“What does this change from the Polytechnic to a university of science and technology mean for us? For many of you students who in the near future will be graduating from the institution, one of the most visible changes will be that your degrees or certificates will no longer be awarded by the Polytechnic, but by the University of Science and Technology.”

” However, the implications of the name change are much deeper and more complex than simply the awarding of certificates and degrees.” said Professor Tjama Tjivikua, Poly Rector in a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Andrew Niikondo, Vice-Rector: Research and Academic Affairs at the official opening of the 2013 academic year on Wednesday.

The theme for this year is building sustainable futures.

According to Tjivikua, the implications will have profound consequences on the core business of the institution from teaching and learning, research and innovation to service rendered.

“These will include looking at types and levels of programmes and qualifications we offer; the physical infrastructure that exists, quality of and support provided to teaching and learning and research and innovation; and multi- and inter-disciplinary initiatives, to name a few,” he said.

INO Investment company showed off their new mobile I-Brick plant in Otjomuise’s 8ste Laan yesterday, where the company has started building its first show house. The company’s director, Fillemon Iyambo, said the business idea that began in 2010 was implemented to help solve the problem of the high cost of housing.

“We want the citizens, especially young people, to be able to buy quality houses at affordable prices.” Iyambo said this is their first project. “Thanks to the City of Windhoek for giving us land to build our demo house. We plan on expanding to northern areas. We also hope to receive positive responses from other municipalities that have received our proposal,” he said.

Iyambo said the I-Brick uses less cement than conventional bricks due to a specially formulated resin mixture. Virtually no cement is used during the actual building process, he said, adding that it is faster to build than most other building systems.

“The I-Brick manufacturing plants are fully portable, allowing for brick manufacture in remote areas because everything on the machine is hydraulic and there is no need for electricity.”