Creatives Applaud NUST’s New Animation Department

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has unveiled its new Digital Arts and Animation (DAA) department, and some Namibian creatives have already stepped forward to share their thoughts.Department head Jordaania Andima said that the DAA was created to address the growing need for digital skills and expertise and establish NUST as a centre for 2D & 3D animation, gaming design, visual effects, digital arts, film and more.Furthermore, it aligns with NUST’s 2021–2025 strategic vision, particularly Goal 4, which focuses on advancing human-centred digital transformation for Industry 4.0 and beyond. The department offers five accredited short courses, namely Foundation to Filmmaking, Scriptwriting for Film, Scriptwriting for Children's TV, 2D Animation and 3D Animation, each capped at 20 students.ASAP was launched in partnership with Luno Pictures, an independent animation production studio based in London which creates “amazing and visually stunning animations with a focus on the art of storytelling in the process”. The programme will train students in animation, film, television, content creation and visual effects.“One key focus is establishing student exchange programmes through partnerships with international institutions,“ said Andima. ”These exchanges will give students valuable global exposure in digital arts, animation and film production, enriching their learning experience”. What Creatives Are Saying“I think it's fantastic. I think it's great that higher institutions are actually offering more creative courses. Namibians are creative individuals, and people are embracing the fact that there are more creative ways to live life and make a living, you know? I think it also provides an opportunity to uplift people and share knowledge. It makes it easier for the creative industry to actually thrive when there's dedicated efforts to educate and build that industry,” Shili Munyama, a filmmaker and creative director, said. He also stressed the need for laws to protect the creative industry and noted that the DAA programme will add credibility to future creatives, paving the way for such protections.Sharing similar sentiments, performing artist Niita Shikongo said that “It is a significant step forward for Namibia’s creative industry. As a performing artist, my journey has largely been self-taught, drawing from personal experiences, mentorship, and local and global influences due to the lack of formalised training in our local education system. Having structured academic pathways like this will equip artists, from various creative disciplines, with the technical skills and industry knowledge needed to elevate their craft, making them more competitive both locally and internationally.”Luis Munana, the director and executive producer of the animated children’s puppet cartoon show “Waka Waka Moo” had this to say: "I welcome the introduction of the courses in Digital Arts and Animation because this means that we won't have to look outside to get animators anymore. It means that we can start honing our own talents right here at home."He noted that although there are skilled animators in Namibia, the absence of formal training meant fewer professionals, making it challenging to complete projects on time. He believes the new programmes will address this gap by providing more skilled animators to meet the growing demand.Launchpad”I have hope that this programme will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of artists, allowing them to explore their talents, tell our uniquely Namibian stories, and contribute meaningfully to the industry at large,” Shikongo added, reflecting on the future of the programme.“Personally, the way I got into this industry is because I had to work hard,” said Uzziel Bortei, a 20-year-old dance instructor who added that the department is a good development, as future creatives now have easier access to resources, funding, and opportunities that were once difficult to secure.With plans to develop full qualification programmes, potentially increase intake numbers, launch an Animation Hub at NUST, and offer specialised workshops in areas such as Gamification, AR/VR and AI in Creative Media, the department’s future certainly looks promising. As Andima put it, “This programme marks an important step toward establishing Namibia as a leading center for digital arts excellence in Africa.”

Creatives Applaud NUST’s New Animation Department

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Republikein 2025-04-03

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Creatives Applaud NUST’s New Animation Department

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Republikein 2025-04-03

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