… Scarred by ‘traditional’ haemorrhoid cutting
By Patience Nyangove
Everything within told me to scream my lungs out, but the countless stern warnings from my mother, who said that if I dared do so much as whimper, or shed a tear, my child would die, stopped me from doing so.
The thought of losing my only child was enough to sway me to bare the pain of a brand new razor blade, slowly but ruthlessly, having my piles removed “traditionally”, in Katutu­ra’s Wambu Lokasie.
The ‘surgeon’ that day, nearly 11 years ago, was Kuku Hilya, a very old woman whose demeanour was not only cold, but frightening.
I had been informed that this backyard ‘operation’ I had to under­go had to be carried out by a woman who was no longer sexually active nor menstruating.
Although the ‘operation’ took less than three minutes, it felt like forev­er.
Kuku dressed my wound with a traditional concoction. I still do not know what the ingredients were.
I was also forbidden from taking a look at the piece of flesh she had removed, as I was told that it would grow back, if I looked at it.
I was also told that from now on, my child will cease being a sick, since the source of his illness had been re­moved from the external opening of my rectum.
Relieving myself turned into a nightmare, so I avoided eating, in or­der to not use the bathroom. When I did use the toilet, I inflamed the wound, and I would start bleeding.
I wondered at the time: How did this nightmare come to be?
It was because my infant son was always in and out of hospital for different ailments, and my mother one day casually asked me whether I had a piece of flesh or growth on my anus, to which I responded in the affirmative.
I explained to her that I had devel­oped piles or haemorrhoids when I was pregnant, due to constipation.
To my utter disbelief my moth­er was adamant that, traditionally, there was no such thing as piles or haemorrhoids.
She insisted that I had to have the growth cut, as a matter of urgency, before my child falls seriously ill and dies.
I was torn, to say the least.
As an educated and empowered woman, who has vast knowledge about constipation and its side-ef­fects, being cowed into going through a traditional practice that I didn’t believe in, was simply beyond me.
But fear convinced me.
Anaesthetic was and will never be part of this ‘surgery’.
I only needed a razor blade, and because Kuku and my mother were acquaintances, the procedure was done free of charge.
However, further inquiries later established that some people charge anything from N$50 to N$200 to do the ‘operation, while others ask to be paid in-kind, with live chickens.
While I am glad I emerged un­scathed from the backyard ‘surgery’, perpetuated by archaic African cul­tural practices that harm women physically and psychologically, other women are sadly left scarred for life.
Although statistics are not readily available, in terms of women harmed by this cultural practice, it is known that a lot of women who undergo the procedure have been rushed to the emergency room, due to compli­cations that include severe bleeding, failure to control their bowels and infections of the blood.
In Namibia, many tribes still be­lieve in this traditional practice.
Among the Oshiwambo-speak­ing people it’s referred to as eemalo, and they believe that the failure to removes piles or haemorrhoids causes continuous illness in children.
Otjiherero-speaking people call it omburu and they are convinced it brings bad luck and causes infer­tility in women, if the growth is not removed.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Namibia Officer-in- Charge, Loide Amkongo, said this week that although statistics are not available on the cultural practice, her organisation was aware of a study conducted in the Zambezi region.
“UNFPA is aware of a study conducted by Women’s Leader­ship Centre in the Zambezi region, on this practice. The practice is called Ku zwisasijabana (removal of growths). When a child gets ill, the mother is checked for growths inside the vagina or around the anus. These growths, called sich­abana, are seen as a threat to the women’s health and the health of her children. Treatment is applied by cutting off the offending, disease carrying ‘piece of meat or growth’, in order to cure others.
“Traditional healers and medicine women ‘specialise’ in the treatment of these ‘growths’. In the above cut­ting practices, there is often a lack of hygiene, with the same blade used on different people, while traditional healers may have open sores on their hands,” Amkongo said.
She added that without a com­prehensive prevalence study on this practice, it will be difficult to classify the practice as genital mutilation or not.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Bernhard Haufiku, dis­pelled the link between a woman’s piles and her child’s health.
“There is no connection between piles in a mother and a child’s health. Once the umbilical cord is cut, they become two different people. It is a belief perpetuated over the years, but there is no link. Piles occur in 80 percent of pregnant women. Some­times it’s caused by constipation and it can also be genetic,” Dr Haufiku explained.
He added that any slight mistake while the anus muscle ring is being tampered with will have disastrous health implications for the woman.
“If cut wrongly, it means one’s external anal sphincter, also known as the muscle ring, will be damaged to the extent that they will not have control of their bowel system,” Dr Haufiku said.
A medical doctor based in Os­hakati, who agreed to speak to Con­fidente on condition of anonymity, said it was common for doctors to treat women who visit health insti­tutions, while suffering from severe bleeding, due to the cutting of their piles or haemorrhoids.
“Quite a number of women we have treated come in due to the cut­ting of major anal veins, or scarifi­cation of the anal canal,” the medi­cal practitioner said.

… IUM Dean of the Health Sciences Faculty shares her passion

WHEN it came to choosing a pro­fession, while she was growing up as a young girl on a farm in Lüderitz, Professor Agnes van Dyk (AVD) did not look far for inspiration.
Her grandmother, who was a well-known nurse in her community, had stirred her interest in healthcare. She too wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, through healthcare delivery.
Although nursing was considered a little difficult, given the education and training involved, that did not deter her.
She worked hard on her academic pur­suits, until she obtained a Doctorate De­gree in Nursing Science (Nursing Edu­cation) through the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 1978.
Today, as Dean of the Health Sciences Faculty at the International University of Management (IUM), Professor Van Dyk shares with Confidente’s Marianne Ng­hidengwa (MN) that she knew as a little girl that she wanted to be a nurse, just like her grandmother.
The professor also spoke about her role at IUM, which includes instilling love and compassion in the nursing students under her wing, who will very soon be caring for Namibian patients.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are.
AVD: I was born in Keetmanshoop and grew up on a farm in the far south Lüderitz district.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbring­ing. Would you say that it played a role in who you have become today?
AVD: My upbringing played a role. I come from a big family and we were taught very clear principles and values of caring and respect, as well as interrelationship skills, to name a few. My late parents were role models in their own respective ways.
MN: Tell us a bit about your family life. Also, how do you balance your roles as a professional and family woman?
AVD: I am a widow, with a son and a granddaughter. My family is very impor­tant to me and also my support system. I have been working and studying all my life and learned early enough how to bal­ance my role as a mother, wife and career woman. There were many sacrifices I had to make, but looking back today, it was all worth it.
MN: Tell us about your education and career in the health field.
AVD: I did my basic nursing education in Windhoek in the 1960s. I then went on to pursue my Midwifery Training and Education at the Queen Victoria Hospital in Johannesburg. After that, I returned to Namibia, got married and started practic­ing as a registered nurse and midwife.
I started with my academic career in nursing education and obtained my Doc­torate Degree in Nursing Science (Nursing Education) in 1978. All my academic stud­ies were on a distance education approach, through the University of South Africa (UNISA).
MN: What triggered your interest in the field?
AVD: What triggered my interest in the health field was my one grandmother, who was also a nurse. The family always told us how she diagnosed the sick people in the community and how she cared for them. This made an impression on me.
MN: Reports suggest that health pro­fessionals have lost compassion towards patients. As dean, what are you doing to instil that compassion, love and care in the students that will go out to care for Namibians?
AVD: Care and compassion are very im­portant concepts for nursing, in order to be responsive to the needs of society. Nursing care must be based on humane values, and an unqualified concern for the welfare of others. As the Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences at the International University of Management (IUM), I lead a team of lecturers in the field of nursing, and we make it our mission to teach students caring values, commitment, compas­sion, conscience, confidence and competence. These are important concepts in the curricu­lum of a student nurse. We hope that when we deliver them to the healthcare industry, at the end of their training and education, which is after four years, that they will be the role mod­els to lead the student nurses in applying these concepts during their practical sessions. The first cohorts of the Bachelor Degree in Nursing Honours are in their final year. By next year, they will be joining the health sector, as qual­ified nurses.
MN: How do the courses offered at IUM ful­fil the practical expectations of the sector?
AVD: At this moment the faculty offers the Bachelor of Nursing Science Honours Degree. We managed to get cooperative agreements with the public and private sectors for the placements of our students, to enable them to do their practical, as required. By doing so, they fulfil their practical expectations, and those of the training institution.
MN: On average, how many students are enrolled every year and what are you doing to increase the number of health students?
AVD: Every year the faculty enrols 45 to 50 students. We would like to increase the num­ber, but unfortunately places at hospitals and clinics are limited, and resources to supervise student nurses, during practical sessions, are a challenge.
MN: How do you keep up to date with changes in the profession?
AVD: We keep up to date with changes in the profession through different ways. For ex­ample, through international collaboration with different organisations, such the Interna­tional Nursing Council and Sigma Theta Tau International (the Honour Society of Nursing) and universities, such as the University of Cape Town. In addition, one always has to keep up­dating, through further studies and attending conferences.
MN: Just what do you do for a little fun?
AVD: Although I have a very busy sched­ule, I make time to listen to music, read a good book, do embroidery, knitting and socialise with friends.

… Lingua College founder shares her story
INGRID Kloppers Mettler (IKM) is the brains behind the International Training College Lingua, which was established in 2001 with the aim of providing language training and oth­er educational training and consultancy services to public individuals and institutions, as well as the private sector.
The college has enjoyed rapid growth from its humble beginnings, when only languages were taught.
Today, Lingua teaches Namibian and foreign languages, but has also included courses in ac­counting and finance, business administration, human resource management, office adminis­tration, information technology, and travel and tourism.
It is an accredited institution that strives to meet national demands, through quality teach­ing, research and consultancy services.
Confidente’s Marianne Nghidengwa (MN) spoke to Mettler (IKM), who opened up about her love for the education sector, and also about her passion for dancing.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are.
IKM: I am a very independent woman and I push myself to the highest limits. The word impossible is not something that I use easily, be­cause I believe that the mind is very powerful. Life owes me nothing. I am the master of my fate, and the captain of my ship. What I do, I do with passion and I give my all to the causes that I believe in. Success stories inspire me. Those who rise, despite challenges, give me the courage to continue with what I am doing. What you put your mind to can be achieved through commit­ment and determination. If plan A doesn’t work, there is surely a plan B for me. I practice the same principle at work and I expect my employ­ees to search for their plan B, instead of staring at challenges. I can do many things successfully at the same time, and I sometimes expect other people to be the same.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbringing.
IKM: I grew up in Khomasdal and was the second head girl of Dawid Bezuidenhout High School. My father, probably the most positive person that I knew, was a prominent leader in the Khomasdal community, and we were ex­pected to behave according to the norms of the society. My mother, who was instrumental in the establishment of St Andrews Primary School in Khomasdal, was a very strong wom­an, who worked until her death, at the age of 84. I’ve always been inspired that despite the struggle to raise 15 children (I’m the youngest), further studies was not an option in our family; we were all forced to excel and enrol at univer­sity. My father was adamant that his children should be educated, and like my brothers and sisters, I attended the University of the Western Cape, where I obtained a BA and Higher Edu­cation Diploma. At the University of Namibia, I obtained a B.Ed Degree (post-graduate) and at the Université de Franche-Comté (CLA) in Besançon, France I obtained certificates in the Teaching of French as a Foreign Language and a Trainer of the Trainers Certificate, among others, as well as a Masters Degree in French. I taught for years in Katutura. I was the first Na­mibian pioneer to teach French in the public schools. Although I stopped teaching in 2001, I still have very close relations with my former learners from Jan Jonker Afrikaner High School and Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School, as well as my former principals and colleagues at these schools. The support that the college receives from these communities is absolutely amazing! So yes, my family and friends, and Khomasdal and Katutura have definitely contributed to who I am today.
MN: Tell us about the establishment of Lin­gua College.
IKM: The college is the result of my research project towards a Higher Specialist Degree in the Management of Languages. The initial project was aimed at the language needs in the Namib­ian tourism industry. Circumstances, however, forced me to change my direction and I decided to use the only N$33 in my possession at the time to put a small advertisement in the newspaper offering French, Afrikaans and basic comput­er skills, using one computer in my flat. When more demands were made for other classes, I moved from my flat to my mother’s house, turn­ing all the rooms into classrooms and an office, while my mother occupied only one room and the kitchen in her house. From less than 50 stu­dents in 2002, the college currently has a student community of more than 2 300, which includes full-time, part-time, distance and online learn­ers and students registered for short courses. Having started as a one-woman show, the col­lege has at present 63 full-time employees and a host of part-time workers in different fields.
We operate from eight buildings. Seven be­long to us and we have purchased land of more than 9 000 square metres, which is centrally located, on which we plan to construct a state-of-the-art campus. From teaching initially only Namibian and foreign languages, our current scope of services include certificates (NQF Level 4) and diplomas (NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7) in ac­counting and finance, business administration, human resource management, office adminis­tration, information technology and travel and tourism, which are all accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) and registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). In addition to this, we offer various short courses, and provide translation and inter­pretation services, secretarial services, transcrip­tions, consultancy services and the renting out of training facilities. The college is also registered as a private higher education institution, by the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE), and as a registered provider of vocational train­ing by the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), and as a CISCO Training Centre, through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
MN: What triggered your interest in educa­tion?
IKM: First of all, I realise every single day that I was born to serve the education sector. People say that my conversations almost always turn back to education, but it is something that I absolutely love and that I am passionate about. When I meet former students and they tell me about their jobs, it’s a pride that I can almost not explain. I come from a family of educationalists. My mother, Richardine Kloppers was an excel­lent teacher, and my father, Andrew Kloppers, was a school principal. Almost all my family members are teachers or school principals. I guess the teaching genes are very strong in me. I was a teacher in Katutura for many years. There were times that I dropped students at home. It was heartbreaking to see how far they lived from school, and that they had to start walking al­ready 05h00, so that they could be on time for school. And yet, some of those students were the best achievers. It’s a similar situation at Lingua. When I get frustrated with my tasks, I have to re­mind myself of those who want to be educated. We have provided access to so many students, and a lot of them got employment because of the qualifications that they have obtained through us. Education is the heart of development, and if I can be part of the development of Namibia, then I am very happy.
MN: How do you keep up to date with chang­es in the profession?
IKM: I network locally and internationally, with people in the same profession. I also read, research, as well as attend workshops and semi­nars in vocational and higher education.
I am also enrolled for a Programme in Leader­ship in Higher Education, through the Universi­ty of Stellenbosch. I was enrolled for a Doctorate in Higher Education through the University of Liverpool, but I was forced to put it on hold, due to extensive developments at the college. I will, however, continue, as from June/July this year, because it is important to improve on my own qualifications, if I want to take the college to a higher level. I have to understand my field, if I want to make a success of it.
MN: How many students are enrolled each year and what are you doing to increase stu­dent numbers?
IKM: For the past two years, we have reg­istered more than 2 000 students per annum. We have established a very dynamic marketing department, who make sure that advertising on different platforms is done. In addition to this, we ask our students to be involved, either through marketing or by giving input on our services. This allows us to reflect and to improve where necessary.
MN: How do you balance your roles as a professional and family woman?
IKM: I have to admit that I fail a lot in this re­gard. My work requires a lot of me, and the fact that I must ensure that people can meet their financial obligations, is quite a daunting task. I work seven days a week, I study and I have to care for my family. Luckily I have a very support­ive husband, who has given up his work to join me at the college. We both work very hard to de­velop the college, and we both study (he is cur­rently busy with his PhD), so it is quite difficult to have a balanced life. However, we do make time to go out together, at least twice a week, and to spend time with our children. School holi­days are a must for a getaway, even if our laptops have to accompany us on the journey. During this time, although it’s not always easy to do it in this way, I get up at 03h00 and work until at least 11h00, after which we visit some places. Other than that, I have a very reliable network of family and employees that I can call upon, when things become a little bit tough to handle.
MN: What do you do for a little fun?
IKM: I go to the gym, to the movies, read and meet with friends, now and then. I am also an avid dancer, and was a ballroom and Latin American dance instructor for many years. Un­fortunately, dancing is something that I can only practice now and then, at home.

