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Writing her own story

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Writing her own storyWriting her own storyStraying from the norm in the media industry With seven years of experience in the media industry, Cindy van Wyk is ambitious and ready to thrive as the new Namibian Sun sub-editor. Justicia Shipena

A boisterous laugh echoes from the Namibia Media Holdings newsroom just next to the Namibian Sun editor’s office, where Cindy van Wyk started working as a sub-editor on Monday.

Her job entails checking newspaper articles for grammatical and spelling errors, coherence, style and flow, and polishing the writing to make it the best it can be while keeping the writer's voice intact. “It's a bit like polishing a rough diamond to make it pretty and sparkly,” she says.

Van Wyk holds an honours degree in print media and English from the University of Namibia (Unam). Her writing has been published by The Namibian and the Huffington Post. She is also the founder of Van Wyk Editing.

“I have edited works like the award-winning South African children's book ‘Mpumi's Magic Beads’ by Lebohang Masango; ‘An Angel's Sin’, a Namibian fantasy novel by Andelaine Tsowases; and several poetry collections by Kenyan-born, American-based writer and poet NL Shompole,” she says.

“I studied journalism because it was, in my mind, the first step to becoming a writer, and along the way, I fell irrevocably in love with sub-editing and proofreading. I like to think that I didn't choose my career, it chose me,” she says.

Passionate about literature, people, red wine, good steak and long naps, Van Wyk says before she saw the vacancy advertised, she had been thinking of taking the next step in her career to grow not only her skills as a sub-editor, but her personal development too.

“I had always wanted to work for the Namibian Sun, so the stars aligned. I really enjoy the culture at NMH and what the company stands for, so it was an easy decision to make.”

On the challenges she’s encountered over the years, she says learning to work with people to bring the best out of their writing is both a never-ending challenge and an incredible reward.

She adds that learning not to take things personally has possibly been her biggest challenge so far.

“Getting promoted in just eight months in 2015 and winning employee of the year in my department at the end of last year stand out as the best moments at my previous job. I look forward to learning more and achieving more at Namibian Sun.”

According to her, the most essential thing to remember in any work environment is to “keep the main thing the main thing”.

“Sometimes tempers flare, you won’t always get along with everyone and people just have bad days, but the most important thing should always be the work and doing it to the best of your ability.”

She tells Careers that she can’t pinpoint just one piece of advice that has proven the most valuable in her career. She has been fortunate to have had incredible mentors who taught her much about life, love, leadership, feminism and being a good person.

“I wouldn't be half the woman I am today without the incredible lessons I've learnt from Ina le Roux, my high school Afrikaans teacher; Dr Selma Ashikuti, one of my lecturers at Unam, and Johnathan Beukes, my former boss and second dad.”

Van Wyk not only knows her way with words, but enjoys cooking and photography too.

Her future plans include obtaining a master’s degree, teaching creative writing to Namibian women and girls and one day opening a publishing house for alternative Namibian fiction. She also plans to publish the book she has been thinking of writing for several years.

Reaping the reward of hard work

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Reaping the reward of hard workReaping the reward of hard work Ester Kamati

Candice De Waal is one of the newest additions to the Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) team, wearing the client executive administrator’s hat. Working with agencies and clients, she is tasked with helping clients to book advertisements for the print and online media of NMH.

De Waal was unable to further her studies due to financial constraints and, having only a grade 12 certificate to her name, she is where she is today because she believes in the value of experience. She has had several jobs, which she has used as stepping stones and an opportunity to grow in knowledge and experience.

“Someone that is afraid to ask, is afraid to learn.” These are the words that gave De Waal a wake-up call during her time working at Arebbusch and made her challenge her shy nature. Still in training at the time, De Waal was sitting in panic, not knowing what to do, until her boss called her in and gave her what he didn’t know would be the best advice she would ever receive.

Continuously proving that hard work gets you far, the mother of a nine-year-old son confesses that sometimes she works so hard that she forgets about lunch. “My goal is to build many more relationships,” she says, adding that she already has good relationships with clients that she previously worked with and is keen to add new ones.

One thing that De Waal is exceptionally good at is organising, which she considers her corporate superpower. “Everything just runs smoother,” she says, adding that being organised and knowing where everything is “makes your work so much easier”.

When she is not burying her nose in a new book, the bookworm enjoys DIY projects and can make decorative flowers out of paper. “I like making old things new.” Being creative keeps her busy in her free time and she describes it as her main hobby.

On top of being passionate in everything she does, she is a people’s person. “I love people and I love getting to know people,” she says, which helps her excel in the field of marketing as she is “able to work with all types of personalities.”

Her son is her source of inspiration. “I want to make life so much better for him,” she says, adding that giving up is not an option for a single mother. She concluded by saying that her son, who is her entire world, not only drives her, but drives her far.

A legacy in the making

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A legacy in the makingA legacy in the making Improving online marketing through statistics Elizabeth Joseph



After realising that he had a passion and interest in digital marketing, Richard Botha decided to find a university that offered the course and recently joined the NMH family as online media strategist. After finally completing his degree in digital marketing at Prestige Academy in South Africa, Botha became a part of the online media department at NMH.

“Going to South Africa to study had some challenges. I was far away from home, but I was lucky enough to have my sister in Stellenbosch for the company.

“Cooking, cleaning and doing laundry were skills I needed to learn while I was there. Balancing academics and social life was not a problem for me as I was used to it from school.”

Botha says that starting to change his mind-set to think more practically was one of the challenges he faced at college.

“In school, everything is theory based and to a large extent so was college, but we did get practical assignments that challenged one’s thought patterns.

“That was a big challenge to overcome. It took a lot of trial and error, but what I realised was that if you work as a team having taken other ideas into consideration, the outcome is much better,” he says.

