1. education
2. homework and study tips

From banking to media
- pg 5
Giving opportunities to
young people - pg 5
Choosing the right
partner - pg 5
Photo: Forbes
A Publication of
Compiled by: Strategic Publications Division, Sales & Production Team
2
February | 19 | 2015
Foreword
Insight Into Careers
Working It! A Career in Fashion
T
• RUKEE KAAKUNGA
• Netumbo Nekomba
F
rom a young age, we are encouraged to study
hard in order to secure a job that will pay the
bills. Lucky enough, today our career choices
are vast in comparison to what they were 50 years
ago, when historical factors meant only a handful of
occupations were options for many Namibians.
Instead of settling for a career simply because it
offers stability, many young people are following their
heart's desires and branching out into fields that
accommodate their hobbies and interests. After all,
job security and job satisfaction have become key
components, according to Maslow’s hierarchy.
Whether it’s the dedicated artisan who has a passion
for turning sticks and stones into decent homes,
or the loyal secretary who acts as the voice of the
company, everyone has a part to play in developing
the country, regardless of how big or small it may
seem.
The following supplement will brief you on the roads
less ventured in terms of career possibilities in
Namibia. Who knows? The job of your dreams might
be within these pages.
Enjoy!
Source: alissamerwangao.
deviantART
he Namibian fashion industry
has come a long way since the
days when eking out a living
as a designer, stylist or make-up artist
was a challenge. Today, the industry
is thriving with more and more
opportunities arising for industry
players.
At the moment, there are only two
tertiary institutions that offer fashion
design, textile design and other
fashion related courses for study. The
University of Namibia (Unam) being
the more theoretical institution and
the College of the Arts (Cota) being
the more practical alternative.
To make it into Cota's fashion
programme. Students should at least
have 17 points in Grade 12 and show
basic artistic potential, especially
when it comes to drawing.
“We are very practical in our
teaching and spend longer hours on
producing garments,” says Cynthia
Schimming who is a lecturer at the
school. Getting into the school though,
is the only easy part. Staying in the
school and meeting the standards of
the vigorous work that goes into the
fashion programme is the difficult part.
The fashion course offered to
students is very intensive with equal
attention to entrepreneurial skills. The
school also offers training in textile
printing and includes training in
make-up artistry, photography as well
as graphic design which will soon be
incorporated into the curriculum.
Students who have learnt their
craft at Cota have done quite well for
HARD AT WORK … Students at the College of the Arts hard at work on
their garments as they receive advice from their lecturers.
themselves, with some excelling even
before they graduate. An example is
Abisai Ileka, a fashion blogger who
together with another student, dressed
Namibian Big Brother 'Hotshots'
contestant, Luis Munana for the
opening of the reality show.
At Unam fashion forms part of
the Visual and Performing Arts
Department. Alumnus Immanuel
Garoeb says studying fashion is very
important especially if you wish to be
a fashion designer.
“If you want to be a good designer, I
suggest that you study because taking
up this career without studying is hard
unless you've been designing since
you were three years old.”
The best example of the fashion
opportunities in Namibia today can be
observed from the life career of local
designer, Leah Misika, a professional
fashion designer. She also works as
a clothing store manager, is a fashion
TV show producer as well as a stylist
and a fashion columnist. This just
shows how many different directions
one can take, when one has an eye for
fashion.
According to Misika and a few
other local designers, fashion
designing can make you anything
between N$4 000 to N$20 000
monthly, depending on if you do it
full time and how much work you put
into it.
Vast opportunities await those
who dream of pursuing a career in
fashion in Namibia. All it takes is
the determination to find your place
in the market and hard work to
sustain yourself and contribute to the
economic growth of the industry and
the country as a whole.
NAC’S MARCO IS A PASSIONATE FIRE FIGHTER AND PILOT
Marco Gaweseb is a passionate employee at the Namibia Airports Company and has been an
Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting Officer at the company for the last 11 years and six months. He says,
that emergency services have been one of the main career options that he has always wanted to
embark upon. “I come from a family background in the emergency and medical industry and
this has always been a passion of mine. Being at the NAC has been an added bonus as they
are part of the aviation industry, which I love.”
His roles and responsibilities include runway inspections, collection of landing and parking fees,
marshalling aircrafts and overall airport safety. “I would like to continue being a world class
rescue and fire fighting officer who will always make sure that property is protected and
lives are saved while serving with dedication. It is most satisfying to ensure that the airport
and a 10km radius around it is up to standard so that all stakeholders can be accommodated
satisfactorily.”