BORN and raised in Oranjemund, Su­zie Eises (SE) became immersed in the town’s rich musical culture from an early age.
Renowned as the youngest black female saxo­phonist in the country, Suzie began playing the instrument when she was in primary school, where she also learnt to play the piano.
She has shared the stage with South Africa’s Jimmy Dludlu and other prominent Afri­can artists. She worked with South African House DJ Groove Candi on her debut track, I Decided.
In 2011, she performed at the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters, together with Dludlu and Simphi­we Dana, and also opened for Mi Casa at the Windhoek Show Grounds. She has also per­formed at numerous festivals and corporate events in Windhoek.
In an interview with Confidente’s Marianne Nghidengwa (MN) this week, Suzie looked back at where it all started, and talked about working on her debut album and teaching jazz and the saxophone to young kids.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are.
SE: I am a local musician. I play the saxo­phone.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbringing.
SE: I grew up in the small town of Oranje­mund. It played a very big role in my life. At a young age, I was involved in singing in the choir, playing piano, doing dramatic arts, as well as ballet and modern dance. I even went as far as charging my parents in their own home to come and see our performances. Also, being the youngest of six siblings, I was very shy and reserved, and as I grew older, I always want­ed attention, since the older ones were always seen as relevant. I really feel this contributed to me wanting to perform and being noticed.
MN: What triggered your interest in playing the saxophone?
SE: I attended high school in Cape Town, South Africa. I was attending an assembly in the school hall and was amazed at how the school jazz band played Latin jazz music, and I wanted to join the band, in order to play the saxophone. I asked the musical director if I could start taking lessons, and she told me that as long as I purchase a saxophone, she would be more than happy to teach me. After that, I attended jazz workshops and festivals, and knew this was where I wanted to go with my life.
MN: Do you come from a musical family or are you the only one?
SE: My uncle, Dennis Eiseb, is a very well-known keyboardist and pianist in the country. My sister Joanette Eises has a beautiful voice. My mother always knew I wanted to perform from a young age, and both my parents loved all types of music, so it was always encouraged. My mom never saw me doing anything else.
MN: What inspires your sound?
SE: I have lived in South Africa, Kenya, Ger­many, England and the United States, and so I have always been inspired by so many different styles of music. My mom’s music also inspired me at a young age, because it was all complete­ly different genres, such as Johnny Clegg and Bob Marley, to name a few.
MN: What challenges have you faced?
SE: The biggest challenge is getting funding and support, when you manage yourself. I do it all by myself, because I want to learn the ins and outs of the music business for myself. It is a challenge when you are crazy and have big dreams, but I am a very hopeful person and have always believed in my dreams. I truly be­lieve I have found my purpose on this earth, and I am grateful that I can do what I truly love.
MN: During an interview with the BBC, you mentioned teaching jazz and the saxophone to kids. How is that going?
SE: I would love to teach children from all backgrounds, but saxophones are very expen­sive, and so I am working on getting support from companies, so that I can support kids in the future. I was able to organise a jazz work­shop and that went well. I am planning to do a few more of those this year. I do teach three to four adults in my home, and that’s always fun to do, and pass on what I know.
MN: Looking back, what memories do you cherish most? Also, what are you currently working on?
SE: Last year, I had three huge shows – one in February, one in May and one in August. It was beautiful to see a full house at the Franco-Na­mibian Cultural Centre, the Goethe Centre and the Warehouse Theatre. I am grateful for all my supporters. I’m planning a few shows and working on my debut album. I have been recording the songs in studio these past few months. They will be ready in a few months time, so stay tuned.
MN: What don’t people know about you?
SE: I am a very spiritual person. I know there is a Heavenly Father, who is rooting for all us to be our best and do our best. We can’t do this life thing on our own, and I feel He is there to guide us. I can sing like an opera sing­er. I can beatbox. I love acting and I can do a pretty good Ameri­can and British ac­cent. I am very silly, if you get to know me more. What’s life without fun?
MN: Speaking of fun, what do you do to relax?
SE: I’m a big fan of water. I love to be near the sea, swim in lakes and rivers, and just chill by the beach. I love camping, hiking, travel­ling and just being around nature.

GROWING up on the dusty streets of Khomasdal, Dr Anicia Peters (AP) never thought she would one day be known as a woman making waves in the computing indus­try.
Today, she is the Dean of the Faculty of Com­puting and Informatics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
Motivated by more than a simple passion for learning, Dr Peters obtained 100 percent for both her PhD and MSc degrees in Human Comput­er Interaction at the Virtual Reality Applications Centre (VRAC) of the Iowa State University in the United States. Her dissertation was awarded with a Research Excellence Award, as one of the top 10 pieces of research that made a significant contribution in the field. Boeing also awarded her two prizes for her research.
Amongst her list of accolades was being the Google Anita Borg Scholar in the United States in 2012. Dr Peters was also honoured as one of Africa’s top 10 women in technology role models.
In an interview with Confidente’s Marianne Nghidengwa (MN) recently, Dr Peters talked about her career, which includes inspiring young computing students.
MN: Who is Dr Anicia Peters?
AP: I am the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Informatics at the Namibia Uni­versity of Science and Technology. A dean is like a school principal. I am a God-fearing born again Christian, and keep God as the central pillar of my existence. I am married to the most amazing man, who relocated with me and our girls to the United States for my studies. I am also a mom to four girls, two of whom we adopted four years ago, and we are guardians to another girl.
MN: Tell us about your upbringing?
AP: I grew up in Khomasdal since I was about eight years old, after being born in Rehoboth. I had six brothers in total, but grew up mainly with my three younger brothers. I went to Origo Pri­mary School in Rehoboth, MH Greeff and then Concordia College, until 1990. I then left for Ger­many and the Netherlands, before returning to Namibia, where I met my husband.
I was a quiet but stubborn child. I trained and led my own group of drum majorettes at the age of 11, and when I was 14, I organised fashion shows in Khomasdal and was surprised that big clothing stores would lend their clothes for the shows.
My parents had a lot of do with who I am to­day, as they told me to be a doctor one day; well I guess they meant the other type of doctor (med­ical), but I became a doctor nonetheless. My fa­ther, especially, taught me many things, from cooking to technical stuff, religion and politics, and he pushed me to exceed expectations.
MN: Tell us about your education and career in the computing and informatics field?
AP: I completed my high school at Concor­dia College in 1990, and then left for Germany and the Netherlands. In Germany, I took my first computer classes and fell in love with comput­ing; we were still working on DOS systems then. When I returned to Namibia, I initially complet­ed a secretarial diploma and worked at a few plac­es, and but my role always involved IT. Then my love for IT took over, and instead of studying for a chartered accountant, as one of my employers wanted me to do, I instead started doing short certification courses in IT, and then enrolled at Polytechnic for studies in IT. I then moved to the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), where I worked as finance officer and gender coordinator. IT formed a big part of my role, but it was not the overall central focus. During this time, I also de­veloped my love for gender work. I edited two books on gender, while at FES, and worked with parliament and the Elected Women’s Forum, while providing gender training to communities across the country. However, IT continued to be my first love, and I longed for a job in software development.
I loved my studies, and excelled. My husband supported me all the way and took care of our young daughter, when I attended evening classes, while also travelling frequently for work purpos­es. We had an arrangement that we would give each other breaks to study. After completing my first undergraduate degree in business com­puting at Polytechnic and industry certificates in IT, I took a short break from my studies and had our second daughter. I then started work at the Ministry of Finance as technical manager on the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS). This was such an amazing experience, as I loved my work. I completed my BTech degree during this time and started on my Master’s de­gree at Polytechnic. After the successful imple­mentation of the IFMS, my job was done and I moved to NUST as a lecturer. I lectured in the Software Engineering Department, but since I am a certified SAP ERP Trainer, I lectured also in the Business Computing Department on SAP and Project Management. I loved lecturing and told my students that they should dream big, work hard and go work for big giants like NASA, as I felt I was too old to fulfil my dream to de­velop software for NASA. However, during my time at Ministry of Finance, I developed a deep love for Human Computer Interaction (HCI). In HCI, we study the human and its environ­ment, so that we can design and develop software that adapts to the human and not the other way around. Examples of HCI work include among others Windows, graphical user interfaces, artifi­cial intelligence, big data, social media, and every aspect where you have interaction between a hu­man and a computer. That means that the field is interdisciplinary, with its base disciplines in com­puter science, design, psychology and sociology. User Experience (UX) is an example of HCI in practice. So, if people are struggling with their software or computers, they should not blame themselves, but rather blame the designer, who did not take the human factors into account. HCI was a new field then, and I find that it is still rela­tively unknown in Namibia.
Then I received the magnificent award from Fulbright that allowed me to pursue my PhD studies in the US and I left Namibia, along with my family.
MN: What triggered your interest in the field?
AP: A passion for developing solutions to problems around us using technology, the field of computing paid much more than other fields and I realised that technology should be designed to aid humans, and not seen as a replacement.
I did a short IT course in Germany in 1991 and fell in love. The possibilities of what I could do and how I could use technology to solve prob­lems were endless. In the US, I enjoyed being at centre of always developing new cutting-edge technology. I would literally walk around and look for potential new ways in which technology could be used. I had so many mentors, professors, industry practitioners and researchers, to tap from, and who supported me. My PhD professor constantly sent me new ideas and kept me abreast of all the latest breaking news in technology. I also had access to all the latest tech tools and software.
MN: As dean, what are you doing to instil your love of computing in students?
AP: I enable students to have an extraordinary experience, by exposing them to several opportu­nities within and outside Namibia. I also encour­age students to pursue their dreams and never fail to dream, but never forget that it takes dedication and hard work to achieve your dreams. They should do what they love best and work across boundaries of disciplines and academic fields. Furthermore, we have so many international ex­change opportunities, where students can go to universities in other countries and where they can learn and experience something different. However, I always stress that they should return to Namibia and help our communities with their skills.
MN: How do courses offered at NUST fulfil the practical expectations of the sector?
AP: Courses at NUST are hands-on, practi­cal courses, with a mandatory work internship attached to it. We listen to the feedback that the industry gives us, so when they complain that our students are not able to do some things that they expect them to know already, we take a look at our curriculum and incorporate it or offer ad­ditional training. We also have advisory boards, which consist of experts in industry, to give us input on our course offerings.
As dean, I listen to various companies and or­ganisations, who tell me what they need, and we try to find joint solutions. One advantage is that I know the IT sector in Namibia, as I worked in it, and thus I strive to find solutions to the pains in industry.
Through our vast international partnerships with foreign universities, we also ensure that we provide an internationally recognised and com­petitive education.
MN: How do you keep up to date with chang­es in the profession?
AP: Through conferences, applied research, visiting technology expos, publications, universi­ty alliances, international tech communities and several tech news sources. We also serve on inter­national committees for research and education, such as journal and conference committees and review boards, international curriculum review bodies, etc.
MN: How do you juggle your roles as a profes­sional and your family life?
AP: I have an amazing husband. We make sure we eat dinner together, whenever I am not en­gaged in some activity. We play games or watch movies together. I also work at home late at night or on weekends, but we do things together as a family. In previous times, my husband and the little ones would accompany me on some trips, especially during vacation time. That is how my children got to experience Disney World, and cities like Los Angeles, Orlando, New York and Washington DC, but also places in Namibia.
MN: Just what do you do for a little fun?
AP: I play games, whether its board, computer, Xbox, mobile or physical games, with my fami­ly, and we also watch movies together. I also love hanging out with my cousins and extended fam­ily, whenever the occasion arises. I used to write poetry, but now my oldest daughter loves slam poetry, so she takes me along whenever she at­tends. We also love road trips and camping. I also love to get involved in social upliftment issues.