Some of his goals for his new job is to create a Netflix-type website for NMH that can house all its content. He adds that he also wants to improve the company’s online marketing by gathering Facebook statistics and understanding who the people that visit the site are.

“Another goal is to implement an online payment system for NMH. I studied digital marketing and I am now employed as an online media strategist. I am here to help digitise the business.

“I will be assisting in creating a stronger online presence for NMH. This entails social media analytics, content creation, website building and online advertising,” he says.

Currently, Botha is working on a website that will bring all the videos that NMH creates together in one place. The website will serve as the basis of content viewing at NMH.

“I am also working on a better way to track and present social media stats from all our Facebook pages,” he further mentions.

He says his superpower is being good at googling things. “If there is something I cannot do I would go on Google and make sure I figure out as much as possible,” he says.

Richard Botha has a heart for learning as well as teaching, so if he could change one thing about the education system, he would encourage the system to teach children more practical skills and not use standardised testing for everything.

“Skills like how to do taxes, the basics of plumbing, how to drive and how to think more logically. The school system has not changed in over 100 years and I think it has become outdated,” he says.

The new girl

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The new girlThe new girl Vibrant and excited Mariselle Stofberg

Yandi du Plessis is a vibrant and energetic 21-year-old who not only makes the best coffee, but also recently joined the Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) family.

“I just finished a three-year degree in Language and Literary Studies at the North-West University in Potchefstroom. I was very fortunate to study with a NMH bursary, and it definitely motivated me to work hard and finish my degree.”

Even though work can sometimes be overwhelming, Du Plessis believes in the importance of time management.

“It’ss also very important to maintain a healthy balance between your academics and your social life. Take some personal time to get rid of stress.”

Du Plessis is currently employed as a journalist at Republikein and My Zone. “In future, I hope to establish myself as a sub-editor. But at the moment, I’m trying to adapt to the working environment and get to know my colleagues. I enjoy writing short stories in my spare time and hopefully I can start doing that again soon.”

Though young, Du Plessis hopes to prove herself to her older, more experienced co-workers. “I want to make all the people who invested in my academic career, especially my parents, proud. I want to use everything I have learnt to the best of my ability.”

Apart from her passion for languages, Du Plessis wants to make a real difference within her community. “If I could change anything in the world, I would make all sanitary products for women (and toilet paper) free. I also want to put an end to animal abuse.”

Motivated by a quote by Samuel Beckett, Du Plessis never allows the fear of failing to keep her from reaching her full potential. “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”

What a time to be alive

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What a time to be aliveWhat a time to be alive Welcome on board Elizabeth Joseph

Danisha Fischer has been working at Namibia Media Holdings since she matriculated in 2016. Although she had only been freelancing, she now joins the agency desk as a client executive administrator.

Fischer hopes to one day pursue a career in fraud and forensic investigation but has plans to study towards marketing and logistics during her time at NMH.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been employed at a big company, so I have grown very comfortable with myself. I do however hope to build and nurture more relationships with my colleagues and clients,” she says.

Fischer is currently getting to know her clients on a personal level, which she hopes will help strengthen bonds and produce quality results.

Apart from committing to her new job, she also loves spending time with her family and says her son is an important part of why never gives up and is willing to take on every task to hone her skills.

With a passion for travel and cooking, Fischer says that although she doesn’t love baking, she tries every recipe she comes across and her family absolutely loves it.

“My super power, like most women, is to multitask. I am very flexible and eager to try and do new things and I believe that whatever I set my mind to, I can achieve. I also see myself as a super-mom, and although some might not want to boast about that, I think it is important to praise yourself.”

Despite her calm nature, Fischer says she is very talkative and has been that way her whole life.

Nekomba hops onto the ship of success

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Nekomba hops onto the ship of successNekomba hops onto the ship of success From journalist to communications specialist Michelline Nawatises

Netumbo Nekomba, whom many know as Mickey, is a 26-year-old born in the diamond town of Oranjemund who moved to the capital city 15 years ago.

She was a journalist at The Namibian newspaper for five years before joining MultiChoice Namibia, where she is now a communications specialist.

Her new job includes developing and implementing communication strategies, managing external consultants and stakeholders, and overseeing internal correspondence in the company.

According to Nekomba, it is always vital to satisfy the customer as MultiChoice Namibia is committed to delivering premium content and going the extra mile to keep consumers happy.

“Our goal includes informing, educating and enriching lives through a multitude of platforms such as an efficient call centre, corporate social investments and other areas of development such as the MultiChoice Talent Factory,” she says.

She adds that customer experience can make or break a business. Enhancing this key aspect creates loyal customers and attracts new ones, hence MultiChoice’s commitment to provide value for money through its services.

One of Nekomba’s biggest challenges has been allowing herself to become a beacon of speech for youth through media. “I was quite a reserved person. But being in a competitive and stressful environment helped me gain more confidence and embrace a new network of people whom I have gained knowledge from,” she says.

In the new position, Nekomba has not yet been confronted by customers whose demands were not met; however, she believes in the motto “calm is key”. Approaching customers professionally, being understanding of their feelings, and guiding them towards a solution are just some of the processes she has used in the past.

A typical day at MultiChoice Namibia would involve researching a variety of media platforms, creating strategies to improve affairs which concern both internal and external stakeholders, and, in her words, “meetings after meetings.”

Behind The Scenes

Even before she started working, Nekomba was always a bookworm. “I absolutely adore reading novels from genres including crime and romance, and, of course, catching up on all my favourite shows on DStv, which help spark my creativity. I plan on enhancing my skills in corporate communications through programmes around the country and perhaps publishing novels that target Namibian issues.”

As someone who loves all things tech, she sincerely wishes she could develop software, and her greatest fear is not being able to live up to the standards she has set for herself.