Gaweseb says that it has been a great opportunity working for Namibia Airports Company. “As
with any job it has had its ups and downs, but I enjoy my job and am committed, passionate
and always willing to deliver with dedication.” He emphasizes that passion and loving the job
are probably the most important characteristics of any employment. “Then it’s not just a job but
something you look forward to doing on a daily basis. That to me is vital as we spend 8 -10
hours per day at our workplace.”
Gaweseb has spread his wings over the years and is not just a rescue and fire fighting officer, but
also the proud owner of a private pilot licence. He is currently busy with his commercial licence. He
would not like to limit himself to one job only. “The aviation industry is huge and I would like to be
able to enjoy a variety of jobs such as investigating aircraft accidents as well as firefighting
and flying.”
Lastly he advises youngsters who would like to join the aviation industry or rescue and fire fighting
profession to be disciplined and to uphold high levels of professionalism at all times. This is a very
strict and safety orientated industry. Youngsters should also be passionate about the job and most
importantly not only be in it for the money,” he ends off.
www.airports.com.na
Insight Into Careers
February | 19 | 2015
3
Making an Educated Choice
Barbara Butchart
Considering studying overseas? This can seem
like a maze at times. Here are some things you can,
could, should and ought to consider in finding your
way through this maze to your goal.
Who is IIT
IIT is a trusted I.T., Business Management and Visual Media training provider in
Namibia with branches in Windhoek and Swakopmund and we receive continued
support from the government, the industrial and commercial sectors as well as the
Namibian public in general.
Aim of this article
T
his document aims to introduce you
to Namibia’s leading education and
training provider and to give you a better
understanding of our services; including our
instructor lead training courses which covers
both NQA accredited courses as well as a
myriad of Soft Skills short courses.
IIT’s approach to total ICT solutions is one
of the most significant developments in the
ICT industry in Namibia since 1998. It could
hold massive opportunities and benefits for
you and your organisation as it has for many
Namibians to date.
Our services
I
n education and training, our services
include the development of disciplines
ranging from basic skills in computer literacy
to computer end user specialist development.
This also extends to areas such as high level
hardware, network, servers and software
engineering.
Furthermore, IIT has launched several new
divisions and now also offer professional web
development services along with top level
ICT consultancy services. This expansion
of the IIT service bouquet has allowed us to
deliver a total ICT solution to our clients.
We are proud to announce that in 2012
IIT launched the Office & Communications
Training programme for the Namibian
Police Force – Secure Khomas for All! IIT
sponsored a fully equipped computer lab to
successfully complete training of more than
250 officers.
IIT has developed a blended learning
approach which has been implemented in
Namibia with great success. We offer you,
as a prospective student, the opportunity
to take advantage of the many benefits that
are gained by developing your ability and
skills in I.T., Business Management or
Visual Media. There has been a worldwide
shift towards self paced learning in the past
decade when it comes to corporate IT skills
development. The main reason for this is that
the average learner has developed to become
empowered and to learn at his/her own pace.
Instructor Lead Training
T
he core business of IIT is education and
training; and since 1998 it has served
the Namibian public as the largest and
most trusted privately owned ICT skills
development organisation. IIT has become
an expert in skills development for ICT
disciplines.
Consultancy and Development
W
ith its large pool of skills and qualified
personnel available, IIT made a
shift from being a training organisation to
becoming a solution provider quite easily and
very successfully. IIT’s position as educator
has strategically aligned itself with many of
the key players in the industry. This central,
trusted position in the industry allows IIT to
provide ICT consultancy services with full
support of the industry.
Business division of IIT
excellence. Some universities offer
partial bursaries in the form of a reduction
in fees. Some also offer a discount if
the tuition fees are paid upfront at the
beginning of each year. Generally, you
will need to pay a deposit of at least one
semester’s tuition fees up in order to
secure the documentation you need to
apply for a visa. A few universities will
agree to an instalment plan. Apart from
tuition fees you also need to factor in
living and accommodation costs. Most
reputable universities have a scholarship
n Hidden benefits
Look carefully at benefits that are site on their webpage with information
not immediately obvious. At some that may be helpful to you.
universities successful completion of
your undergraduate course in accounting n More affordable options
gives you exemption from the first 9 Whilst Australia, the UK, Canada, New
ACCA papers. At others, an engineering Zealand and the US are popular study
degree will allow you to join a relevant destinations, they may lie outside your
professional body. Other courses offer budget. A number of Australian and
UK universities now have campuses
you inbuilt industrial training.
