NUST Researchers undergo off-road and 4×4 training.

Windhoek,Oct 14 -Getting equipped with the best tools mean nothing if you cannot or know how to operate it. Hence a group of lecturers, scientists and researchers undertook a 3 day basic Unit Standard level 3 off road training earlier this month. The idea was solely to assist and provide people working with all terrain vehicles ( 4×4) to understand the working and technological know how of when going off road. The 3-day course attended by 15 staff members of NUST took them through various modules like theoretical and practical training. Though driving off road is to many a daily lifestyle, while others earn their living by driving offroad. But to the ones that do not always going off-road it could mean damages to the vehicle, injury or in worst case scenario fatalities might occur if not knowing your own or the abilities of the all terrain vehicle. This was exactly what Frans Theron from Namibia 4×4 off-road Academy trained the NUST team. The modules included topics ranging from driving in sand, muddy and wet conditions to mountains, while basic recovery training was also provided. The latter is vital as Namibia is home to many treacherous terrains, and meaning once you get stuck either in sand, in the mountains or in the mud could take valuable time to be recovered or rescued. It was only after the practical exercise many understood the purpose of knowing your car. And taking the Land Cruisers through their paces and did not built confidence among their users, but showcased the durability of the cars and the purpose they were acquired for to do vital research by NUST. Dr. Meed Mbidzo said the training was an experience and a half and never thought that she would be able to take a vehicle through off road conditions that will leave the majority in doubt. “It turns out that when in the vehicle that is is not as scary as it seems from standing next to the vehicle” Mbidzo said. The practical driving skills took place on an off road course Klein Aub, west of Windhoek. This venue was specially designed by the owner and other role players in the off-road driving and adventure industry. Sebastian Mukumbira told this reporter on the sidelines that he never thought that off-road vehicles have such capabilities to conquer almost any terrain, providing you know what you and your car can do. “Before this training I could not even imagine that a car could do this, so it was quite an awesome experience “ Mukumbira said. Another participant, Dr. Vera de Cauwer said the training took her out of her comfort zone as she learnt more about a off-road vehicle’s abilities. The 3-day training course not only equipped them better when using NUST vehicles in extreme terrain, but also provide them with a competency certificate which is valid for two years. Theron’s knowledge and experience stretch over a period of more than 25 years and worked extensively in Namibia and other SADC countries where he trained institutions ranging from mines to manufacturers and even selected military services in the region.