Nekomba has gone through a lot in life, but her notable moments have been becoming even more independent, adopting work ethics from “incredibly skilled” mavens in the media industry and overall, becoming financially savvy.

If she had the opportunity to change something in the world, she says she would make basic needs for human life such as water, food, healthcare and electricity more accessible and affordable. “Millions of people are dying unnecessarily because of a lack of these elements,” she adds.

Striving for excellence

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Striving for excellenceStriving for excellenceReinventing her life An employee at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) for 25 years, Juanita Frans is happy to be part of an institution which remains on the forefront of technology and innovation. Ester Kamati

“My dreams have always been to acquire knowledge through whatever platform”. These are the words of Juanita Frans, born and bred in the small town of Rehoboth.

Despite hailing from a family focused on trade, Frans always had a passion to invent new things, bring change to the world and share insights, which is how she ended up as the manager of business systems and processes at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

“Not all of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love, and that can shape the future unknowingly,” says the mother of three and dedicated wife.

Before starting her career, she worked as a domestic worker and nanny while job-hunting for her first corporate gig. She eventually found a job in the examination department of the education ministry, where she worked until she moved to NUST.

Frans was part of the founding members of the institution, then known as the Polytechnic of Namibia, and later became a brand ambassador when it was renamed to NUST.

Her journey continued as she climbed the ranks from starting as a data typist in the examinations department in January 1994. She has held six positions at the institution thus far and believes “the best is yet to come”.

After 25 years at the institution, Frans is tasked with managing the campus’ operational software systems used for all business process engineering. She is also responsible for IT support and management, which she is highly passionate about.

Frans enjoys that she is constantly challenged to add value to the institution and to the range of innovative ideas and concepts NUST takes on. “I have big career aspirations and great loyalty towards the institution which has provided numerous opportunities for growth.” Frans is glad to have made “great networks of lasting relationships”, which she describes as “more like family”.

Growing up in a small town did not stop the determined woman from dreaming big, with an aim to acquire knowledge from each challenge she encountered.

Despite never being a full-time student, she acquired her qualifications by dividing her time between work and studying. She obtained her first diploma through the then Technikon South Africa and continued to add value to her academics as opportunities arrived.

“Getting registered into the MBA stream through Regent Business School was one of my biggest dreams come true.” She completed the programme in 2015. Frans is grateful for the path she has taken, sharing that if not for her academic journey, she would not have grown so much as a leader and as a person.

She believes that one should never walk in anyone else’s shadow. “Reinvent yourself on a daily basis, only then you bring change.”

Frans advises students and other youth to dream, believe, act and achieve. “If your purpose is to stand out, don’t try to fit in, but also be warned that help is a very expensive gift.” She elaborated that help should not be expected from everyone because only few people are “rich by heart”.

Fight the good career fight in 2020

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Fight the good career fight in 2020 Fight the good career fight in 2020 Nampolo Angula



At the beginning of the year, everyone’s expectations for greatness are high.

Our bodies and minds are energised after the festive season, and we’re ready to take on 2020 with new vigour.

If you think of your job as just part of your daily grind, what will drive you to get on top of your game?

Ask yourself whether you are content with your career. If you’re not, I suggest you create an area within your current job and become the best at it.

If you don’t, it will cause you a lot of suffering. Focusing on your talents within your job will help you overcome challenges. This will help you not to get stuck and to keep believing in the career path you’ve set out on.

Many people find it hard to invest time and energy in their careers. They expect immediate results. Remember – success takes time and that’s why it’s called a career path. Do not compare your career to others’, wishing you were a doctor or a pilot, for example. Rather focus on your own progress where you are.

Those you envy have their own challenges, and may have overcome previous challenges because they haven’t given up on their career paths.

If you give up on your career, you give up on yourself.

A job is a golden opportunity for growth and development. But you have to create opportunities for yourself. If you’re sitting back waiting for that promotion, you may be waiting a long time before you’re noticed.

Don’t shirk tasks entrusted to you – embrace it, be the go-to person, use the opportunity. This will open doors for you in the future.

Don’t be fazed by hard times. The hard times will make you stronger and take you steadily further along your path.

Maintaining her spark in electrical engineering

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Maintaining her spark in electrical engineeringMaintaining her spark in electrical engineering Ester Kamati

Growing up, Paulina Haixula’s father had always told her that she was destined to be a nurse, but fast forward to the present day, she is one of Sat-Com Namibia’s electronic engineers. Haixula had always been a naturally curious girl and was very handy growing up. Her brother used to repair phones and she found this admirable, which encouraged her to follow her brother’s advice and study electronic engineering.

Haixula’s performs a range of duties. When the company is in the mass-production phase, she performs factory acceptance quality testing for the company’s power supply units and filter boards. She then troubleshoots and repairs faulty electronic components and operates computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronic engineering tasks. If not in the mass production phase, she does substantial research and development within her field.

Haixula is proud to have spearheaded the mass-production, testing and commissioning project for testing boards, which was done within four months under her leadership. Among her list of accomplishments, Haixula takes pride in being able to obtain her Masters of Science in industrial engineering. Additionally, during the time that she has been at Sat-Com, she has developed an automated quality testing system for the company, which is six times faster than the old manual system.

The young woman has exceptional problem-solving abilities and works well under pressure, whether alone or as part of a team, while maintaining good communication. “I like to design new things and explore my creative ability,” she says.

Most people believe engineers to be the smartest people on the planet, which Haixula says is a misconception. “Most engineers are not born smart, they just work and think really smart and have an attitude of seeing things through.” She adds that engineering is not a gender-specific career and all that is required to excel in engineering is “a determined person who is solution driven”.

