Swakopmund Dec.18 – The GSI SLV Welding Training Centre was officially launched on 17 December 2025, in Swakopmund’s Industrial Area. It marks a major step in strengthening Namibia’s technical and industrial skills base. The Centre is located on John Otto Nankudhustreet and is expected to play a key role in training and certifying welders to internationally recognized standards.
The facility is operated by GSI SLV Namibia, part of GSI – Gesellschaft für Schweißtechnik International mbH, a non-profit organisation founded in 1999 by the German Welding Society (DVS). GSI operates welding schools and research institutes across Germany and internationally. It has locations in countries including China, Turkey, Poland, and the Czech Republic, said Dr Vogelsang, Managing Director of parent company GSI SLV in Germany.
Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of GSI SLV Namibia, Mr Reinhardt Van Rooi, said the Centre will provide courses aligned with global certification standards such as the International Institute of Welding (IIW ) and ISO standards. He further added that interested Namibians should keep watch on local media as more information will be shared in early 2026. Mr Frank Kernstock, Managing Director of Kraatz, who is also the Chairperson of the Welding Association of Namibia WeldNam, noted; “The opening of the Centre represents a collective commitment by industry stakeholders to advance welding standards in Namibia and for Namibians from all walks of life. The launch of the Training Centre is not only important for GSI SLV, but is the tangible symbol of our shared commitment to excellence in welding and related industries,” he said.
The Centre is accredited by international bodies, including the International Institute of Welding (IIW), ensuring that training and certification offered in Namibia aligns with global quality and safety requirements.
Mr Kernstork also highlighted the role of WeldNam, a non-profit organisation established in May 2024 by Namdock, Metallum, the University of Namibia (UNAM), and Kraatz. The mission of WeldNam is to elevate welding technology and expertise in Namibia to international standards guided by the principles of the International Institute of Welding. Training Namibians eager to learn the vital skills and become expert welders, ready to participate in Namibian sectors that require welders.
WeldNam has already begun representing Namibia at international platforms, with Professor Kenneth K Maitengu and Dr Tom Alweendo participating in the IIW General Assembly.
The launch of the Centre in Swakopmund comes at a time when Namibia is preparing for increased industrial activity in sectors such as oil and gas and Green Hydrogen, both sectors require highly skilled and certified welders for infrastructure development, maintenance, and safety compliance.
The GSI SLV Welding Centre is expected to contribute to local skills development, job creation and workforce readiness, supporting Namibia’s broader industrialisation and economic diversification efforts.
Vice Chancellor of UNAM, Prof Kenneth K Matengu, who was also in attendance at the launch stated; “UNAM has a launched a Master of Science (MSc) in Manufacturing Technology geared towards engineer,s but that GSI Welding Training Centre will be vital in producing the artisans and thereby ensuring that there is no skills gaps in the welding industry.”