… Meet Standard Bank’s Business Banker for Chinese community
LIINA Ya Kasita (LYK) is a 26-year-old driven and dynamic young lady from Okapya in the Oshana region.
After years of studying in China, she is fluent in Mandarin – a language she believes has opened doors for her.
Ya Kasita is the proud holder of a Bachelor in Finance Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Adminis­tration, obtained from the Zhongnan University of Economics and Law.
She was recently appointed by Standard Bank as Business Banker for the Chinese community in Namibia.
In her new role, Ya Kasita is expect­ed to aid in the growth of the bank, in untapped markets.
Her duties will also entail growing relations with the local Chinese com­munity, through innovation, address­ing any transactional issues that may arise and reeling in more business, through enhanced customer experi­ence.
She previously worked at Huawei Telecommunications Technologies Namibia, also predominantly interact­ing with the local Chinese community. She is well-equipped for her new posi­tion, as she is acquainted with the Chi­nese work ethic, customs and culture, from having lived and worked among them for so long.
Although she has no experience in the banking industry, Ya Kasita said she hopes that her university courses will come in handy, in helping her ex­ecute her new job. Ya Kasita says that she is looking forward to growing pro­fessionally, gaining experience in the banking industry and spreading her roots, while adding that she has always had her eye on being employed at the Blue Bank.
Ya Kasita told Confidente’s Marianne Nghidengwa (MN) that in today’s eco­nomic climate, one way to give the next generation a competitive edge, is to think outside one’s borders.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are?
LYK: My name is Liina Ya Kasita, but I prefer people to call me GwaKakan­da (my grandmother’s name). I’m 26 years old and obtained my Bachelor in Finance Degree and a Master’s De­gree in Business Administration from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in the Peoples Republic of China. I am currently a Business Bank­er at Standard Bank.
MN: Briefly tell us about your up­bringing?
LYK: I am originally from Okapya in the Oshana region. I was born in the northern part of Namibia, in Onand­jokwe Hospital. I completed my pri­mary school and high school here in Windhoek. During the holidays we used to travel to the North (Okapya) and spend time with my cousins, and visit my grandmother Kuku Gwashi­ku, in Olupumbu village. I am who I am today, because of my parents, who brought me up in a responsible and caring way.
MN: Congratulations on your ap­pointment, has that reality sunk in yet?
LYK: Standard Bank is the pre­ferred bank to most Namibians; I want that to also apply when it comes to our Chinese business community. As Standard Bank, we will continue to sup­port ethical business with the Chinese community. I therefore want to urge all of the members of this community to know that we understand and want to cater to their needs, so they should not hesitate contacting me. I am high­ly motivated and a great team player, because I know that together we can go further. Working with people who are devoted to everything they do, and regard problems as challenges rather than obstacles, has rubbed off on me. I employ that work ethic and I am glad to be sharing it with my new team.
MN: What triggered your interest in finance studies?
LYK: In high school, I preferred sub­jects like mathematics and accounting, instead of science and geography, as I was more interested in working with numbers. In the modern world, finan­cial knowledge is a critical part of one’s daily activities, whether in a private or business capacity, for one’s growth and sustainability. One needs to un­derstand your financials, and I thank Standard Bank for giving me the op­portunity to work here, as I will gain more knowledge and a better under­standing of banking and finance.
MN: You studied in China, what memories do you cherish most?
LYK: One of fondest memories abroad was when I was giving a speech and welcoming over 2 000 Chinese students and about 30 foreign students in Mandarin. It was such an honour for me, experiencing life abroad, making friends from all over the world, from different backgrounds and religions. It was also nice, in the sense that as Na­mibians in China, we used to come to­gether to promote our country during the cultural festivals. We would wear our traditional attire and introduce Namibia to the rest of the world. We also sold Namibian drinks like Tafel Lager, Windhoek Lager and Vigo, and made local kapana a delicacy. It was such a wonderful experience to pro­mote my home country, and it felt like home away from home. I always used to say: ‘Anything for my motherland, Namibia!’
MN: You speak Mandarin. Tell us about that journey and doors it has opened for you?
LYK: Studying in China gave me the opportunity to study the language for ten months. And then from there, we were on our own to study the language through our social interaction with Chinese people. After completing my Bachelor’s Degree, I was chosen as one of the top three students to contin­ue with my studies, and I thank God that. This gave me the chance to advance my proficiency in Man­darin even further. While I was completing my thesis at univer­sity, I started looking for job op­portunities in Namibia, as I was about to graduate. I then came across a company called Huawei Telecommunications that was looking for students, who were about to graduate, to work for the company in Africa. I then applied for the vacancy in Namibia. I did my three interviews in China and made it successfully! Huawei gave me the opportunity to work there, because of the skill that I have of speaking Mandarin. I be­lieve my exposure to the language also opened new doors for me at Standard Bank on 1 May 2017, when I joined the Blue Bank as a Business Banker for the Chinese community. I am so grateful for this opportunity, as I can see that Standard Bank invests in their employees, in terms of growth and career advancement. I am con­fident that this will pave the way for greater personal development, and a progressive journey for me at the bank, moving forward.
MN: What advice do you have the youth on the importance of getting an education?
LYK: Education opens doors to ample opportunities. So, do not let anyone’s bad experiences get in your way of obtaining an ed­ucation, because you cannot go wrong once you have a qualifica­tion. Always be proud of where you come from, believe in your­self, dream big, be humble and God will do the rest.
MN: Just what do you do for a little fun?
LYK: I love spending most of my time with my friends and fam­ily. My favourite pastime is danc­ing and listening to music.

AUDIOLOGY is a branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and re­lated disorders.
Its practitioners, who treat those with hearing loss and proactively prevent re­lated damage, are called Audiologists, and although many people don’t know much about this profession, it has become a source of fulfilment for Nadine Silver (NS).
Confidente’s Marianne Nghidengwa (MN) spoke to her at length to gain a bet­ter understanding of her job and to find out what drives the young woman.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are?
NS: I am 24 years old and I live in Wind­hoek. I am a registered Speech Therapist and Audiologist, but I am currently only practic­ing as an Audiologist. I work for a wonderful company, The Ear Institute, which is situated at the Omuramba Medical Centre in Eros.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbring­ing. Would you say that it played a role in making you who you are today?
NS: I was privileged to grow up in a won­derful country such as Namibia, where I was born and raised in Gobabis. Growing up in a small town made me appreciate the simple things in life and my schooling days were filled with so much fun and ad­ventures. I loved playing netball, riding our go-kart on the farm and walking around in the Bushveld, and playing games with my older brother. My family has always been my greatest support system, and any success I have achieved in my life, I owe to them. My parents played the biggest role in shaping my character, and they instilled the value of independence, and made me realise from a young age that I was ultimately responsible for my own success. My parents were also my greatest spiritual role models, and I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home, built on the foundation of faith and love.
MN: What triggered your interest in Au­diology?
NS: It was quite daunting for me to decide what I wanted to be when I was finished with school. I always knew that I wanted to study something in the medical field, but I was not exactly sure what that entailed. Finally, after much research and deliberation, I decided to apply for a degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy at Stellenbosch Universi­ty. It was during my studies at Stellenbosch University that I was exposed to the field of Audiology. I was immediately fascinated with all things concerning ears and hearing! After I graduated, I decided to further con­tinue my studies at the University of Cape Town, where I applied to study for a Degree in Audiology.
MN: In layman’s terms, what is an Audi­ologist? Also, what is a typical day like for you?
NS: An Audiologist is a healthcare pro­fessional who specialises in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management of children and adults with hearing loss and balance disorders. The services provided by an Audiologist include diagnostic hearing tests, the evaluation of balance disorders, the evaluation and management of patients with tinnitus (a ringing noise in the ear) and the fitting of hearing aids and other assistive listening devices. Audiologists are also in­volved in the implementation and design of hearing conservation programs (hearing protection) and newborn hearing screening programs.
A typical day usually includes consulta­tions, hearing tests and the fitting of hearing aids. Follow-up appointments with patients are also scheduled on a regular basis, in or­der to monitor their progress and adaptation to hearing aids. Additional tasks include writing reports and referral letters to other healthcare professionals and the servicing of faulty hearing aids.
MN: Tell us about your studies and early years as a qualified Audiologist?
NS: My studies involved a combination of practical work at various locations, such as schools, clinics and hospitals, as well as the­oretical work, which was presented in class at the university. Theoretical work entailed the medical, scientific, social and psycholog­ical aspects of speech, language and hearing. Some of the main topics focused on during my studies included the anatomy and phys­iology of hearing, normal communication development, early intervention, rehabilita­tion and the assessment and management of hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. I have fond memories of my years as a student, and I was very fortunate to complete my studies at such prestigious universities.
The transition from being a student to a qualified professional can take some time getting used to. I was very lucky to start working in a very supportive environment, with colleagues who were always willing to help me and give me guidance whenever I needed it. It took some time for me to be­come confident in my clinical skills, as one tends to make quite a few mistakes in the be­ginning! However, as time went by, I slowly started relying less on my colleagues and I felt more self-assured in my abilities.
MN: What is most challenging and re­warding about what you do?
NS: The most challenging aspect for me is the fact that every patient requires his or her own unique and tailor-made man­agement plan. The phrase ‘one-size-fits-all’ does not apply in the field of Audiology! It takes a lot of patience and problem-solving skills to find the balance between keeping your patient happy and providing the most appropriate form of management or treat­ment. When you provide a service to people, they have very high expectations, and it can be quite challenging to meet those expecta­tions, at times.
The most rewarding aspect for me is the long-term relationships that I am able to build with patients, as I need to see them for numerous follow-up appointments. It is a privilege to provide hope and encourage­ment to people, who are experiencing the debilitating effects of hearing loss, no mat­ter what the severity. I find so much joy in sharing a patient’s experience, when they rediscover the gift of hearing, after being fit­ted with a hearing aid or any other assistive listening device.
MN: What advice would you offer some­one considering pursuing your career path?
NS: I would recommend this career path to anyone who thrives on challenges and has a desire to assist people in improving their quality of life. Audiology is an ever-changing field and new advancements in technology are constantly taking place. This profession requires you to be flexible and not get stuck in your ways.
MN: What misconceptions do people have about what you do, which you would like to address in this platform?
NS: In today’s society there is still a stigma attached to hearing loss, and there is a mis­conception that hearing loss and hearing aids are only associated with old people. Hearing loss can affect any person, no matter what their age, gender or social status. Most peo­ple wait many years before they address the issue of their hearing loss, and this causes a great deal of stress, as it can lead to tension in relationships. It affects productivity at work and it can result in social discomfort, which ultimately affects a person’s overall quality of life. It is better to manage your hearing loss, despite its severity, sooner rather than later. Leaving hearing loss untreated can result in neural degeneration, which means that the nerve connecting our inner ear and our brain becomes weak, which then results in a reduced ability to process different sounds. Hearing aid technology has improved dras­tically over the years, and the new designs and features adapt well to the modern life­styles of both younger and older patients.
MN: How do you balance your role as a professional and family woman?
NS: My job requires me to travel a lot to different parts of the country in Namibia, where we provide services by means of mo­bile clinics. On weekends I try to spend as much time as possible with my family, and it is so lovely seeing them on a regular basis now, as I lived in South Africa for six years during my studies.
MN: What do you do for a little fun and to unwind?
NS: In my free time I enjoy reading, cook­ing and baking, watching movies and spend­ing time with friends and family. I also enjoy outdoor activities, such as jogging, hiking and camping.