Haixula passed grade 12 with the minimum requirements, but was still determined to study engineering and thus followed through to the pre-selection process at the then Polytechnic of Namibia (now Nust). During this time, the lecturer who was assisting her asked, “Will you make it with these low points?” Nevertheless, with persistence and dedication Haixula not only graduated with a national diploma in electronic engineering four years later but went on to further her studies at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in South Africa, where she graduated with a B-Tech Degree in electrical engineering.

“Every human being is blessed with a God-given talent, and as young Namibians, we have so much to offer to our country and continent at large,” she believes. According to Haixula, these talents can be used to make a living and create jobs by following the simple steps of identifying your talent, developing your talent, and marketing your talent.

Raised by a workaholic mother, Haixula shares the same nature but she believes that a social life is as important as a career and tries her utmost to balance her time between the two.

“We all have 24 hours a day and how you spend it determines where your heart is. Since we need them both in life, I try to allocate time for both,” she says.

The marketing world is her oyster

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The marketing world is her oysterThe marketing world is her oysterOn to the next move Passion speaks louder than words Michelline Nawatises

Anoesga du Toit has been employed at Namibia Media Holdings since 2013, and was a sales representative for classifieds before she became a client e\\xecutive administrator for the agency desk in 2015. This go-getter recently scooped a new position in the marketing department.

She will be contributing positively as client executive for the private sector. Her role will mainly focus on developing and maintaining existing client relationships as well as interacting and corresponding with prospective clients. “There surely is a lot of growth within the company,” Du Toit says.

She adds she is excited about the new clients she will deal with as she already has ideas she wants to bounce off her new manager.

When asked about the challenges in her career so far, she mentions her occupation has forced her to break down the walls of her ambivert personality. “I am one of those people who can talk to no one for a long period, but once I start talking, it’s difficult to get me to keep quiet,” she says with a giggle.

Du Toit adds that her current relationship manager and mentor Glenda Manthe-Grobler took her under her wing and helped her come out of her shell.

Goal-driven Du Toit has learnt several life lessons over the years, such as the rewarding feeling when you are able to be yourself amongst clients and at work.

She mentions that previously when she was working for classifieds, she was not as open and free as she is now because she felt she could not be herself due to the pressure of having to please everyone around her.

This is all in the past, however, as she now wears the ‘growth and adult mentality uniform’ boldly. She admits that bursting out of her bubble enabled her to get more proposals done. This is a living testimony as she ended 2019 on a high note by receiving the client executive of the year award.

Her typical day in the office starts with a cup of coffee, checking her emails, starting with proposals and making sure that quotations are correct. “This requires me to think of more ways to satisfy our clients,” she says.

Being the Safety and Health (SHE) representative of the marketing department adds more glitz to her custom-designed plate as she has to ensure a conducive working environment for her colleagues.

“My day normally ends at 18:00 because I can never walk out the door knowing I still have unfinished work. It makes me feel incomplete,” she says.

What inspires her is that she loves what she does. Du Toit believes that if you do not feel fulfilled in what you do, there is no passion flowing from within. “You cannot accept a job offer if you are aware that your mental and emotional well-being will be affected in the long run,” she says. The positive feedback she receives from clients inspires her to do even more.

The advice she would give to young people out there is “what they teach you in school is a fraction of what you will be doing in the future”.

“Always follow your instincts,” she adds.

Her plans are to study further and obtain a marketing and communications degree as well as learn a language or two (German and Italian).

Du Toit wishes she knew how to make a big sale by just snapping her fingers. “I wish I had ‘that thing’ the way Glenda and Hennie (colleagues) do when talking to their clients. I love attending meetings with them,” she adds.

Her greatest fear is not being successful, and if she could change one thing about the world, it would be people’s ‘I can’t do it’ mentality.

2020 not for the average mind

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2020 not for the average mind2020 not for the average mind Chaze Nalisa

Do you remember when you had trouble reading in literature class, how the teacher would make you stand to read a passage, or God forbid, an entire chapter, as punishment for your poor reading skills? This probably only humiliated you and made you hate the literature class altogether.

Do you recall when the mathematics teacher made you recite the ‘toughest’ multiplication tables before you were allowed to take your seat, and if you got any of them wrong, you would stand for the entire thirty or so minutes of the class, as if to separate you from the ‘smart’ ones? That probably made you hate mathematics for life.

You might also recall the chemistry teacher that did not even bother to ask you if you understood the concepts that he or she was teaching, simply because you failed to conceptualise the previous chapters. This probably caused you to opt for ‘easier’ programmes of study at university, right?

Whether you can relate or not, this experience may have imprinted some limiting perceptions in the minds of many individuals, causing them to grow into adults who have set unrealistic boundaries of achievements for themselves, be it as professionals or even in their personal lives. However, it is clear that many young professionals today are quickly discovering that the labels they were given as primary and secondary school pupils or even as university students, to classify their intellectual abilities, are not their reality.

So many are exploring new avenues of income-generating opportunities and redefining success. One can see it, especially on various social media platforms; people are turning ‘simple’ hacks into million-dollar lifestyles. One cannot overstate how great the times within which we live today are. Yes, the fourth industrial revolution. You guessed right. We have been gifted with technologies to acquire instant information about trends and opportunities, and news as it breaks, anytime, anywhere.

Nevertheless, for a few others, the problem remains that because they were never above-average performers in years gone by, they can only achieve the acceptable or expected norm. In their mind, to outperform is sheer luck.

This new decade comes with a ripe revolution that is changing how we live, how we work, and how we communicate. It is reshaping government, education, healthcare, and commerce—almost every aspect of life.

Very shortly (probably already a reality in some economies), it can change the things we value and the way we value them. It can change our relationships, our opportunities, and our identities, as it changes the physical and virtual worlds we inhabit and, in some cases, even our bodies. The times we live in are not friendly to those that are trapped in the ‘cages’ they were placed in by an education system or an educator, for that matter.

