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NQA Council Member since 2025

With over three decades of experience in legal practice, Advocate Adolf Hans Gerhardt Denk brings extensive expertise in legislative drafting, public law, regulatory frameworks, and litigation. He is the founder of Denk Law Chambers and has built a distinguished career advising government institutions, regulatory bodies, and international organisations on complex legal and policy matters.

Adv. Denk holds a BA (Law) and LL.B from the University of Stellenbosch, as well as a Master of Commerce (M.Com) in Forensic Accounting from the University of the North-West. He was admitted as a Legal Practitioner in 1999 and as an Advocate in 2009, supported by specialised international training in legislative drafting.

He has played a pivotal role in shaping Namibia’s legal and regulatory landscape by drafting key legislation, including laws on financial services, social security, competition, communications, and public enterprise governance. His work spans high-impact national projects such as the development of the Public Enterprises Governance framework, Social Security reforms, and multiple regulatory instruments for institutions like CRAN and NAMFISA.

His professional background includes senior roles such as Head of Legal Services at NAMFISA and Principal Legal Counsel at the National Assembly, where he contributed to legislative processes and national policy development. He has also served on various governance structures, including the Law Reform Commission and national advisory bodies.

At NQA, Adv. Denk contributes deep legal insight, particularly in legislative alignment, regulatory compliance, and policy development. His extensive experience strengthens the Authority’s capacity to operate within robust legal frameworks and supports the advancement of quality assurance systems in line with national and international standards.

NQA Council Member since 2025

Ms. Patricia Olivier was appointed as the Vice-Chairperson of the NQA Council on 1 September 2025. She is a seasoned executive with over 36 years of corporate experience, with a particularly strong foundation in human resources, organisational development, and strategic leadership. She has held senior executive roles within leading Namibian institutions, including Old Mutual Namibia and NAMCOR, where she consistently drove organisational growth, transformation, and performance excellence.

She brings extensive HR leadership expertise, having successfully transformed human resource functions into strategic business partners, developed and implemented comprehensive HR policies and systems, and led talent management, performance management, and organisational restructuring initiatives. Her experience spans both support and core business functions, enabling her to align people strategies with broader organisational objectives. Her career is marked by a strong track record in leading complex organisational change, including the transformation of business structures, establishment of key functional areas such as HR, marketing, and health and safety, and the implementation of performance management systems.

She has also led strategic business units, managed profit-and-loss portfolios, and contributed to national-level initiatives in the energy, finance, and labour sectors. Patricia holds an Executive MBA, an MPhil in Management Coaching, and qualifications inscience, business administration, and education. Her multidisciplinary background supports her ability to bridge strategy and operations while maintaining a strong, people-centred leadership approach.

At NQA, she brings deep human capital expertise, strategic insight, and a results-driven approach to organisational development. Her ability to integrate HR strategy with institutional goals, coupled with her governance and stakeholder engagement experience, strengthens the NQA’s mandate to deliver quality assurance and contribute meaningfully to national development.

NQA Council Member since 2022

Ms. Ndeshipewa Akwenye is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in the private and public sectors in the areas of finance, auditing, risk management; compliance, and corporate governance. Currently serving as the Process and Control Improvement Manager at Namibia Breweries Limited since 2023, she brings valuable experience to her role. Before her current position, Ms. Akwenye held the position of Compliance Manager and Process Improvement Manager at the same company, demonstrating her growth within the organization.

In the public sector, Ms. Akwenye is the founding Chairperson of the Audit Committee for the Namibian Office of the Judiciary established in 2019. She was also recently appointed to serve as a committee member on the Audit Committee for the Namibian office of the Auditor General.

She began her career in 2009 as a Trainee Accountant at Grand Namibia. She then transitioned to a role as an Internal Audit Consultant at Deloitte & Touche from 2011 to 2013, where she enhanced her expertise in auditing processes and procedures. Her career further evolved as she took on the role of Country Risk Officer at Trustco Group Holdings (PTY) Ltd until 2015. In addition to her professional roles, she has contributed to academia as an educator, serving as a part-time lecturer at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

Ms. Akwenye’s academic achievements include holding a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance, a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, and a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree. She is currently enrolled at the Justice Training Centre (JTC) as a Candidate Legal Practitioner.

NQA Council Member since 2022

Mr. Kennedy Matomola’s career demonstrates a rich and diverse experience in the field of finance, for over 20 years. His journey from a Settlement Clerk at HSBC Securities to his current role as a Senior Finance Manager at PowerCom (PTY) Ltd highlights his progression and expertise in financial management.

His tenure at various entities, including renowned companies such as Old Mutual, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Telecom Namibia, indicates his versatility and adaptability across different sectors and organizational structures. Moreover, his roles as an Educator and Finance Manager at institutions such as Millenium Investment and the Ministry of Education reflect his commitment to both practical application and knowledge dissemination in the field of finance.

Holding a National Diploma in Accounting, a Management Accounting Degree, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) equips him with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, management strategies, and business operations.

Overall, Mr. Matomola’s extensive experience, coupled with his robust educational foundation, positions him as a seasoned and capable Financial Manager capable of navigating complex financial landscapes and driving organizational success.