BARBARA Kamba-Nyathi (BKN) is a licensed psychologist who is also an author, and a volunteer at the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN).
Being passionate about what she does, Barbara considers her work a “mission” and not just a career.
In an interview with Confidente’s Mari­anne Nghidengwa, Barbara talks about her career, volunteering since 2009 and working closely with cancer patients.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are
BKN: My name is Barbara Kamba-Nyathi and I am very passionate about bringing emotional relief to those suffering from can­cer and their families. I am also passionate about creating awareness about cancer and busting the many myths associated with the disease in our communities. I have been a volunteer at the Cancer Association of Na­mibia since 2009, and it has been an inter­esting, challenging, and above all, a fulfilling endeavour. My psychology background has made it possible for me to offer quality psychosocial support, and to take the bur­den away from those bearing the burden of cancer. As a cancer survivor, I do know how important psychosocial support is to one, and therefore I understand what it means to those affected by the cancer scourge.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbring­ing. Would you say that played a role in who you are today?
BKN: I was raised by a mother, who was a giver; she gave so much of herself to oth­ers. She would feed the hungry, give clothes to those without them, and people came to talk to her about their problems. I guess it was ingrained in me, and when I grew up, I also found it normal to volunteer my servic­es and time, to those affected and suffering from cancer. It was modelled in me in my childhood, how to take care of others, and how we are blessed in order to bless others. I grew up in the City of Kings, Bulawayo, where the spirit of Ubuntu was the norm, and hence my desire to spread that spir­it, which makes us true Africans. We were taught to be each other’s keepers and that still resonates with me today.
MN: What triggered your interest in psychological volunteering?
BKN: It is a funny story, really. One day after being seriously burnt by the Namibian sun I was looking for the Cancer Association to get sunscreen, because I was convinced the sunburn I had suffered was cancer level, not just normal sunburn. So when I walked into the Cancer Association, I was warmly greeted by Martha, and we started talking about everything from sunburn, to cancer and what they do there. In that instant, I knew I wanted to be a volunteer there; im­mediately I was introduced to the CEO, who was also welcoming, and she invited me to her office to further discuss how I can bring in the psychosocial support aspect to the team of volunteers. Two hours later, I left the Cancer Association armed with my sunscreen and as a volunteer to be, because I still needed to be trained officially, given that earlier I had zero knowledge of cancer.
MN: Tell us a bit about your education and early days as a volunteer?
BKN: I went to Mpopoma High School where I was a very active member of the In­teract Club; already you can see how I have always been a people person. My easygoing nature and love for people made it possible for me to interact with patients easily, despite not having gone through cancer like the rest of the volunteers at the time. It was a huge learning curve for me, because so much was made clear, and I knew my life would nev­er be the same. While I thought I was there to help the patients, it turned out they were helping me too, because later in the year I was also diagnosed with cervical cancer, and I must say, I began to understand so much.
MN: Is there a stigma around people seeking psychological help, and what can be done to combat the perception that those who seek help are mentally unstable?
BKN: Of course there is stigma, and it gets worse when it is combined with a lack of knowledge about what cancer is, as well as the different types of cancers, and what they are not. I am working with a fantastic team of fellow oncology-psychologists, in a bid to raise the awareness and importance of psy­chosocial support for the patients and their families. We sincerely hope this will also spread to me communities at large. Wom­en are usually forthcoming and receptive to our interventions, but we are working to­wards including men, as well. After all, this is everyone’s fight; not an individual’s or an organisation’s fight.
MN: Tell us about the kind of treatment options you expose them to?
BKN: I am also a certified Gestalt and Play therapist, which means that I do not only sit and talk to the people, but we also do role-play, using props. This is essential, especial­ly when they have to comprehend and grasp how the psychosocial aspect is a practical and adoptable shift of looking at cancer, and helping them cope more positively with the illness. When people can relate what they are learning to their everyday life, it gives them the strength to fight the cancer, with­out relegating themselves to defeat.
MN: Would you say that the black pop­ulation is averse to being treated by psy­chologists and other experts in the psychi­atrist field, if yes, why is this so?
BKN: Maybe in the past it was an issue for the black community to frown upon psy­chologists. But because cancer does not dis­criminate, and it affects all races equally, this has been dispelled, and all people will accept help, if it will ease the burden of dealing with such a life-threatening disease. People are thirsty for knowledge and support, in car­ing for their loved ones, and thus all forms of help are appreciated. Besides it is crucial for them to have a save, non-judgmental ha­ven to express their fears and concerns. This makes the family support centre at the Can­cer Association the place to be, for every­one’s psychosocial needs.
MN: How would you encourage more young people to consider volunteering?
BKN: Change starts with you, and you should be the change you want. There is a fulfilment in helping others, and it makes our society a better place. Like I said ear­lier, cancer does not discriminate, it affects everyone, regardless of gender, age, race or whatever we may think makes us different from the next person. So it is important to have people of all walks of life coming together, and holding hands, in the fight against cancer.
MN: What, if any, impact does the ex­periences related by your patients have on you personally?
BKN: I am deeply touched by every pa­tient I see, and this has led to the formation of the support group for parents of children with cancer. I have felt a deep yearning to do more than just psychosocial support, but to also help these parents with dealing with their situations. Often times, they have to leave behind the rest of their families for months, to bring the sick child to Windhoek for treatment. This may lead to the breaking of the family unit, or causing a huge strain on the family relations.
MN: What is your secret indulgence?
BKN: I cannot say it’s a secret, but I love ice cream, cheese cake and white chocolate.
MN: Just what do you do for a little fun?
BKN: Keeping fit is one of my passions, so I run and do CrossFit. I also love reading novels and watching comedies. This year I discovered that I am an author; one of the books is already published and the other one is coming out in a month or two.

GROWING up in Okatana village in the Oshana region, Saima Nimengobe (SN) never thought she would one day occu­py a senior position at the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN).
Today, she is the bank’s Head: Risk and Com­pliance. In an interview with Confidente’s Mar­ianne Nghidengwa (MN), Saima talked about her career, being an inspiration to fellow wom­en and her love for travelling with her loved ones.
MN: Who is Saima Nimengobe?
SN: Saima is a village girl, who was born at Oshipumbu Shomugongo in the Ompundja constituency, and raised by her dad at Oka­tana, which are both in Oshana region. I am a daughter to strict and no-nonsense parents, and I have 18 siblings. I am happily married, and God amazingly blessed us with two beautiful children, Weya-Tuhafeni (4) and Weni-Teuya Kaleni (2). I am a mom first before anything else. I am a risk professional with a few qualifi­cations to my name – a Bachelor of Accounting (Unam), a Post-Graduate Certificate in Com­pliance Management (UJ), an MBA (USB) and several certificates in project management, la­bour law and risk management, to mention just a few. I am an associate member of the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA), which is recognised by the South African Qual­ifications Authority (SAQA) as the only profes­sional body for risk managers in Southern Af­rica. I am an affiliated member of the Institute of Risk Managers (IRM) UK and the Institute of Compliance Managers SA. I was nominated and became a top finalist in the 2015 Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) Risk Manager of the Year competition, which meant a lot to me. Recently, I become part of the newly established and affiliated risk committee, creat­ed in conjunction with the IRMSA as a Namib­ian chapter, to secure the future of Namibian risk professionals.
MN: In your current post, what are your roles and responsibilities?
SN: My responsibilities include performing different tasks of the enterprise’s risk manage­ment. DBN has a strategic plan, which is ex­posed to uncertainty and potential unexplored opportunities. To enable DBN to achieve its strategic objectives, my team’s responsibilities include implementing and monitoring the Risk Management Framework, Regulatory Com­pliance Framework (all applicable regulations including the key one for the bank, which is the Financial Intelligent Act, and the Environmen­tal and Social Act) and advising the executive committee, the board, as well as the audit, risk and compliance committees on appropriate risk management strategies, with the overall responsibilities for risk monitoring, risk evalu­ation and risk measurement. One of my impor­tant responsibilities is scanning market news; I read news and journals with dedication, as this is where we pick up risk indicators that influ­ence the likelihood of potential risks facing the businesses.
MN: What is it like to work at DBN?
SN: DBN is a developmental finance institu­tion, which means it’s unique, as we are part and parcel of the State-owned enterprises that assist with the development of the country. DBN has great leaders, a well-skilled workforce and a clear vision of where the shareholder wants the bank to be in the long and short-term. I am extremely proud and happy to be contrib­uting positively to Namibia, as a whole, and to be part of the DBN family. I wouldn’t wish to be anywhere else at this point in time, and the near future.
MN: What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
SN: Strategic planning is one of the most crucial means of ensuring that an organisation achieves its vision, mission and strategic goals. Internal and external risks may undermine the achievement of strategic goals. By the same to­ken, upside risk may facilitate the achievement of strategic goals. Opportunity management is important in maximising the business’s ability to create and protect value, including staying relevant to stakeholders and shareholders, and therefore failing to manage risks, prevents busi­nesses from achieving objectives, and ultimate­ly leads to diminishing of share value, loss of competitive advantage and even closure. On the other hand, failure to manage compliance risks, for example, may harm stakeholders, such as the community in which the business operates
It has therefore become imperative that or­ganisations adopt a formal risk management process, where risks are proactively identified, captured in risk registers and managed. The most rewarding tangible benefit of this job in­cludes seeing projects and activities that do not adversely affect stakeholders (including the workforce, the environment and society), through physical and environment harm and not exposing my employer to financial and other penalties. It’s also rewarding when a rat­ing agency sees evidence that the business is explicitly taking uncertainty and the nature of uncertainty into account, when making deci­sions and distinguishing between alternative courses of actions. Lastly, the intangible reward benefit is when the business can demonstrate that it’s able to achieve its objectives, and per­formance has improved, in terms of operational efficiency, governance, reputation and financial sustainable.
MN: As a senior figure at the bank, what are you doing to empower other women to reach the same heights?
SN: A risk management career path in Na­mibia is fairly new… To date, I met up with about nine risk professionals, of whom 85 per­cent are woman, for risk professional advice, guidance and work reviews. I am excited and happy to assist where I can. Where I am not able to assist, I connect them with my experience network, including my mentor. I have also worked with a lot of woman to date, who believe in me and I want to ensure that I assist as many woman as I can. It excites me to be in the company of successful, empowered woman and woman in senior positions should grab the hands of those that have the potential and willingness to succeed. I am not sexist, but I believe that when a girl child is empowered and guided onto the right path, it means that the na­tion has a caretaker, a mentor and a guider of a male child.
MN: What advice do you have for those as­piring towards your career path?
SN: Risk management is a career that one can follow. It doesn’t really require a specific undergraduate qualification. There are law­yers, economists, accountants, auditors and the like, who are risk managers. Risk management cannot really be learned from a book; it’s a dis­cipline one learns throughout your career. For starters, your work ethics should be intact, as you need to guide the organisation. Some of the attributes are being a self-starter, as most of the tasks risk professionals perform daily have to be initiated based on the business risk profile. You should also be a good communicator and you should be able to influence management, to buy into your ideas. You should be able to read and quickly grasp business principles and the busi­ness vision, in order to give the correct busi­ness risk and compliance advice. You should be passionate about risk management, as your passion flows through the entire organisation, in order to build a risk culture. And last, but not least, join institutions that allow you to get continuous professional development and risk management accreditation, and use these as a source of information and networking oppor­tunities. Risk management is not done in silo; know what the new trends are and see if it fits your business’s risk profile and share what you are doing with your network, to ensure that you are on the right track. If all fails, get a mentor; they are readily available, and can make time, free of charge.
MN: How have you managed to successful­ly balance your family and professional life?
SN: Being a wife and mom come with full­time responsibilities, and over the years I have watched women struggling with this, and I learnt an important lesson – manage your time well and assign responsibilities, as much as you can. I have a great child minder, who lives with us. I have ample support from Tatetu, who is a great father. I live in the same street with my eldest sister, who has become a grandma by de­sign, and the support I receive from my sisters, brothers and friends, is immerse.
MN: After a stressful day, what do you do to unwind?
SN: My youngest, Weni, loves dancing, so once I am home, I kick off my heels, we dance, do a little bit of a pillow scuffle, and I prepare their tea and sandwiches, which has become tradition before dinner. I don’t always get time to cook dinner, but I serve my husband his din­ner. Once this is done, they are ready for bed and I snuggle up for a good documentary or news on Aljazeera with Tatetu. Weekends are more fun, as we go to the playground or the mall and have ice cream. We made a decision long ago that Namibia is a beautiful country, and that we need to explore it. We have travelled to all corners of Namibia. We only still need to visit Lüderitz and Sossusvlei.