For many years, intelligence was generally and loosely perceived as one’s ability to conceptualise information logically. However, the reality is that there are various ways to learn and to express understanding. In fact, there are seven in total, including logic. Several social scientists and scholars have stated that while some people prefer to learn using logic, others use visual aids, or thrive when learning using audio. There are also those who learn better through kinesthetics, linguistics or interpersonal interactions. The inability to perform using logic does not mean someone is incompetent or ‘stupid’, especially if their trade does not rely heavily on this learning style. Discover your preferred style of learning, accept it, respect it and have an open, limitless mind.

We see opportunities not as they present themselves, but as our mind perceives our competence and capabilities. If you are going to do great things this year, this decade; you firstly need to see yourself as a great achiever.

Do not turn this into a New Year’s resolution, this is a new world fact. Change. Unlearn what was imposed on you, relearn from the abundance that is available to you, and expand your vision. Being average minded is an external perception before it is an internal choice.

Happy New Year. This year, we are only winning and learning; failure is no longer an option. Let’s go!

*Chaze Nalisa, has nine years’ experience as a People and Organisational Development expert, with an Honours Industrial and Organisational Psychology (UNISA), Bachelor of Commerce Business Management and Industrial Psychology (UNAM

Moving to what moves her

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Moving to what moves her Moving to what moves her A higher financial altitude Sara Mezui Engo is the face behind the Government Institutions Pension Fund’s N$18.5 billion Alternative Investments Programme. Justicia Shipena

Passionate about responsible investing, Sara Mezui Engo says she is blessed with an opportunity to steer capital to priority sectors that may unlock growth and create socio-economic benefits for the Government Institutions Pension Fund, its members and the Namibian economy as a whole.

Engo heads the Alternative Investments Unit at GIPF, with committed capital to the Alternative Investments Programme totalling N$18.5 billion, of which 38% is committed to Namibia.

Apart from her roles at GIPF, Mezui Engo serves as a board member of the Retirement Funds Institute of Namibia and as a commissioner of the Law Reform and Development Commission.

“These are platforms where I’m further able to champion Namibia’s socio-economic footprint,” she says.

In November 2014, she relocated to Windhoek from Dubai to take up her current role.

Engo said the move was a welcome one, as at the time she had travel from Dubai to Cape Town to attend her MBA modular classes at the Stellenbosch Business School.

She added that GIPF sought a portfolio manager for private equity, which discipline was at the time emerging in Namibia, proving to be a promising asset class.

“I clinched the job largely on the back of my experience in private markets investing, which I gained at the Mineworkers Investment Company, where I co-managed a diversified portfolio of 13 underlying companies,” she says.

Engo believes her experience at EMH Prescient Investment Management, RMB Asset Management and Liquid Africa further moulded her to be a well-rounded investment manager.

Her early role models are her parents, who instilled in her the belief that education is the only equaliser and that with Christ as your foundation one can craft an individual who is able to pursue; govern and be accountable.

Engo told Careers she was always a colourful character with varied interests. Her creative side wanted to pursue opportunities in the fashion and entertainment industries on the back of having been successfully cast in the music video for Seal and DJ Jakarta, as well as having participated in the Miss Namibia pageant.

“My family reminded me that I was lucky to have been awarded a bursary to study at either the University of Cape Town (UCT) or Stellenbosch University and that I should rather pursue being educated first, as I could always still venture into my other interests after obtaining a degree.”

This panned out to be true when she participated in Miss Stellenbosch University, winning a modelling contract with Topco Models in Cape Town. However after a few successful castings, she realised that focusing on a career in finance was more sustainable.

Her interest in finance started in high school, when she considered becoming a chartered accountant.

“One holiday in Pretoria, I came across an audit partner who advised me that my personality would be starved if I pursued auditing. In my third year at Stellenbosch University, my husband, who was my best friend at the time, encouraged me to change from a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences to Investment Management,” she explained.

Agribank, her sponsor at that time, was supportive of this change and converted her bursary into a scholarship, which allowed her to start a career at an investment boutique firm in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Speaking to Careers, Engo said the investment sector remains a male-dominated discipline when it comes to leadership positions. She feels that people don’t take the time to evaluate the drawbacks of a lack of diversity in executive management.

Matching the provisions of NEEEF, the Financial Sector Charter and GIPF’s peers in SADC, the GIPF is finalising a transformation plan through investment procurement that will look to drive gender transformation within the financial sector.

“Over the years, I have observed that leadership comes with making unpopular decisions. If you can’t make them, be prepared to smell the brewing stench of mediocrity,” she says.

As the portfolio manager for private equity at GIPF, overseeing 32 funds managed by global and local fund managers, she has learned that respect is about character and relationships, not decision-making.

“In so doing, one can remain respected even if you or your decisions are not liked, thereby transcending from effective to virtuous leadership,” she said.

Engo believes good stewardship leads to sustainability and ensures accountability.

Established in December 2014, the Alternative Investments Programme started investing in private equity funds outside of Namibia in 2015.

In 2016 the unit finalised the N$2 billion PE Portfolio, which led to GIPF complying with the then Reg 28(4) directive and the year after it had its first venture capital allocations to the US market.

“We also crafted affordable housing mandates for Namibia to the tune of N$650 million,” said Engo.

Two years ago the unit had its first unlisted real estate allocation to the European and RSA markets.

Last year saw the first allocation to infrastructure funds on the back of the developmental investment policy GIPF had concluded in 2017.

Furthermore during 2018 the GIPF approved the plan of increasing its domestic exposure to 45%, largely through mandates to be crafted from alternative investments.

