NUST appoints Hepute as Agricultural Campus head

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has appointed Dr Venaune Hepute as head of its Agricultural Campus.

Hepute brings more than 16 years of experience spanning academia, research, project management, operational management and stakeholder engagement. His career has included roles at the Namibian Agronomic Board, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, and as a lecturer in soil science at NUST.

He holds a PhD and a master’s degree in sustainable agriculture from the University of the Free State in South Africa, as well as a bachelor’s degree in agricultural management from NUST. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in leadership and change management at NUST.

His academic background is complemented by practical experience, including contributions to national agricultural initiatives, participation in international training programmes, and the authoring of several research publications.

In his new role, Hepute will provide strategic and operational leadership for the campus, ensuring the delivery of high-quality academic programmes within a student-centred environment.

Strengthening capacity

He said he viewed the appointment as a significant responsibility and an opportunity to strengthen technical capacity building and advance a modern, technology-driven agricultural campus focused on impactful research, teaching and learning, and sustainable agribusiness outcomes for Namibia and beyond.

He described the appointment as “an honour”, adding that the Agricultural Campus is strategically positioned in line with the university’s goal of becoming a leading institution rooted in technology and innovation.

Hepute’s appointment comes after a recent decision by the NUST Council to relocate the Agricultural Campus from Rietfontein to Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region. The move forms part of a broader strategy to expand access to higher education, support national development priorities, and strengthen regional knowledge and innovation ecosystems.

He said NUST would ensure a smooth transition, with continuity in teaching, learning and research projects remaining a priority.

“My vision for the campus is to develop it into a centre of excellence for technical and technological agriculture, promoting practical training supported by cutting-edge research in digital agronomy, horticulture and livestock production,” he said.

He highlighted strategic investment in infrastructure, solar-powered irrigation systems and smart farming technologies as key to achieving this goal, alongside collaboration with stakeholders in the Otjozondjupa Region and nationally.

Looking ahead, he said he hoped to help transform Namibia’s agricultural sector in line with national priorities, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and modern industry demands.