… Rises to the top in male-dominated cement industry

ESTELLE Alberts (EA) recent­ly stepped into the hot seat of being Ohorongo Cement Plant Manager.
Despite the mammoth task that comes with managing the plant, which is situated on Sargberg farm, about 30km northwest of Otavi, she is unfazed by her new post.
In her new role, she is responsible for all activities related to the plant, including coordinating production and maintenance, as well as driving the implementation of new projects.
Alberts holds a bachelor and mas­ter’s degree in engineering, as well as a degree business administration, she obtained from the University of Stel­lenbosch in South Africa.
In an interview with Confidente’s Marianne Nghidengwa (MN), Al­berts spoke with excitement about her new role, thriving in a male-dom­inated field and her love for outdoor activities.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are.
EA: I grew up on a farm and pro­ceeded to study chemical engineering after school. My studies were support­ed by a bursary from Skorpion Zinc, at the time, and after graduation, I worked in the mining industry. I fur­thered my studies by completing an MScEng degree, while studying part-time. During my time at Skorpion Zinc, I also discovered my passion to work with people. At Ohorongo Ce­ment I could further develop in this direction, when I received the oppor­tunity to be a divisional production manager. So today I am a chemical engineer turned manager. I believe in a work hard, play hard philosophy and think that it is important to main­tain a healthy work-life balance.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbringing. Would you say that it played a role in who you are today?
EA: I think our roots always have an influence, on how we develop in life. My parents always supported us to do the best we can. They taught us to be self-sufficient and resourceful and not to blame others or circumstances for not achieving personal goals.
MN: Congratulations on your ap­pointment. Has the reality sunk in yet?
EA: I am very thankful for the op­portunity to fulfil the role of plant manager, and I look forward to the challenges associated with this ap­pointment.
MN: What does the job of a ce­ment plant manager entail?
EA: The plant manager is respon­sible for all activities related to the cement manufacturing plant at Sarg­berg. This includes coordinating all production, maintenance, safety, health and environment and quality control activities, as well as initiating and driving the implementation of new projects. The plant manager re­ports to the managing director.
MN: What do you plan to do dif­ferently in your position? In other words, what innovations are you bringing to the post?
EA: A strong foundation was laid by my predecessor, Manfred Pirker. I plan to continue on this foundation, with the intent to keep firstly those aspects that proved to be successful in the past, and to improve the areas that can function better. I hope to grow a strong culture of teamwork in the company. In terms of the cement pro­duction plant, we continue to have a focused approach towards improving efficiency and developing the agility to continuously respond to the mar­ket.
MN: Tell us about other positions you occupied that helped prepare you for this job.
EA: My role as Divisional Produc­tion Manager at Ohorongo Cement, from 2013, has played the largest part in preparing myself for this role. As divisional production manager, I had the opportunity to learn the techni­cal part of the cement manufacturing process, but also to get to know the Ohorongo team very well. While in this role I also completed my MBA degree part-time, and I therefore had the opportunity to learn, by applying the different topics to my work life and to our company.
MN: What is it like to work for Ohorongo Cement and how has that shaped you as a woman and profes­sional?
EA: Ohorongo Cement is the daughter company of Schwenk Ze­ment from Germany. Schwenk Zement is a fifth generation fami­ly-owned company. Ohorongo Ce­ment, therefore, has the cement man­ufacturing experience from Schwenk Zement as a backbone, together with a solid organ­isational structure. Ohorongo Cement has retained the family values of Schwenk Zement, but has also developed its own unique Namibian culture. The leaders in the company are always willing to con­tribute to the development of Namibian talent, and supported me in my personal development process.
MN: How have you managed to rise in what is widely seen as a male-dominated sector?
EA: I like my work and have a keen interest and curiosity about the different parts of the process and equipment, and throughout my career I liked to be involved in every part of the process and company, whenever I had the possibility to be. I have never expected to receive any different treatment, because I am a woman. And at the same time, I must honest­ly say that all the men that I have worked with ac­cepted me as part of the team, and considered my contributions similarly to those made by any of my male colleagues.
MN: What advice do you have for youngsters aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
EA: Set the bar high; strive to better your own past achievements. Be willing to work hard and achieve the best you can. Learn with enthusiasm – every day, all of your life and in all different aspects of life and work. Remain modest and be willing to listen to and learn from advice.
MN: What don’t people know about you?
EA: I originally wanted to study medicine, and then because of some last-minute opportunities, I changed to studying chemical engineering.
MN: What do you do for a little fun?
EA: I love camping, fishing and the outdoors.

… Katutura girl continues to reach lofty heights
AS a little girl growing up in Katutura, Windhoek, Una Ferreira (UF) loved drawing. She mastered her creativity from pre-school, until her skills drove her into the world of architecture.
Today, she is the owner and founder of Una Stuurman Ar­chitects, a company renowned for managing large projects, such as the Eenhana Shrine, the Unam Veterinary School and the Nkurenkuru Youth Centre, amongst others.
The architectural firm, which is a corporate member of the Namib­ian Institute of Architects, prides itself on its innovative and sustain­able design approaches, which add value to the client’s project, and offers professional services across the full spectrum of architecture and project management.
Its main focus is the creation of contemporary, yet appropriate architecture, well-groundedin the unique Namibian context.
Confidente’s Marianne Ng­hidengwa (MN) interviewed the friendly mother of three about her career path, her most memorable projects, as well as her love for in­teracting with people.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are.
UF: My name is Una Ferreira, the director of Una Stuurmann Archi­tects. I am married and have three children. My husband is also an ar­chitect, with a similar background as mine, being from Katutura and having mothers that were teachers that taught at the same school. He has supported me tremendous­ly, and I am very thankful. I don’t do things in half measures, and put everything I have into what I do. I love interacting with people, especially the youth, assisting and motivating them to work hard and to reach their goals. I have given bursaries to numerous students to study architecture in South Africa and Russia.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbringing.
UF: I was born in Windhoek and grew up in Katutura. There was a strong sense of community and the community helped in the rais­ing of children. I amthe eldest of three children andmy parents and brothers played very important roles in my life. My parents taught me that I could be anything in life that I wanted to be. They taught me to work hard from a very early age.
I had an amazing kindergarten teacher, Meme Lilly Mugagabe, whose crèche was in Owambo Location, Katutura. She gave me the freedom to express myself through drawings, which I loved to do. I attended MH Greeff Pri­mary School, and in Sub B, I heard of architecture for the first time. I realised that it was a career where I could do what I loved – drawing – and as a child this stayed with me. I worked hard at school and this al­lowed me to get into the Deutsche Hohere Privatschule. There I was exposed to an array of subjects. I did wood work, art and metal work, which fostered my creativity. After completing Grade 12, I got into the Architecture School at the University of the Free State, where I completed my studies in architec­ture.
MN: Briefly tell us about the establishment of Una Stuurman Architects?
UF: Una Stuurmann Architects was established in 2011. In order to open your own firm, one has to be registered with the Council of Architects and Quantity Survey­ors, of which I am a member. Our office is based in Windhoek and we are a team of seven people. Em­powering people and helping more previously disadvantaged people to study architecture, especially women, is very important to me.
MN: What triggered your in­terest in the field?
UF: When I applied to the uni­versity, they asked why I wanted to study architecture and my answer was that I wanted to make a differ­ence in the lives of the people of my country. This has never changed. Sustainability is also a subject very close to my heart, and at the fore­front of it, is poverty alleviation, and architecture plays a major role in helping the fight against pover­ty, which growing up in Katutura we faced on a daily bases. I had the opportunity to better my life, and with my architecture, I can help my people. After completing my stud­ies, I worked for various architects to gain experience, and to register as an architect, which then allowed me to open my own architectural firm. I had a lot of support from my family.
MN: Are there projects you have fond memories of?
FU: I worked on the Eenhana Shrine, while working for a local architectural firm. This project was a fast-track project, and it had a lot of community input and I had to spend a lot of hours on site. The Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujo­ma, inaugurated the shrine and a mass of people that attended the reburial. People stayed at the shrine hours after the ceremony. I was so proud to be Namibian. I felt so humbled to have been part of a project, which meant so much to so many people, and gave them closure. I realised that this project was only the beginning.
MN: What is a typical day like for you?
FU: I wake up at 05h00 and pre­pare the kids for school. At 07h00 I take them to school and go to the office, where I prepare for the day ahead. As a director of a compa­ny, administration takes so much of my time, and thus planning is important. I thus focus on design work in the mornings and meet­ings are scheduled for the after­noons. As architects, we are the principal agents of a project and manage construction projects all around the country, and thus we travel a lot for site Inspections. At the end of the day, I cannot wait to get to my children to spend time with them, as family is very impor­tant to me.
MN: What are challenges and opportunities are facing the firm?
FU: I think the biggest challenge we are facing, firstly, in the indus­try as a whole, is that there are not enough Namibian architects and quantity surveyors, especially pre­viously disadvantaged ones. More pupils should be encouraged to study architecture and more bursa­ries should be allocated, not just by government, but the private sector as well. Systems should be put in place to encourage the private sec­tor to award bursaries to students and foster social responsibility. There is a great need for more Na­mibians to enter this field, espe­cially women. I am one of two reg­istered previously disadvantaged Namibian women architects, and there are about two more about to register as practicing architects. We need more Namibian professionals in this field, and in the construc­tion sector, as a whole.
MN: What advice do you have for young ones aspiring to join the field?
FU: Students should work and study hard to get a university exemption. Science and maths is very important to study architecture. Apply early to universities. The Namibia Uni­versity of Science and Technology (NUST) has a very good School of Architecture. The Namibian Insti­tute of Architects provides informa­tion to students that want to study architecture.
MN: Just what do you do for a little fun?
FU: I love spend­ing time with my children and creating jew­ellery.