Recently it finalised the development of a tool to measure and rank the environmental, social and governance (ESG) maturity of fund managers, portfolio companies and direct investments within the Alternative Investment Programme.

Describing finance as a dynamic field, Engo believes the saying ‘education is the only equaliser’ may not be relevant nowadays as not enough is being done to expose the youth to entrepreneurship and vocational training.

Her advice to young individuals is that whichever career path they choose, they should know their dreams are valid.

“Familiarise yourself with future trends and choose wisely based on a career for which there will be demand and an opportunity to be of impact. Most importantly, it’s never too late to change your initial course of action,” she advises.

41 nabbed in December drug busts

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41 nabbed in December drug busts41 nabbed in December drug busts The police arrested 41 people on drug charges in December and seized illicit drugs with a street value of N$481 450.

Most of those arrested, 39, were Namibians, while one Angolan and one Tanzanian were also arrested.

According to the police, the seizures included 31 238 kg of cannabis with a street value of N$371 600 and 818 Mandrax tablets worth N$98 160.

The police further seized 5 grams of cocaine powder worth N$2 500 and 19 units of crack cocaine worth N$1 900.

Namibian Sun recently reported that drugs worth close to N$12 million had been seized from June to November, while 636 suspects were arrested in connection with drug-related crimes.

Statistics provided by the police from June to November indicated that 568 of the suspects arrested were Namibians.

During these six months more than one tonne of cannabis was seized, along with 2 505 Mandrax tablets, 864 units of crack cocaine and 1 244 grams of cocaine powder.

In total, drugs to the value of N$11.9 million were seized which also included cocaine bullets and cannabis plants.

ELLANIE SMIT

Woman sets boyfriend's house alight

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Woman sets boyfriend's house alightWoman sets boyfriend's house alight A 24-year-old woman was arrested at Mariental on Saturday on charges of arson and malicious damage to property after she allegedly set her boyfriend's house on fire and damaged his car windscreen and windows.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Hauwanga said the suspect was arrested early Saturday morning at Aimablaagte.

“It is alleged that the suspect, believed to be the girlfriend of the victim for six months, set his house on fire, which resulted in the destruction of household appliances such as a fridge, television set and lounge suite,” Hauwanga said.

The damaged items have an estimated value of N$28 000.

The suspect was expected to appear before the Mariental Magistrate's Court yesterday.

In a separate fire incident, a mother of two lost all her belongings after her house caught fire at Vineta in Swakopmund on Saturday.

According to a police report issued on Saturday, Marel Grobler, a resident of Vineta, was taking a nap when her two children came into her room to alert her of the fire.

According to the report, Grobler went out to inspect and noticed that the sitting room was on fire, upon which she took her two children and ran out of the house screaming for help.

Nothing could be salvaged from the house and by the time the fire brigade arrived at the scene, the entire house was engulfed in flames.

No injuries were reported.

NAMPA

Mind your choices

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Mind your choicesMind your choices Be smart about your subjects One minor decision can have a major impact, but only if you let it. Iréne-Mari van der Walt

Many students will face the same decision that generations of high school students before them have also faced: choosing their subjects.

Subject choice is a good example of the butterfly effect; your subject choices affect how eligible you are for certain institutions of higher learning and what programmes these institutions will take you in for.

This is a big decision for a teenager, but remember that everything is reversible. If you chose the wrong subject for your career choice, there are institutions that will allow you to do those subjects even after you completed high school and what’s an extra year in the grand scheme of things? Relax, you’ll be okay.

Keep the end in mind

Here’s some advice you’ve probably heard: Choose your subjects based on the career or field you’d like to pursue after school. The more detailed the information you have on what you want to do after school, the better, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t have it all planned out.

It’s all relative

Do not under any circumstances choose a subject because it’s easy. None of the subjects are easy. Choose a subject because you enjoy it and thus it’ll be easy for you. Interest in the work at hand will help you focus during classes and motivate you to invest time and effort into studying and preparing for classes. Mostly, enjoying your class will put you in a better mood overall. School isn’t meant to be a punishment, it’s meant to be a place of growth and learning.

Consider your personality and characteristics

If you’re not good at spelling and constantly find yourself struggling to find the right word, don’t take unnecessary languages – not all of us were meant to be authors. If you’re good with your hands, consider home ecology or craft & technology. If you’ve always been good at making money work, try your hand at accounting. If you’re extroverted, try to stay away from one-man subjects like computer studies.

Go with your instincts

The most important piece of advice is to trust your gut. The only person who truly knows you, and thus knows what’s best for you, is you. More than that, your instincts know things you don’t. Listen to the adults, take all the advice you can get, do all the research you can – all things considered, you’ll know what’s best for you.

Sharing smiles through free haircuts

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Sharing smiles through free haircutsSharing smiles through free haircuts Ester Kamati



Heading back to school is on everyone’s minds and K Hair Studio is not letting this moment pass them by – they’re congratulating learners who passed last year with free haircuts.

With the ‘back to school’ blues in full force and on top of new school uniforms and stationery to buy and snacks to put into their children’s lunchboxes, a haircut is the one thing parents can tick off their list of expenses, thanks to K Hair Studio.

It’s right after 12:00 and the chirpy barber is putting the finishing touches on a fresh fade. Even after a busy day, he still brings the same energy he started with to make sure every client is satisfied.

Providing free haircuts is the hair studio’s way to thank children for their hard work throughout the year, according to Clarence Eiseb, K Hair Studio’s marketing partner. “We just thought that maybe every parent will not be able to give them a present, so that’s a present from our side to motivate them.”

As part of the salon’s social responsibility, they decided to reward learners who have worked hard and passed the previous academic year, which is why the learner’s report is needed to make a booking.

