’s conference honored those who have made significant contributions to the library profession, among them were Prof. Kingo Mchombu-Advisor to the Founder and IUM Governing Council and Prof. Namhila, Pro-Vice Chancellor: Finance, Administration and Resource Mobilization, UNAM, who are also fully paid-up members of NIWAN. The SCECSAL Recognition Award paid tribute to these unsung heroes and heroines whose behind-the-scenes efforts have been instrumental in shaping the SCECSAL landscape. These individuals, through their tireless contributions, have enriched SCECSAL’s ethos of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the organization. Prof. Kingo Mchombu received a recognition award for his leadership in the Library and Information Science Profession (LIS), his contribution to SCECSAL and knowledge generation in LIS focusing on the role of libraries, information and knowledge in development, and contribution to SCECSAL. Receiving this award, Prof. Mchombu was honored and expressed gratitude for this recognition. He pointed out three critical areas of concern that are expected to be addressed and these are to incorporate KM as a tool to effectively run NIWAN, harness the curation of indigenous knowledge in libraries and ensure that the association embrace the adoption of goals of the 4th industrialization and lastly ensure that all retirees are retained to the profession in an effort to advance knowledge and skill transfer.

While Prof. Namhila Ellen Ndeshi Namhila was recognized for her pivotal role of hosting the first SCECSAL Conference of 2000 which was held in Namibia. Furthermore, this award was in recognition of the significant contributions made to the growth and expansion of SCECSAL in Namibia. While Prof. Namhila reflected on the journey where NIWAN started, and the milestones achieved. She encouraged all the members to remain dedicated and push to see the association continue moving forward. The awards were received by Dr. Mchombu and Ms. Tobias who attended this year’s Conference. The awards were later presented to the two Professors during an event held on 15th May 2024. SCECSAL is a regional forum for library and information associations in Africa which aims to promote the library, information, and knowledge profession in the SCECSAL region through national library and information associations. The objective of this inter alia conference is to provide a platform for connecting national library and information associations and facilitate discussions on issues of mutual interest and the exchange of knowledge including good practices and current trends in the profession. 

In a statement issued by the Newly elected NIWAN President, Ms. Melba Mabuku-Sitwala who started off by congratulating the two Professors for a well-deserved recognition. Mrs. Sitwala stated that Namibia must keep on shining and to do so, there is a need to work together and tap from the expertise of these mentors. According to her, their dedication, expertise, and outstanding contributions to the field of librarianship have not only earned them recognition but have also inspired all young professionals in the same field. Receiving this prestigious award is indeed a testament to their hard work, passion, and commitment to excellence. Your innovative approach, tireless efforts, and unwavering dedication to advancing our profession set a remarkable example for all of us. 

According to Mrs. Sitwala, this achievement not only brings honor to the Namibian Librarians but also shines a bright light on the association and the entire community of librarians and archivist. She stated that their dedication to fostering a culture of learning is truly commendable. As an enthusiastic passionate librarian and on behalf of the NIWAN members, we are honored and proud to work alongside individuals as talented and dedicated as they are and still remain fully paid-up members. Their success reflects their exceptional abilities and unwavering determination, which should indeed be emulated by all. Mrs. Sitwala closed off by stating that the new elected committee will remain committed to ensuring that all the recommendations recorded at the conference are addressed and these are; advancing on sharing impactful stories, advocating for inclusivity of marginalized groups and involvement of students, curation of indigenous knowledge in our libraries, retention of retirees from the library sector to advance knowledge and skill transfer and advance on contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and other National agenda. She urged librarians and archivists who are not yet members to join the association and that it is through concerted efforts from all that we can move the profession forward and collectively benefit from it.