… Looks back on 20-year career path

ABBELENE Boer (AB) recently stepped into the hot, yet exciting seat, of Mul­tiChoice Namibia Marketing Manager.
The massive company is known for its much-loved brands, namely MultiChoice, DStv and GOtv, of which Abbelene is the marketing cus­todian.
Abbelene, who is affectionately known as Abby, is a mother of twins, and has an impres­sive career path, having worked for Agra and MTC in managerial positions.
She has also lectured at the University of Na­mibia (Unam).
Confidente’s Marianne Nghidengwa (MN) caught up with Abbelene, to talk about her ca­reer and her advice to aspiring students in the field.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are.
AB: I’m a 40-year-old Namibian female and mother of boy and girl twins, born in De­cember 2016. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, listening to hip-hop music and interacting on social media. I’m fascinated by digital platforms and have a keen interest in how digital media influences our lives. I enjoy cleaning, organising my home and travelling to interesting and unknown places on the conti­nent and abroad.
On a professional level, my formal experience spans over a 20-year period, across the following industries: journalism and mass media com­munication, financial services, information and communication technology (ICT), fast-moving consumer goods, agriculture, and now video entertainment. The disciplines I have worked in encompass project management, strategic plan­ning, marketing and public relations manage­ment. I have lectured and written tertiary course materials in the fields of strategic marketing, ad­vertising, consumer behaviour, corporate com­munication and public relations at the Universi­ty of Namibia (Unam). I am a seasoned speaker and a Masters in Business Management, with International Marketing, graduate.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbringing.
AB: I grew up in Khomasdal, with my parents and two brothers. My mother was a teacher and my father worked in construction. My maternal grandfather and mother, being in the teaching profession, emphasised education throughout my childhood, and made great sacrifices to send me to good schools in Windhoek, and later ter­tiary education in Grahamstown, South Africa. In high school I contributed to the school news­letters and enjoyed creative subjects, such as art and design, and excelled in English literature and history subjects. I have always had a talent for writing and interpretation, which showcased my strengths in communication and led to my first career choice being journalism.
My mother is my biggest cheerleader and en­courages me to pursue every opportunity pre­sented to me. It is her encouragement that led to me to apply for the British Chevening Schol­arship, which I was awarded in 2005, through which I could complete a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
My family play a central role in my upbring­ing and are involved in almost every facet of my life – every achievement is shared with them and they provide an enormous and stable sup­port system to me, that provides a great deal of balance between my personal and professional lives.
MN: Congratulations on your appoint­ment as MultiChoice Head of Marketing. How did that come about?
AB: The opportunity at MultiChoice Namib­ia came about whilst I was on maternity leave. The position presented a new experience and an avenue to be more creative in the television and video industry. I started at MultiChoice Namib­ia as marketing manager on 3 July.
MN: In layman’s terms, what does the job of head of marketing entail?
AB: The role of marketing manager at Mul­tiChoice is to be the custodian of the Mul­tiChoice brands, namely MultiChoice, DStv and GOtv. To be a custodian means to guard and maintain the brands in the market, in which the company operates, towards the best interests of the company’s stakeholders. Operationally this involves outdoor, print, broadcast and digital advertising, media planning, managing mar­keting suppliers and developing strategies that support the brands and the business.
MN: What do you plan to do differently in your position?
AB: The industry in which MultiChoice Namibia operates is an innovative space, and through MultiChoice’s wider network in Africa, there is an immense capacity for new innova­tion through this diverse network. The various African countries contribute to each other’s suc­cess and new thinking is constantly encouraged in the working environment. MultiChoice is a highly customer-centric company, and working for a customer-centric business, it is important for me to keep listening to our customers and understand their changing lives and challenges, and what matters to them, and base innovation on ways of enriching their lives through every step of the customer journey.
MN: What advice do you have for young­sters aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
AB: Never stop learning and practicing your craft. The fields of marketing and communi­cation are always changing, with so many new innovations that build upon the fundamentals. Keep reading to always expand your knowledge, and keep up-to-date with the constantly chang­ing environment. Never take other people’s ex­perience for granted and grasp opportunities to learn from others, who are more experienced in any field you pursue. The value of a good men­tor is priceless. Whatever work you do, always do your best. Do not give just enough to pass a standard; always try to surpass the standard. Don’t be afraid to be creative and develop new thinking and products.
MN: What don’t people know about you?
AB: Despite being an extrovert, with an out­going and friendly demeanour, I am painfully shy, which sometimes makes me appear un­friendly or standoffish, when I meet people in public unexpectedly.
MN: What do you do for a little fun?
AB: I love music and I enjoy live music or just listening to music in my home. I enjoy dancing and performing private dance routines for my children.

… Speaks of her strong foundations and barefoot dreams

AFTER growing up on a Khorixas farm in the Kunene region, sur­rounded by family members who were musicians, it should come as no sur­prise that Erna Chimu (EC) fell in love with music at a very young age.
Today, Erna is one of the country’s top Afro-jazz and traditional artists. She is also a songwriter and composer.
She credits her strong musical founda­tion for her success, saying that her mother, who in her own right was a great singer, en­couraged her to become a vocalist.
Erna’s musical career began in the late 1980s, when she and her brothers started a reggae band called Shem Yetu, in which she was the backing vocalist.
It was during her time with Shem Yetu that she further honed her talents, and in 2000 Erna went solo, by entering the gospel genre and recording her first album titled Do you believe?.
Three years later, Erna embarked on a second solo project – this time focusing on jazz music, which she describes as “ground­ed and mature”.
She wanted to use this platform to share her loves, ideas and messages.
As a jazz and traditional singer, Erna has ensured the country’s presence on the world’s musical map, while winning many awards.
She has performed in arenas across the globe.
In an interview with Confidente’s Mari­anne Nghidengwa (MN), Erna took a trip down memory lane, while shedding light on her musical roots, and sharing stories about her love for walking barefoot on the farm and milking cows.
MN: Who is Erna Chimu?
EC: Erna Chimu is a multi-award win­ning afro-jazz and traditional artist. She is a singer, songwriter and composer. I was born on a small farm called Ondemkarem­ba (Africa farm), situated 35km outside of Windhoek.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbring­ing.
EC: I am the eighth born out of 11 chil­dren. I have four sisters and six brothers, and sadly two have passed on. My father is a Wambo/OvaHerero and my mother is a OvaHerero/Damara; they were both pow­erful musicians and vocalists. I grew up on a small farm in the district of Khorixas called Malan’s Rest, with my grandparents. My grandfather taught us the importance of culture, and I think that’s how it influ­enced my music.
MN: What triggered your interest in music?
EC: As far as I can remember, as a child I was always around people singing and playing guitars at home. When I came to Windhoek in the early 1980s, to attend school, I met my mother and siblings for the first time. We had a grand piano and mom sang so beautifully. She always en­couraged me to sing, and I accompanied her with the family choir. My interests were more in musical instruments, and in 1989, my brothers formed a reggae band, Shem Yetu, which means Our Source in Swahili, I became a back-up vocalist, and the rest is history.
MN: Tell us about your early days as a musician.
EC: I grew up in church and sang in choirs, so when I started going solo, it was for obvious reasons. I wanted to worship. I still think that is my calling in life. I record­ed my first gospel album, titled Do you be­lieve?, which consisted of eight tracks. The album was never fully released, but two of the songs led to an appearance on a local NBC program called Voices of Namibia.
MN: How did you develop your sound?
EC: I have a passion for traditional music, and I am 100 percent in love with the clicks and the richness of Khoekhoegowab. I had a message and I didn’t want to just enter­tain, but educate and share life experienc­es through my music, in a setting in which people are calm and relaxed, and hence the fusion of jazz in my music. I know the im­portance for an artist to find their niche, and I am fortunate to have found it.
MN: What are you currently working on?
EC: I am working on my third album ti­tled Uprising, which will be on the shelves by November. I have a couple of charity projects I am busy with along the way, and shows to accommodate in-between.
MN: What has life taught you that you wish to share?
EC: That I should stop feeling sorry for myself and fight with everything I have, to make it count. That I have to make my life, and of those who matter, a little bit easier or better.
Life has taught me that I only have this one life to be a mother, a friend, a sister and an artist, so I must make the best of it, and be the best, in any way I can.
MN: What advice do you have for your fellow women?
EC: Just remember you’re in this life for a reason. Of course you will face challenges and feel like giving up. Have faith in yourself and in God. Remember, prayer won’t solve your problems, for God only helps those who help themselves. Don’t be afraid to fail. Make many mistakes, but keep going. Lastly, you’ve been watching other people’s ideas for years every day, be it movies, actors, singers and designers etc. What about your ideas? What’s your calling in life? Try. Just do something.
MN: What don’t people know about you?
EC: A Lot of things…
MN: What do you do for a little fun?
EC: I go to the farm, away from the noise and walk around barefoot, and I collect firewood and milk cows.

… Ondobe girl starts a flourishing law firm at the age of 29
TWENTY-NINE year-old Tuwilika Shailemo (TS) has worked hard to achieve her childhood dream of be­coming a lawyer and starting her own law practice.
Shailemo & Associates, which is based in Ongwediva, was established earlier this year, and specialises in criminal and civil litigations and labour and commercial law matters. It also supplies company secretari­al and debt collection services.
Tuwilika was born in Ondobe, Ohang­wena region and attended school in Groot­fontein and Windhoek repectively. She completed her law studies at the University of Namibia in 2011 and was admitted as a practising lawyer in the Windhoek High Court in 2014.
In an interview with Confidente’s Mari­anne Nghidengwa (MN), Tuwilika spoke about her law firm, her passion for justice and her love for hitting the gym.
MN: Who is Tuwilika Shailemo?
TS: I am a young, ambitious, hardwork­ing, modest and confident woman.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbring­ing? Would you say that played a role in who you are today?
TS: I was raised by my aunt and uncle, Jefta and Rauna Ndinoshiho, who have become parents to me. They imparted in­structions and teachings, which have ena­bled me to be the responsible, disciplined, ambitious and confident young woman that I am today. In terms of education, they gave me a good education and had to make countless sacrifices, for which I am wholeheartedly grateful. My upbringing has played a major role in who I am today.
MN: Congratulations on the establish­ment of your law firm. How did it come into being?
TS: Sometime last year, I was having a bad day at work, and I text messaged my friend, Sui Generis, because Sui Generis has a sense of humour that is out of this world, and can make one laugh effortlessly. The text said: ‘Our law firm to be formed next year; I will provide 40 percent of the start-up capital, the skills, expertise and Sui Generis to provide 60 percent of the start-up capital. Sui Generis replied that kit is doable. That reply, as well as the support from my family and friends, was enough motivation for me to make Vision 2017 a reality. This clearly affirms that what seems to us as bitter trials, are often blessings in disguise.
The law firm is currently a sole propri­etorship, but it is expected to grow in the future. We do criminal and civil litigations, labour law and commercial law, and we of­fer company secretarial services and debt collection, etc.
MN: What are opportunities and chal­lenges is the law firm facing?
TS: In terms of opportunities, the north­ern part of Namibia comprises of various towns. However, currently the only law firms are in Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Os­hakati and Opuwo. The firm has a great op­portunity to expand to other towns.
As for challenges, creating a good clien­tele base will take time, and with the cur­rent economic situation, people only have money to spend on their basic needs, and as such, only a selected few can still afford our services, so creating a good clientele base can is expected to take much longer. In light of the economic situation, it is ad­visable for people to consult lawyers for their debt collection needs, because once a debt is recovered, they have more money at their disposal.
MN: What triggered your interest in law?
TS: During my journey through life, I have seen my loved ones, and people in gen­eral, suffer a great deal of injustice. I wanted to make a difference, and contribute in the little way that I can, and see to it that justice is done.
MN: Looking back, what cases have you worked on that you cherish?
TS: Well, law is reason divorced from emotions (law equals reason minus emo­tions), and I try not to get my emotions involved in cases. However, I cherish the memory of my first trial as a candidate le­gal practitioner. My client was charged with two counts of stock theft and he was acquitted. I furthermore cherish the memory of my first trial in the High Court of Na­mibia, in which my client was charged with murder, and he was convicted of culpable homicide.
MN: What prepared you to go from an admit­ted lawyer to a law firm owner?
TS: What pre­pared me to go from an admitted lawyer to a law firm owner is the knowledge I gained from Mr Silas Ki­shi Shakumu and Mrs In­onge Mainga Sisamu, who are my pre­vious bosses, and the ex­posure and experience I acquired by running their respec­tive offices. What further prepared me is my deter­mination to do well in my job and have a successful ca­reer.
MN: What advice do you have for your fel­low women, who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
TS: The start­ing point of all achievement is desire, and suc­cess is the sum of small efforts, which repeated day in and day out.
MN: What don’t people know about you?
TS: I get a lot of satisfaction from performing house­hold chores.
MN: Just what do you do for a little fun?
TS: I go to the gym for fun.