The response from the community has been good and the salon will be quite busy over the next week, with bookings already made.

They are however still working on a strategy to reward girls for their hard work as well, as they do not want them to feel left out.

According to the studio’s manager Maria Hepito, they are considering a half price special, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

While their focus is on learners who passed, less successful candidates don’t have to feel left out. The studio also has a January special with prices as low as N$25 for boys from pre-school, primary and high school and N$40 for university students, valid until 2 February.

Given that January is often a tough month, Proby Kalela, the operations partner at K Hair Studio, said their intentions are to “hold hands with parents and pull each other through to the other side.”

K Hair Studio, located in the Dorado Valley Shopping Complex, has been in existence for about 30 years and employees 20 people. The hair salon is proud to have an online presence through their social media pages where they advertise and communicate with their clients.

Eiseb encourages the public to visit the salon if ever they want to try something new. K Hair Studio can be reached via their Facebook page or on 085 716 6535.

Class of 2019 NSSCO pushes through

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Class of 2019 NSSCO pushes throughClass of 2019 NSSCO pushes through Final part-time NSSCO examinations are scheduled for 2021 academic year Pull quote: Your parents and the Namibian nation is very proud of you,” - Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Michelline Nawatises

According to the Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Hon. Ester Anna Nghipondoka, a total of 61 137 candidates comprising of 24 932 full-time and 36 205 part-time candidates registered for Namibia Secondary Certificate (NSSC) at 193 full-time and 129 part-time examination centres nationally.

This shows an increase of 4 603 candidates of 8.1 % compared to 56 534 candidates who were registered in 2018. Results indicate that the performance of the 2019 Grade 12 ordinary level results for full-time candidates are almost the same as last year as C grades remained at 20.9 % for the past three consecutive years. During 2019 exams a 92.7% entries were graded compared to 93.3 % in 2018 which represents a minimal drop of 0.6 % in graded subject entries.

However, on the other hand, the part-time candidates have improved remarkably throughout all the grades except at the G grade which dropped with 1.1 %. The performance improved in average with 0.9 % in all the grades.

The 2019 results of the part-time candidates once again could be described satisfactory, seeing that the Namibia Secondary Certificate Ordinary Level (NSSCO) examinations that are based on the old curriculum will be phased out with the final part-time NSSCO examinations scheduled for the 2021 academic year.

In total 81.8 % of all the candidates may qualify for the admission should they wish to pursue their studies in a degree, diploma or certificate courses at respective institutions of higher learning compared to 78.2 % who qualified in 2018.

Only schools with 30 and more subject entries were considered for the top 20 NSSC ordinary level government schools based on the 2019 examination for full-time candidates.

The top two male and female candidates with the best overall performance nationally in six NSSC ordinary level subjects are Dennis Hamutenya and Elizabeth Shihungileni

Top 10 government schools

Rukonga Vision School

Negumbo Senior Secondary School

Onawa Senior Secondary School

Delta Secondary School

Otjiwarongo Secondary School

Gabriel Taapopi Senior Secondary School

Reverend Juuso Shikongo Secondary School

Namib High School

Tsau//Khaeb Secondary School

Paresis Secondary School

Top 10 private schools

St Boniface College

St Paul’s College

Canisianum Roman School

Oshigambo High School

Elcin Nkurenkuru High School

Gobabis Gymnasium Private School

Deutsche Hohere Private School

Walvisbay Private High School

Karibib Private School

St Joseph’s RC High School

The deputy minister was left with one raised eyebrow when announcing the outcome of the results. “With these results, one wonders what is happening at other schools and region if the top 20 is dominated by the same regions and schools only,” she said.

She congratulates the candidates for their hard work. “Now you can harvest the sweet fruits of all your hard work and commitment to your studies,” she added.

Man hangs himself after ­killing girlfriend

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Man hangs himself after ­killing girlfriendMan hangs himself after ­killing girlfriend A 31-year-old woman was hacked to death with an axe by her 33-year-old boyfriend at Leonardville last Sunday, after which he committed suicide.

According to the police, the man allegedly hacked his girlfriend with an axe several times on her head and face following an argument. She succumbed to her injuries at a local clinic. The man then apparently fled into nearby bushes behind a cemetery where he was found hanging from a tree. A suicide note, dated 5 January, was also found amongst his personal belongings.

Both the man and his girlfriend were employed at a nearby farm in Leonardville. They were identified as Tsunelde Elmery Garunas and Frans Afrikaner.

In another incident last Friday at Karasburg, a 26-year-old woman was gang-raped by her 32-year-old boyfriend and his friend. It is alleged that she went to her boyfriend's home after drinking with her sister at a local bar. She apparently fell asleep and when she woke up, her boyfriend was raping her, while his friend held her down.

They took turns raping her. Both suspects have been arrested.

In a separate incident last Saturday in the Tsumkwe area, a 39-year-old man was arrested on allegations that he raped a two-year-old girl. The rape apparently occurred in her parents' home. Both the suspect and victim were taken to the Mangetti Clinic for medical examination.

Meanwhile, a 22-year-old man last Sunday sexually violated a five-year-old girl at Farm Stink Water in the Windhoek District. It is alleged that the man and the girl's mother were drinking in her bedroom. The mother then apparently went outside, leaving her daughter alone with the man. A few seconds later, she heard her daughter crying. According to the police, when the mother returned, she found her daughter's private parts bleeding.

The suspect was arrested and was found in possession of dagga valued at N$20. Furthermore, at least six people were reported to have drowned last weekend. At Onambaba village in Omungwelume, a 10-year-old boy drowned in an earth dam last Friday when he and some other children went swimming. He has been identified as Fillemon Tangitate Ngoloti.

