Council Chairperson – Welwitchia University
Dr. Monika Pendukeni is a distinguished Human Resource Strategist, higher education leader, and public health professional with over 25 years of executive experience across Namibia’s healthcare, public service, and higher education sectors. She is Co-Founder of Welwitchia University and the Welwitchia University Group, and currently serves as Chairperson of Council of Welwitchia University and Board Chairperson of the Group, providing strategic governance and safeguarding the institution’s founding vision and long-term sustainability.
A visionary institutional builder, Dr. Pendukeni has been central to Welwitchia’s evolution from a health training centre into a fully-fledged, multi-campus university with strong regional and international partnerships. Her leadership has strengthened governance, quality assurance, and innovation in simulation-based health sciences education, contributing to the graduation of over 4,000 professionals and enrolment growth beyond 7,500 students.
She was recently appointed by the President of the Republic of Namibia as a Member of the National Health Task Force, contributing to high-level health policy and system-strengthening initiatives. Previously, she served as General Manager: Human Resources, Training and Development at the Namibia Institute of Pathology and held senior roles within the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Dr. Pendukeni holds a Master’s degree in Public Health, postgraduate qualifications in Human Resource Management, and an Honorary Doctorate in Human Resource Management. In 2023, she was named among the Top 50 Namibians of Merit and appointed Namibian Ambassador of Indian Education and Science.
Speakers >> Dr. Monika Pendukeni