When we left the national road and crossed the dry river bed with the four-wheel jeeps, policemen welcomed us behind the iron bridge. My mind started spinning: Did they want to control us? Did we do anything wrong? Or is it so dangerous to go to the outskirt of Windhoek and visit the community of Kharoxas? Soon I would find it out. We just stopped beside them in the shade of a tree and waited for the traditional leader of the region, her Majesty, Goas Juliane Gawa!Nas. About ten minutes later she arrived with four cars, including two police cars, the representative of the city of Windhoek, and a couple of advisors. After a short welcome and briefing, we continued our journey in the rough terrain of sand and stones. The police cars were at the beginning and the end of the large conveyance with flashing lights. I felt like a statesman on a mission.
After some time we arrived at a gate. We were welcomed by two young men elegantly riding horses without a saddle. They were the harbingers of the village. When we exited the car, we were welcomed with traditional dances and wonderful music performed by the villagers of Kharoxas. You could sense the good vibes in the air. It was the opening ceremony of the new power plant, equipped with the latest technology, 50 solar panels, and batteries to store the power of the sun. Prof. James Katende, who designed the living lab with his engineering students from NUST, predicted a bright future for the community and economic development when the distribution poles and cables are installed. I highlighted that the TUM SEED Center is an international endeavor with eight leading technical universities from the Global South, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service 2020-2024. The goals of the living labs are twofold: First and foremost, they provide “power to empower the community”. Second, the mini-grid facilitates academic exchange at the intersection of sustainable energies and entrepreneurship in the Global South. The traditional leader Goas Juliane Gawa!Nas from the Khomanian community said that the power plant gives “the youth an opportunity to learn”. Power, light, and education enhance the quality of life. Finally, I expressed the hope that one day one of the young villagers will study at NUST and visit the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany as part of the international exchange program.
The opening ceremony of the solar plant was newsworthy and presented in prime time on NBC news, the largest telecommunication company in Namibia with national coverage.
Story by Prof. Frank-Martin Belz.
Watch this video for the story coverage on Namibian National TV.