Namibia Scientific Society celebrates 100 years of existence

On 12 April 2025, the Namibia Scientific Society hosted a reception at Droombos to mark its centenary.

Attending the event were members, partner organisations, embassy representatives and members of the press. The Society was especially honoured by the presence of Prof. Peter Katjavivi, former Speaker of the National Assembly and the Ombudsman of Namibia, Adv. Basilius Dyakugha. Their attendance underscored the national importance of preserving and promoting scientific and historical knowledge in Namibia.

The event’s programme covered the Society’s major milestones over the past century as well as the debut of the refreshed logo. With the unveiling of a concept for a new library building and the thereto tied funding campaign the Society embarked on the first step into the future.

The evening commenced by reflecting on the steps taken by the Society to establish itself as a connector, collector, and coordinator serving local and international scientific communities. Following this look at the past, Ruth Moldzio, CEO of the Namibia Scientific Society, revealed the revamped logo. Moldzio: “Ahead of this 100-year anniversary, the Board and staff of the Society thought it was a fitting time to examine the way we presented the organisation to the public. With utmost respect for our logo, adopted in 1963, the decision was made to freshen-up the look and feel for the future, while keeping the elements that visualise the natural and social sciences, namely the egg and crystal quartz – hints at the ‘chicken or egg’ conundrum.”

Under the creative execution of local design agency, Turipamwe, the Society’s new logo blends imagery related to different scientific fields and signifies advancement by showing the crystal – still protected in a sphere – progressing from the egg. Carefully selecting each colour, Turipamwe’s creative team explained, “This range of blues symbolises the vastness of scientific enquiry, exploration, and discovery, much like the expansive sea and sky. This blue aligns with the brand’s commitment to knowledge and innovation.”

Keynote speakers elaborated on various pillars of the Namibia Scientific Society. Dr. Andrew Niikondo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), emphasised the value of record keeping and publishing to preserve and share knowledge – functions fundamental to his institution and the Society. His remarks were particularly apt as he published his book “Are you a Person or a Ghost? A Personal Story of a Namibian Freedom Fighter” through Kuiseb Publishers, the Society’s in-house publishing body. Ms Sarah Negumbo, Director of the Namibia Library and Archives Service, spoke on the importance of safeguarding and sharing information. She further emphasised the value of the national archives – “the memory of a nation”- whose significance is only truly realised when accessed by members of the public.  H.E. Dr. Thorsten Hutter, German Ambassador to Namibia, elaborated on the value of national and international collaboration, mentioning the previous cooperative work with the Namibia Scientific Society.

With refreshed branding in place, the Society announced its next major undertaking: the expansion of its library through the construction of an adjacent state-of-the-art building (New Library Building Project). This significant addition and investment were deemed appropriate to address the growing need for additional space, make the Society more accessible to the public, and maintain the highest professionalism for the next 20 years.  Rowan McNamara, Co-director of Kerry McNamara Architects, presented plans and a bold design for the envisioned building, accompanied by a 3D-model, at the centenary event.

Acknowledging that the work of the Society has historically only been possible due to the support of its members, Prof. Michael Backes, Chairperson of the Namibia Scientific Society, extended an invitation to those who wish to contribute to this project. Backes: “Our library is renown as one of the most extensive collections regarding Namibia world-wide and while we are fully convinced of the utmost importance of its future-proof expansion, it is needless to say, that an investment of N$25 million substantially surpasses the financial means of the Society. Hence, we would like to appeal to all members, friends, and supporters of the Namibia Scientific Society to support us in raising those funds – either by direct contributions or by sharing information on opportunities to help reach this goal.”

The ideas for expansion follow the recent revamp of the Society’s existing office, designed by Kerry McNamara Architects. As the building is over 100 years old, these renovations included general maintenance and upgrades to the lighting and sound technology for public talks, lectures and screenings. Beyond better equipping the building for future activities, the renovations were also carried out to create a more inviting and professional environment.

The launch of the funding campaign for the new building was met with an encouraging response, and the Society is pleased to announce that N$ 60,000.00 was received in donations following the event – a promising start towards realising this ambitious goal.

With this event officially launching the Society’s centenary activities, members of the public can look forward to more special events during the year, such as the publication of a book on Namibian cultures, a publication capturing the spirit, diversity, and richness of Namibia’s society and the launch of an official centenary stamp.

The Namibia Scientific Society warmly invites anyone, whether they be novice, hobbyist or expert, to get involved in these activities. Individuals and organisations are also invited to sign up as members of the Society to join this independent hub.