WINDHOEK: Roads Contractor Company (RCC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engelhard Haihambo says the company believes that its success in meeting business objectives is dependent on suitably skilled and motivated employees.

Haihambo made the statement at a dinner held here on Monday in honour of 16 RCC employees who graduated from different tertiary institutions between 2009 and 2012.

Their studies were financed through study aid provided by the RCC, and the dinner was held to congratulate the employees on their achievement and for having advanced their skills for the benefit of the company.

The 16 employees graduated in fields of study such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, business administration, accounting and auditing and information systems.

“During April 2008, RCC embarked on a business turnaround plan with the ultimate objective of achieving confident levels of business sustainability by March 2013,” Haihambo stated.

He noted that in order to ensure the successful implementation of the turnaround plan, the company identified capacity development and talent management as one of the key cornerstones of the strategy.

“The RCC has implemented an innovative programme through which employees can enrol at any recognised institution of learning through an interest-free study loan from the company,” the CEO explained.

To further motivate the employees to study, a portion of the study loan is also refunded to them upon completion of their studies.

Haihambo noted that the company has been able to invest about N.dollars 2,6 million per year in the training and development of its employees.

“Challenges however faced by the company are still the demand for qualified and experienced engineers. The age profile of the company’s key staff reflects that it needs to invest in young talent as well,” he said.

The CEO further stated that there is a need to increase its current investment in study loan aid as the RCC is one of the biggest employers in the country, with almost 900 employees.