NQA Council Member since 2022

Mr. Immanuel, former President of the Students Representative Council at the University of Namibia, commenced his professional career in 2008 as a Regional Economic & Development Planner at the Khomas Regional Council. In this role, he promoted economic growth and development within the region through strategic planning and coordination.

In 2009, Mr. Immanuel returned to the University of Namibia (UNAM), his alma mater, as the Head of Support Services, Culture & Student Leadership Development. In this role, he chiefly engaged in the mentorship and orientation of students to the fundamental principles of servant leadership, responsible & ethical citizenry, strategic influence and tactful networking coupled with intentional exposure to real-world challenges.

Mr. Immanuel progressed to become the founding Head of Campus Administration for the UNAM School of Medicine, where he pioneered campus infrastructural development and championed the concept of ‘coeducational dorms’ while ensuring UNAM’s policy stability and consistent strategic pursuit.

In 2013, Mr. Immanuel, a renowned Corporate Governance Practitioner and exponential leader began a new journey at the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) as the Company Secretary & Manager of Corporate Affairs, overseeing governance, company secretarial, compliance, legal and corporate communications functions. His designation later changed to Executive: Governance, Legal Services and Company Secretary, a position that he passionately holds to date, translating into eleven (11) years of operating at an executive level.

Mr. Immanuel, an admitted Legal Practitioner of the Namibian High Court holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management Strategy, a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), a Baccalaureus Juris Degree (Law) and a Bachelor of Economics. He completed an Executive Leadership Development Programme with the University of Stellenbosch Business School. Currently, he is a PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary Studies: Technology Law with the University of Witwatersrand.

He has previously served as a member of the Tender Board of Namibia, and UNAM Council and currently serving as a member of the Public Procurement Review Panel.

NQA Council Member since 2022

Ms. Valerie Garises has an extensive track record of success through her 24 years in the IT industry. During her career, she has held key positions in prominent organizations, including Telecom Namibia, the Namibia Institute of Pathology Limited, Welwitschia Health Training Center and she’s currently serving as the Director of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), a role she commenced in January 2024.

Her academic background is marked by her pursuit of excellence, holding a Master’s degree in Technology as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Management Strategy. These qualifications signify her dedication to continuous learning and her ability to blend technical expertise with strategic insight.

Her extensive experience, coupled with her academic achievements, positions her as a highly capable leader in the field of technology.

Chairperson of the NQA Council

Dr Romanus Shivoro is currently serving as the Chairperson of the NQA Council, a position he has held since 2022. With a tenure of 18 years in the realm of higher education, Dr Shivoro plays a crucial role in steering educational policies, ensuring quality standards, and fostering academic excellence on a national scale.

His professional journey commenced at the US Peace Corps-Namibia from 2006 to 2008, where he was involved in conducting technical training programs and overseeing educational initiatives. Transitioning to academia, Dr Shivoro served as a lecturer at the University of Namibia, progressing to roles such as Program Coordinator and Adjunct Lecturer at Augsburg University’s Centre for Global Education – Southern Africa from 2008 to 2011. Subsequently, he assumed leadership as the Director of the same Centre from 2011 to 2015.

Returning to the University of Namibia, Dr Shivoro further expanded his expertise by taking on the position of Coordinator for External and International Relations from 2016 to 2021. Concurrently, he served as the Acting Director for External and International Relations from 2018 to 2021, and as the Namibian Director for the Confucius Institute at UNAM from 2018 to 2020. Currently, he holds the title of Assistant Director, overseeing International Relations at the University of Namibia.

Dr Shivoro’s academic accomplishments include a Doctor of Philosophy in Education specializing in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Studies. He has contributed to the field of higher education quality assurance through scholarly publications focusing on enhancing the employability of graduates from Namibia’s institutions of higher learning.

NQA Council Member since 2022

Dr Colen Tuaundu is a highly experienced and esteemed individual within the higher education sector, with a notable career spanning over 23 years. His diverse roles, ranging from teaching to administrative positions to senior management positions demonstrate his comprehensive understanding of educational processes and systems. As a Council member at the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) since 2022, he plays a crucial role in shaping and regulating educational standards within Namibia.

With his extensive educational background, including a Doctor of Education from UNISA, a Master in Education, a Bachelor of Education, an Advanced Certificate in Education, and a MASTEP Diploma in Mathematics Education, Dr Tuaundu possesses a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience of quality assurance and curriculum development. His involvement as a Course Coordinator and Tutor at the Institute of Open Learning (IOL), as well as his tenure as an NQF Officer at the NQA, indicates his hands-on experience in curriculum development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

Currently serving as the Director of Academic Development and Support at the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST), Dr Tuaundu oversees various aspects of academic quality and institutional accreditation, ensuring adherence to national and international standards. He also oversees the teaching with technology, cooperative education, and student support services. His leadership in this capacity underscores his commitment to fostering excellence in higher education.

Overall, Dr Colen Tuaundu’s significant contributions to education in Namibia, coupled with his diverse expertise and educational qualifications, position him as a respected figure and influential leader within the educational landscape of the country.