… Inspires with distinguished policing career

IN 1996, Deputy Commissioner Amalia Gawanas (AG) became the first woman to join the Namibian Police Traffic Law Enforcement Division. After years of serving in various positions and ranks, she now heads the division and leads a workforce of 486 personnel in 44 units across the country.
In an interview with Confidente’s Marianne Nghidengwa (MN), Gawanas spoke passionately of her work ethic, her commitment to the division and her devotion to her family.
She also spoke in detail about her childhood dreams of becoming a member of the force, because of her fascination with the uniform and the swift response times of police officers.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are.
AG: Amalia is a Nama girl, born at a farm called Onkombo West, situated some few kilometres on the Hosea Kutako International Airport road. I was raised in Windhoek, where I started primary school at A.I. Steenkamp, and then Jan Jonker Secondary School, which I attended until Grade 9. I then went to a boarding school to gain confidence and be independent.
I later joined Cornelius Goreseb High School, where I completed my matric. After school, I joined the Namibian police in 1990, as a young vibrant woman, full of energy.
I got married in 1994, and had two beautiful daughters. I divorced in 2007, but continued to look after my parents and my children. Although my dad passed on in 2002, my mom is alive, and she is a pillar of strength.
I went on two peacekeeping missions, where I represented Namibia, namely the Integrated Mission of Timor-Leste (UNMIT 2008-2009) and the African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID 2013-2015).
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbringing.
AG: I was brought up by my mom and late stepfather. Although we were poor, I grew up in a house full of love, peace and harmony, with my three siblings. My mom is a very strict woman, but also humble and humorous. There was no discrimination; household chores were assigned equally. This empowered and strengthened our qualities that helped us to be independent. It’s those skills that resulted in my strong leadership and independent abilities. The best lesson mom taught us was to be humble and prayerful.
MN: What triggered your interest in policing?
AG: Discipline in my early childhood triggered me to join the Namibian Police Force. I also admired the force’s uniforms, how officers conducted themselves during their duties, and the manner in which police vehicles operated in the locations, with blue lights and sirens, while always being on time. Police officers during that time were always neat and properly dressed, which prompted me to join the force.
MN: Briefly tell us about your career at Nampol, in terms of training and studies that led you to your current position?
AG: I joined The South West Africa Police Force on 10 January 1990, before independence, and we were later integrated into the Namibian Police Force on 31 March 1990. During the integration period, I was deployed to Mariental, and I was later transferred to the Katutura Police Station in Windhoek. After basic training in 1990, I was redeployed to the Windhoek Police Station, for policing. I mastered the charge office duties and was assigned as a Charge Office Sergeant.
I worked in various positions and rank capacities, until early August 1996, when I was redeployed to the Traffic Law Enforcement Division, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Du Toit, as the first woman in the division. During that period, my supervisor played a very significant role in my life. As the secretary to the Chief Traffic Coordinator, I learned every aspect of the division, ranging from administrative duties to operational policies. I underwent traffic training in 1999, and I have since been attached to operational traffic policing.
I hold a Diploma in Traffic, a Higher Certificate in Traffic Management, and I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor in Traffic Management at the Southern Business School, which I will obtain at the end of November.
MN: Tell us about the traffic division and what role does it play in society?
AG: The division was established in 1990, with only 56 traffic officers, mainly from the previous provincial traffic members from the Works and Transport Ministry, who were integrated into the Namibian Police Force. There were only 21 units across the country, with 127 officers, of which five were women. I was the very first woman who joined the traffic division in 1996. The Division currently has 486 members in 44 units across the country, with 384 men and 52 women. Our role is to promote road safety, as well as enforce traffic rules and regulations. We serve the community through continuous efforts to improve road safety and facilitate the safe movement of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians throughout the country. Prevention activities are an important role. The current vehicle population is about 378 608 and the driver population is 280 975. The ratio of vehicles per traffic officer is 1 to 996, meaning each traffic officer serves roughly 1 000 vehicles, and there is one traffic officer for every 739 drivers. This means that in the near future we should increase our manpower, in order to render quality services to the public. Continuous training, awareness campaigns and traffic education plays an integral part of this division.
MN: Describe a typical week of work for you. What exactly do you do?
AG: I always follow my daily diary, which includes meetings, educational programmes on the media and the coordination of programmes and activities with stakeholders, as well as regional traffic coordinators. I plan activities for school holidays, the festive season, the Easter holidays, Heroes’ Day activities, trade fairs, VVIP escorts, and those of abnormal vehicles, as well as escorts for street processions on public roads. I also closely coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in the country. I also advise Inspector- General Sebastian Ndeitunga, regarding traffic-related matters, and I serve on different boards related to road safety. I also compile accident data and submit to the inspector-general’s office. I also make recommendations, with regard to possible law amendments, to improve road safety.
MN: What unique challenges and rewards come from working in traffic law enforcement?
AG: Challenges include the increase of road traffic accidents, as a result of bad driving behaviour and excessive speeding, as well as insufficient human and technical resources for adequate and appropriate deployments along the national roads. Lack of capacity to mitigate the impact and consequences of road accidents and trauma, and weak adherence to the values and ethics of professional conduct, expected from traffic officers, are also challenges.
The rewards are the promotions to all dedicated officers, as well as training which capacitates the members at all levels.The other part is the passion of being a traffic officer. My blood pumps faster, whenever I am tasked with work, especially when I am in the field. It gives me pleasure in what I do. Therefore, I will retire as a traffic officer.
MN: What are the tools of the trade that you use the most? What is your favourite gadget?
AG: The tools include the Criminal Procedure Act (Act 51 of 1977), the Road Traffic and Transport Act and Regulations (Act 22/1999) and the Road Transport Act (Act 74 of 1977), amongst others. My favourite gadgets include breath analysers and speed measurement apparatus.
MN: How do you juggle your role as a professional and a family woman?
AG: To be honest, I neglect my family, because my work requires a lot of time especially during the holidays. The girls completed their respective studies, one in finance and the other one in Somatology. I also adopted my late brother’s two children, a boy and girl, who are very close to me. The boy is more into IT and the girl is a fire fighter. We are like sisters and the boy is the head of the family. I thank the Almighty God for his blessings to have such wonderful, intelligent people around me, who always strive to give their best in life.
MN: What advice do you have for prospective students, who are thinking of a career in traffic law enforcement?
AG: One interesting thing of being a traffic officer is that it’s like reading the Bible. To understand the trend, you need to go deeper into the field, in order to understand and operate effectively. This means that the more you read the Bible and meditate on the word, and search for the verses; you become addicted to live in the word. The more you work as a traffic officer, the more you create passion for the career. I encourage those who want to become traffic officers to do so, because you can graduate in different fields of expertise, such as accident reconstructions, traffic management, road traffic safety consulting and legal aspects, amongst others.
MN: What do you do for a little fun?
AG: I enjoyed playing netball at primary school and it remains my favourite sport. I currently have a netball team, which is for those above 40 years of age, and we play for fun, especially during campaigns, such as the Good Morning Shows on Radio Damara/ Nama, which has been an annual activity since 2012. Since the inception of this tournament, we only lost once. We are now preparing for that very annual activity that will start in September in Tsumeb. My other interests are travelling, gymming, athletics, tennis, gospel singing and reading the Bible.

By Marianne
TULIKI Shilongo is a businesswoman based in Oshakati, who runs a success­ful event management company, named after her.
Although she is making waves with Tuliki Events Management CC, she is better known for her charity work, which she does through the Women of Faith (WoF) non-profit organisation.
WoF helps various vulner­able members of society, in­cluding orphans, widows and those living with HIV/Aids.
The businesswoman, who is affectionately known as Tuli, de­scribes Women of Faith as a group of Godly women, who have faith and the desire to see fellow women devel­op their po­tential to its maximum levels.
“We en­deavour to see women healed, re­stored and revived from their despondent lives. We want them to de­velop themselves into the full, enriched life that God intended for them. WoF is the ve­hicle that allows us to bring spiritual, emo­tional and financial growth to all women, who are ready to re­ceive it,” Shilongo said this week, dur­ing an interview with Confidente.
“We undertake a family-centred approach in supporting or­phans, widows, people with disabilities, prison­ers, people living with albinism, the abandoned and abused, and those affected and infected with HIV/Aids in the northern part of Namib­ia, and other vulnerable members of society.”
Shilongo adds that the organisation was es­tablished in 2012, with the aim to help achieve spiritual self-actualisation.
Apart from being an organisation that en­riches women spiritually, their activities are mostly geared towards meeting the health, eco­nomic, psychological and educational needs of the vulnerable in society.
“WoF supports, cares and lobbies for or­phans, prisoners and widows, in general, by providing them with food, clothing, training, health services, shelter, moral programs and vocational training, without distinction of caste, religion or race,” Shilongo said.
She added that the goal of WoF is to give women comfortable platforms to share their experiences, and encourage one another, in developing the kind of faith that nurtures them through difficulty.
“The group includes women who are strong in their faith, women who are struggling with their faith and women who don’t have time in their normal day to ponder their faith at all. “Although we are all at different places in our faith journey, and though we all have obligations and relationships in our lives, we all have stories to tell and strengths to share, and spirit­ually we are all travelling in the same direction,” Shilon­go said. Looking back at the WoF activities that have been held, Shilongo said that they have organised Christmas and Mother’s Day parties, as well as rescue missions, amongst others.
“As mothers ourselves, we take the oppor­tunity to pray with new mothers and present them with blankets, baby clothing and washing basins. Some of the mothers become over­whelmed by our generosity. They share their own life stories of the hardship they encounter, as most of them have to raise children on their own, while unemployed.”
Shilongo also recounted how in recent months she came across a little girl, who was lost on the streets of Oshakati.
“I took in this girl, got her the medical help that she desperately needed, and bought her new clothes. That lifted her spirits. I asked her about her family, and drove 30 kilometres to reunite her with her mother and
grandmoth­er.” Shilongo also said that she had reached out to an elderly man, who lives alone in the Omusati region, and in deplorable conditions.
“The conditions in which he lived were a testimony to what life can be when family ties become loose.”
Tuliki Events Management CC offers a wide variety of services to cater for all your needs, when it comes to executing your perfect event.
The company rents out cutlery, crockery, ta­blecloths, décor and portable air conditioners, among a range of other items.
Shilongo can be contacted at 081 2711 008.

AFTER growing up under very dif­ficult circumstances, Efe Agbamu (EA) has used her past experiences as motivation to establish a children’s home in the Windhoek suburb of Pioneers Park, in order to ensure that the kids under her care grow up in a healthy environment.
Efe is the founder of Sunshine Boarding and Aftercare, which looks after children from various backgrounds, with some of her young ones coming from afar afield as An­gola and Katima Mulilo.
In an interview with Confidente’s Mari­anne Nghidengwa (MN), Efe spoke passion­ately about her love for children and their wellbeing, and about her latest project, Fo­cus Academy.