Two children aged six and 12 also drowned in an earth dam when they were swimming at Endola village last Friday. Apparently, Tomas Helao Kambalala was trying to rescue Mathias Sheefeni Shikomba, but drowned too.

At Ongwediva, 57-year-old Hilya Petrus drowned last Saturday in a water pond inside her yard at her house. No foul play is suspected.

In another incident last Sunday at Okambonde village in Oniipa, 18-year-old Wanailonga Jesaya Tangeni drowned in a water pan while swimming with two friends.

At Onjandjo village in Okaku, Timoteus N Mwaxauulange, 53, drowned in an earth dam.

Too broke to challenge ­election results

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Too broke to challenge ­election resultsToo broke to challenge ­election resultsLPM hit by money woes The LPM says it does not have the money to contest the outcome of the 2019 general election. The Landless People's Movement (LPM) will not be able to make good on its promise to challenge the outcome of last year's general election.

The party had claimed that votes were taken from it and given to other parties following the outcome of the National Assembly and presidential polls held in November last year.

The LPM had alleged that it had evidence of vote-rigging

“We will look at it. Even when you want to challenge you need money. Our party does not have money,” LPM deputy leader Henny Seibeb said.

According to him, the elections were a sham. He said the LPM would do better in tomorrow's by-elections in key constituencies.

“We reject the notion of elections, it was a selection. They will see with these by-elections,” Seibeb said.

LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi claimed last year to have received information “on good authority” that five Indian nationals had flown into the country and were stationed inside the ECN's head office and at a nearby address in Webb Street in Windhoek North, from where election results were allegedly manipulated.

Swartbooi claimed information obtained indicated that the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were “essentially irrelevant”, because an “alternative and parallel” system had been designed and constructed “solely for the purpose of rigging the elections in favour of Swapo and those they nominated and selected”.

“In essence, therefore, the 2019 elections in Namibia, as in other elections before, have become not an election, but a selection process conducted from State House and spearheaded by cyber-criminologists from various countries (sic),” Swartbooi charged.

The LPM said it was reliably informed that the so-called cybercriminals - or hackers - used a GAP computer after the results had been manipulated and loaded onto the ECN's server with a USB device.

The LPM garnered 38 956 votes in the National Assembly election, helping it secure four seats. Swartbooi garnered 22 542 votes in the presidential election.

Independent candidate Panduleni Itula has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the outcome of the presidential election.

His case will be heard on Friday. His court submission includes a 126-page affidavit and annexures outlining why the presidential election results should be nullified. He wants the court to order a rerun as soon as possible.

Itula is being supported in his court bid by Republican Party (RP) president Henk Mudge, Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEEF) president Epafras Mukwiilongo, All People's Party (APP) President Ignatius Shixwameni and Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) president Mike Kavekotora, who appear as applicants.

Itula cites the recent revelation by the ECN that EVMs booked out for the Swapo Party Elders Council (SPEC) congress in 2017 had gone missing.

“Since July 2017 up to the presidential election in 2019 there thus existed ample opportunity for gaining intimate knowledge of the machines' hardware and software.

“The risk of discovering means of tampering with the EVMs is real, as lawyers and politicians pointed out immediately when the news first broke in October 2019.

“They cautioned that the election could be rigged and the integrity of its outcome would become questionable.

“Yet, the self-same models of EVMs were used one month later during the 2019 elections. This without the safeguards parliament enacted, a verifiable paper trail,” said Itula in his affidavit.

Two of the missing machines were found in Havana in Katutura in mid-December last year.

By-election candidates promise change

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By-election candidates promise changeBy-election candidates promise change Candidates standing for key constituency by-elections that will take place tomorrow have promised voters change, saying they will do whatever they can to improve their constituencies, if elected.

Voting will take place in Khomasdal, Gobabis, Keetmanshoop and Walvis Bay.

Veteran politician Reggie Diergaardt, who is making a return to politics, said he was best-placed to serve the residents of Khomasdal well. He is standing as the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate in the suburb.

“I know the aspirations of the people of Khomasdal. I will try to strive to achieve whatever is in my mandate,” said Diergaardt.

He urged voters to consider candidates that had realistic manifestos.

Estate agent Mara Baumgartner, who is standing as the Landless People's Movement (LPM) candidate in Khomasdal, promised to tackle drug abuse, saying it was running rampant in her community.

“The challenge we face in our community is drug abuse. Those are the things I will look at. I would also like to address the rates and taxes, especially for the elderly. I would also like to see to it that 7de Laan and 8ste Laan get electricity. I want to focus on getting solar energy in those places. We can create jobs in that area,” said Baumgartner.

According to her, there was no reason for the electorate to give their vote to Swapo. “Why should we give Swapo another chance?” she said.

The constituency was led by former National Council chairperson Margaret Mensah-Williams, who had to resign from her position after accepting the nomination to represent Swapo in the National Assembly later this year.

The LPM candidate for Gobabis, Sylvester Binga, promised change for the town's residents.

“They should come out in their numbers. Change is due in Gobabis; growth in the town has stagnated,” he said.

Knowledge Ipinge, who is standing as an independent candidate in the Walvis Urban Constituency by-election, said voters must focus on pressing number three on the electronic voting machines (EVMs).

In his manifesto, Ipinge promised to rearrange the dwellings of the residents to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission of communicable diseases. He also promised to improve access to electricity and introduce of an emergency and evacuation plan for each dwelling site at Twaloloka to certify emergency preparedness and response.

Maxie Minnaar, the LPM candidate for the Keetmanshoop Constituency, promised voters that she would work hand in hand with them.

“We must take hands together. They cannot only be voting cows. We must work together and I will give out progress reports if voted into power in my constituency,” she said. Minnaar said she was privileged to be nominated on the LPM's ticket and urged voters to turn out in large numbers.
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