The Institute of Charted Accountants in Namibia (ICAN) in partnership with several stakeholders celebrates Namibia Accountancy Week from 7 to 13 March 2010.

Rio Tinto Rössing Uranium sponsored the event with N$10 000 in support of the initiative.

Jerome Mutumba, Manager Corporate Communications and External Relations commented on the sponsorship: “Skills shortage continues to be one of the principal challenges faced by various industries in Namibia. I applaud the organisers of this event for once again bringing to light the importance of local skill development, particularly in a specialised field such as accounting.”
The week is set aside to commemorate the accounting profession, and to enhance its visibility and potential relevance to the socio-economic and political development in the country.

During a media function, Chantell Hussulmann, ICAN Marketing Chairperson said: “The main focus of this year's activities revolves around scholars and students in the accounting field, and hence our theme for the week being “Growing the Numbers”, with a specific focus on creating awareness and interest in Accounting at a relative early stage amongst scholars and students.”

Mutumba added that Rössing Uranium also understands the importance of local skill development and prides itself on its approach of investing in the future, by investing in its employees. He said: “In 20 10 we will continue to focus sharply on equipping our staff with various skills and offering them leadership training. To date, we have invested extensively in our potential future workforce, supporting 130 bursary apprentices and 60 university students in 2009.

A total of N$18.4 million was spent on training and development programmes in 2009, benefiting 440 participants. This brings the total investment in training and development programmes to more than N$60 million since 2005.

This testifies to our commitment to continue Working for Namibia.”

Issued by:
Jerome Mutumba
Manager Corporate Communications and External Relations
Tel 064 520 1080