… Kavango East police commander encourages young girls to join the force

GROWING up, Commission­er Johanna Ngondo (JN) ad­mired uniformed police offi­cers, so it came as no surprise when she joined the Namibian Police Force in 2000.
After completing her training, she rose through the force’s ranks, and is now Kavango East regional com­mander.
Although she is faced with a mam­moth task, Ngondo is determined to work hard to rid her region of crime.
In an interview with Confidente’s Marianne Nghidengwa (MN), Ngon­do spoke about her career and spend­ing quality time with her family.
MN: Who is Johanna Ndahafa Ngondo?
JN: Johanna Ndahafa Ngondo was born in Ekuli village in the 1970s. I am a mixture of Kwangali and Mbukushu. I started my pre-primary schooling at Mbambi Kindergarten and primary education at Rundu Junior and Se­nior Primary School in Rundu, while my secondary schooling took place at Rundu Senior Secondary School, where I also completed my Grade 12 in 1996. In 1997, I was admitted at the Academy of Learning, where I did a diploma course in Computer Work. In 1998, I started working at the then Ministry of Prisons. It is now known as the Department of Correctional Service within the Ministry of Safety and Security. I am married and bless­ed with four beautiful children – two boys and two girls.
MN: Briefly tell us about your up­bringing.
JN: I am a daughter to Mr Gerhard Kashamba and Mrs Elisabeth Sihako Ngondo; the firstborn from both sides. However, I was brought up by my grandparents. They were very strict and Godly parents. With their teach­ings, they instilled good values in me, which makes me not to look down on other people, irrespective of who they are. They showered me with love and never spoiled me. This helped me to be who I am today, as they nurtured me to be a self-sustainable person.
MN: Tell us about your career in the police force?
JN: I joined the Namibian Police Force in March 2000, as a cadet con­stable, performing duties as a secretary to the deputy inspector-general for operations. The same year I was trans­ferred to the Tsumeb Police Station. In August 2001, I went to the Ondangwa Police Training College, which is now the Ruben Danger Ashipala Police Training Centre. It was difficult and at some point I thought of giving up. However, my grandmother told me that if I left than I should find a hus­band to marry, since she could not afford to care for my son and I. This made me think twice, and realised that I have to complete what I started.
After training, I was redeployed back to the Khomas region, at Hosea Kutako International Airport Police Station, to serve as a charge office member, and at times I worked at the Aviation Security Sub-Division.
In 2007 I was transferred to Pius Jo­seph Kaundu Police Training Centre as an administrator and was promot­ed to the rank of a sergeant (class 2), which I wholeheartedly value, as that was the beginning of my progression through the ranks.
In 2008, I was again transferred to the national headquarters, to the Human Resources Division, where I served in the Recruitment Office Sub-Division as a recruitment officer, the same time I was a secretary to the head of human resources directorate. I was promoted from sergeant (class 2) to warrant officer (class 2) in October 2008. In 2010, positions were adver­tised at the Recruitment Sub-Division. I applied for the position of the Head of Internal Advertisement Desk, and I was selected, appointed and promoted to the rank of warrant officer (class 1).
In 2013 I was promoted to the rank of inspector, which was a God-given gift on my birthday on 2 April. In the same year in October, I was one of the female police officers whom the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police Force, Lieutenant-General Se­bastian Ndeitunga, nominated to go to the Zimbabwe police in Harare, to attend a Senior Management Strategic Development Programme, which was aimed at nurturing the attendees, in preparation for other responsibilities. On 10 January 2014, a press confer­ence was held by Ndeitunga, to inform the nation about the promotion of three officers. I was one of them.
A lot of criticism was received from various aggrieved members of the Na­mibian Police Force, airing their views in the print media, but never did it draw my attention from the task as­signed to me. I keep up my boldness and confidence towards achieving my goal as a passionate young female po­lice officer, who wants to add value to the Namibian Police Force, by ensur­ing that the mandate of the Namibian Police Force is fulfilled.
MN: What triggered your interest to join the force?
JN: I was inspired by their dress code and how stunning they looked when the uniform was put on, with­out knowing what the whole package of the Namibian Police Force entails. I also wanted to make an impact with­in the community. Since few careers are as rewarding as law enforcement. I could say that police officers spend their time protecting and serving their local communities, as they are often motivated by working for something greater than themselves, and at the end of the each day, they realise that their time and talents are being well-spent.
MN: As regional commander, what is a typical day like for you?
JN: As a regional commander, I command five police stations, namely Rundu, Divundu, Ndiyona, Mukwe and Omega 1, as well as 14 police posts and outposts. This brings a range of emotions. It can leave you feeling sat­isfied, rewarded, sad, disgruntled, and lonely, as well as fulfilled. I can further say that every day has its own chal­lenges, which one never expects. But all in all, every day gives me a desire to learn new things and to be committed as never before, in serving my com­munity and the country at large.
MN: What are the challenges fac­ing the region and how best do you handle them?
JN: I would say that the community is not 100 percent forthcoming with information related to crimes com­mitted among them. Traditional po­licing, which I can say is more reactive and waits for the community to come to us and report crime, rather than the police going out into the community, is a barrier that can be broken down. Therefore, to ensure a safer environ­ment, the police in the region are con­tinuously educating the community to work hand in hand with the Namibian Police Force, so that we can minimise criminal activities, although these ac­tivities are not at an alarming stage.
MN: What are some of your ca­reer’s highlights and lowlights?
JN: I rose through the ranks after completing my police training. Cur­rently I’m busy pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration studies with the Southern Business School in Namibia. I am in my second semes­ter. Apart from the course and my qualifications obtained, there are also some achievements in my current position as the regional command­er of Kavango East. Since I assumed my duties in 2014, I have been lead­ing several operations and launched crime awareness campaigns, including the general and presidential elections campaign during November 2014, as the gold commander, Operation Elephant Tusk and in March 2017, the 27 Independence Day celebra­tions were held in Rundu, where I spearheaded the operation as the gold commander. Everything went well, without any serious crimes or incidents being recorded during the period. In brief, all operations I have mentioned above yielded positive re­sults in combating crime. My down­side, I will say, is that it is difficult to complete your studies at this level, due to a lot of responsibilities, which one cannot overlook, as you are en­trusted to safeguard the na­tion. But nevertheless, as an energetic young dynamic leader, who is patriotic to her coun­try and loyal to the organisation I serve, I’m determine to complete the race I have started, since I am not a person who gives up easily. I strive to achieve the un­achievable.
MN: What advice will you give young girls, who want to join the police force?
JN: I would advise that joining a police force is not a bed of roses, but is a life com­mitment that one has to endure, because in most cases many peo­ple regard Nampol as a security entity, but it is a total national ob­ligation to serve the community with po­liteness and caring (serving mankind and helping people). I would further like to advice that patience and loy­alty should be part of your character, for you to enjoy your work, while at the same time enjoying your salary. Therefore, I am encouraging girls who are about to complete their Grade 12 and tertiary education to take up the career of becoming po­lice officers, as it is a rewarding and challenging career.
MN: How do you juggle your role as a professional and family woman?
JN: I would say, on paper, anyone with enough drive and determina­tion can become a police officer, for good or bad. Similarly, one can also become a parent. However, to do both takes something extra.
Being a professional and a family woman takes a sacrificial decision, as one may lose your family in the pro­cess, but nevertheless I always find ways to balance my life as a profes­sional and family woman.
One thing I know for sure, all I am doing is for the betterment of the community and my family are also aware of this, as they are supportive throughout. I perform my duties in good faith for nation and for the wellbeing of my family, and thus they understand my profession of being a police officer.
MN: What do you do for a little fun?
JN: When my schedule is free, I make time to go to church for my spiritual upliftment. I also spend quality time with my family mem­bers and my friends. Sometimes I watch movies to relax my mind

… BH’s daughter shares her passion for business

AS the daughter of one of the country’s promi­nent businessman, Ben Hauwanga, who is af­fectionately known as BH, Anna Hauwanga (AH) took a leaf from her father’s book by becoming an accomplished businesswoman in the northern town of Ongwediva, in her own right.
Apart from managing some of her father’s busi­nesses, like Bennies Entertainment Park, in the northern town, Anna also runs her own hair and beauty business; Hair by Diva and Beauty by Diva.
She offers various services, including selling hair, and make-up products, as well as make-up lessons, amongst others.
Bennies Entertainment Park is one of the most popular accommodation establishments in the North.
Guests can enjoy an on-site bar and free Wi-Fi is provided, while free private parking is available.
The rooms come with a flat screen TV. Certain rooms also feature a seating area, where you can re­lax.
In an interview with Confidente’s Marianne Ng­hidengwa (MN) recently, Anna talked about being an entrepreneur and how, just like her father, she is fascinated with business.
She sold sweets at her primary school to be able to buy extra items for herself.
After completing high school, she pursued her passion for beauty and hair.
MN: Who is Anna Hauwanga?
AH: Anna Hauwanga was born in Swakopmund on 10 December 1989, as the first child of a family five siblings. I went to school in Windhoek and com­pleted my matric at Centaurus High School in 2008. I have a Certificate in Travel & Tourism. Within a few years of obtaining the certificate, I found my other passion, which is make-up and hair. I made a business out of it, which today is very successful.
MN: Briefly tell us about your up­bringing?
AH: Growing up was good. My father is the strong backbone of our family and he taught us to work hard, an above all to be loyal and honest with any­thing in life. Growing up, I used to sell sweets when I was 14 years old, to pay for my extra needs, because I loved nice things. My father and my uncle, Dese Amunyela, taught me not to depend on anyone. They taught me to be fo­cused.
MN: Your father Ben Hau­wanga is a prominent busi­nessman. What have you learnt from him in terms of business?
AH: My father taught me to put God first, to work hard and to nev­er give up on my dreams. He is a successful and humble man. I am a fulltime employee of his at one of his company, Bennies Entertainment Park, making me responsible for his hard work. I manage Bennies Enter­tainment Park. Every piece of advice I need, I ask him for; he is always there to correct me when I make mistakes.
MN: Tell us about your business and the services you offer?
AH: I am a part-time self-taught make-up artist. I opened a shop sell­ing hair. I love what I do and would do it over again.
MN: What are challenges and opportunities facing your business?
AH: The challenges are accept­ing the client’s options and the early hours, because time is never on my side, at times.
MN: How do you juggle the two businesses successfully?
AH: I have a good planning sys­tem, which is why I can manage both businesses, as part of a daily sched­ule.
MN: What advice do you have for the youth, so that they can be­come business-minded and create employment?
AH: The youth should learn to stand up and not depend on anyone or the government, and they should work hard.
MN: What don’t people know about you?
AH: I am caring, loving, hard­working, open-minded and a God-fearing lady.
MN: What do you do for a little fun?
AH: I am not an outgoing person. In my free time, I spend quality time with my family and friends. I also love swimming.

… Mona-Liza makes a difference at MVA Fund

THE old adage, ‘hard work pays off’ best describes the road to success of Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund (MVA) Head of Corporate Communica­tion, Mona-Liza Garises (MG).
Affectionately known as Mona, the affable mother of two boys started off as a cleaner and tea lady at KPMG Chartered Accoun­tants, and was later a receptionist at Shell Namibia. She rose through the ranks and played a key role in its transformation from Shell Namibia to Vivo Energy Namibia.
It was at Shell Namibia that she found her passion for road safety, which ultimately led her to MVA Fund. The massive para­statal is known for providing assistance and benefits to all people injured, as well as the dependants of those killed in motor vehicle crashes. It is statutorily mandated to design, promote and implement crash and injury prevention measures. In an interview with Confidente’s Marianne Nghidengwa (MG), Mona spoke passionately about her exciting yet challenging duties, as a communications manager, and spending time with her loved ones, as a way of having fun.
MN: Give us a snapshot of who you are.
MG: I am most importantly a mother to my two wonderful boys, a sister, aunt and daughter. I embrace positivity and I hope to have inspired a person or two in my life­time.
MN: Briefly tell us about your upbring­ing. Would you say that played a role in who you are today?
MG: I am my mother’s only daughter, with two brothers. I also have a sister and brother from my father’s side. I grew up reserved, in a low-income household, with both my parents ensuring that I had their love and protection. In hindsight, they en­sured that I had access to the best of things they could afford, with the little income they had. Most importantly, they ensured that I attended the best schools and attained a tertiary qualification. Up until this year, I was the only female in my (extended) family with a university qualification. As a young child, I mimicked accountability, responsi­bility, hard work, a sense of maturity and a belief in self. This came from my mother, who has always been my rock. I thank God every day for having her. My dad played an important role in my life, and his passing a few years ago touched me greatly. May his soul rest in peace; I still miss him every day.
MN: Tell us about your career as a com­munications practitioner. Also, what does your role as corporate communica­tion head at the MVA Fund entail?
MG: I started my career as a cleaner and tea lady at KPMG Chartered Accountants, after which I filed documents at Shell Na­mibia. At Shell, I worked my way up as re­ceptionist, management secretary and ulti­mately as an external affairs manager, with that position later changing to corporate communications manager. Having had the opportunity to put a strong and well-reput­ed international company, such as Shell, on the Namibian map, was indeed a career-de­fining moment for me. As corporate com­munication manager, I was instrumental in Shell’s transition to Vivo Energy Namibia. While at Shell/Vivo Energy, I spent a lot of personal time and company resources in road safety. I realised that I have a passion for road safety, and that is what ultimate­ly led me to the MVA Fund, an institution which plays a crucial role in the care of peo­ple, who are affected by road crashes. In a nutshell, my role as head corporate commu­nication entails ensuring appropriate por­trayal and representation of the fund’s corporate image and the preparation of information, communication materials for strategic interven­tions and campaigns, in order to enhance the desired image of the fund among stakeholders and the general public. It has been an awesome and awaken­ing three years thus far.
MN: What is the best part of your job and what causes you the most frustration?
MG: The best part of the current job is that I get to interact with differ­ent people, both internally (employees) and externally (especially the media). The job also requires a lot of writing, something which I enjoy doing. I also enjoy emcee­ing at events. While at Shell/Vivo Energy, I used to enjoy public speaking. The one thing that causes frustration is having to meet a deadline, and not having all the facts at hand.
MN: The field is always changing, how do you keep up-to-date with regards to personal development and contributing to the company’s success?
MG: Between the hustle and bustle of life (balancing home and work), and getting to know the institution and acclimatising to its culture, it becomes a bit challenging to pursue additional academic courses. What I have been doing in the meantime is to en­gage other public relations practitioners, and I have of late started to read on the sub­ject, in order to remain relevant. The main challenge, I believe, is in finding ways to re­main relevant in the field. I continue to give my best to the institution at all times.
M N : What would you like to be­ing done to empow­er and ensure that other women succeed at the MVA Fund?
MG: The MVA Fund is one of the few institutions which not only believes in, but promotes women empowerment. Of course, having an exemplary female CEO helps. It starts with small gestures, such as delegating important tasks to team mem­bers, finding ways to meet team members halfway (merging different personalities), in order to allow personal growth, and real­ly for women to be alert enough to identify opportunities and make the most of such opportunities.
MN: What sort of advice would you give a college or university student interested in getting into the communication field?
MG: It is an exciting field, as no two days are ever the same. Today, the field has be­come so dynamic, with advancements in technology and new platforms and ways for communication. If you have these traits: confidence, integrity and humility, passion and a never-say-die attitude, you are good to go. Believe in yourself, and remember, your attitude determines how you live your life. Even if, at any given time, your choices of action are limited, your choices regard­ing your attitude are not. Always choose a positive attitude. And take responsibility; at any moment your attitude can be that of a victim or of a creator.
MN: What don’t people know about you?
MG: I am very protective of my loved ones. And, I am a very, very tough cook­ie. I am also quite loyal, at times to my own detriment. In the near future, I want to ven­ture into child/youth/community empow­erment; of late I have this pressing urge to make a difference in other people’s lives.
MN: What do you do for a little fun?
MG: Fun for me is spending time with my family – be it just at home, being in each other’s company, movie nights at home, an occasional swimming or walk in nature at Groot Aub, w