in places such as Mauritius, Malaysia,
Republic of Cyprus and South Africa,
n Entry requirements
Ensure that your qualifications meet which are fully accredited and offer the
the entry requirements of your chosen same curriculum so you can, therefore,
university. If they do not, most transfer to the home campus should
universities provide pathway courses. your budget allow. These campuses
These bridging courses take from 6 -10 offer tuition at a lower price point and
months and upon successful completion living costs are less.
you progress to your degree. A premasters pathway is also available, to n Accommodation
enhance academic writing skills and Usually available on campus and will be
provide essential research methodology arranged during the application process
or you can opt to live off-campus or with
skills.
a family.
n Finance
Generally, you will be expected to self- n Accreditation
fund your studies or find a sponsor. Treat accreditation with care and know
Scholarships are few and far between what you are looking for. For example,
and normally awarded on academic your university of choice may be ranked
n Destination and course choice
Research your destination and look
at universities offering your choice of
course. For an undergraduate degree,
consider whether you want a generic
degree such as business followed by a
specialised master’s degree in forensic
accounting for example or a specialised
first degree such as engineering followed
by a generalist master’s in business
administration or project management.
no 61 in the world but for your particular
course more highly ranked at no 6 or 9.
Application process and visas
You may apply online but some
universities, particularly in Australia,
will ask you to apply through a
representative. Reputable universities
will list the representatives in your
area. A good representative will assist
you in all aspects of your application
ad generally you can expect a quick
turnaround time – often within 24 to
48 hours. A representative will also
help you process your student visa
application, often an overwhelming
process. Provided you have the correct
documentation and all supporting
information, your visa will not be
problem.
n Work
Work regulations vary. Currently most
countries allow you work 20 hours per
week or 40 per fortnight during the
semester and 40 hours a week during
semester breaks. Post–study work visas
also change and you need to know what
the regulations are for your destination.
For example, if you complete the last
two years of your degree in Australia,
then you are eligible to apply for the
2-year post-study work permit. In the
UK a sandwich course will provide you
with a full year’s paid work experience.
In some countries you are expected to
leave after you have completed your
studies.
n Final
The above is a quick starter-pack to help
you through the maze.
I
IT recognised the need for Business and
Management training in Namibia and
has developed the Diploma in Marketing &
Business Management to cater for Human
Resources, Marketing, Sales, Economics and
Finance Management, amongst others.
IIT Mission
O
ur mission is to enable individuals and
enterprises to achieve greater success
by providing knowledge, skills, solutions
and services through pioneering efforts and
the usage of appropriate and up-to-date I.T.
technology.
The earlier concept of “training” perceived
as an event with a definite start and an end has
undergone a paradigm shift. Training today
is viewed as a continuous process where the
learner is actively involved in the learning
process.This impacts on both the learner’s
skills improvement and overall development.
In addition, the world has moved from an
era of specialisation and localisation to one
of preparing learners to be multi-skilled
professionals, to meet the demands of an ever
growing/ changing global market place.
INTERESTED IN
STUDYING ABROAD?
• Free professional advice
Australia
SouthAfrica
• Assistence with applications
New Zealand
Switzerland
• Assistence with visas
Canada
Rep of Cyprus
• Accommodation arranged
USA
TRNC
• Airport pick-ups on arrival
Malaysia
Mauritius
YOUR FUTURE IS OUR BUSINESS
Some partial bursaries / scholarships / discounts are available
Barbara Butchart/Ellen Chokwe
C. Sharp Associates
Plot 17949 Haile Selassie Road
Gaborone, Botswana
chokwe.ellen@gmail.com
+267 390 1829 (office)
+ 267 75 528 885 (cell)
Skype: bhanana.chokwe
butchart.barbara@gmail.com
+267 390 1829 (office)
+ 267 72 303 200 (cell)
Skype: barbara.butchart
4
February | 19 | 2015
Insight Into Careers
HUNGRY FOR
SUCCESS?
SUIT
UP!
If you finished high school with a grade 12 certificate with passes in English, Mathematics, Accounting and
Economics, coupled with training provided by us, then working in the retail sector is perhaps the job for you.
.
“YOUR DREAM CAREER
IN RETAIL STARTS HERE...”
WE, THE EMPLOYEES, WILL BUILD THIS COMPANY!
“In order to provide our customers with the best possible service and the best possible prices, we need
each and every employee working for Woermann Retail and Wholesale Group to operate with the same
passion and intensity as that of a retail store owner. In order for us to reach this level, we have however
realised the crucial role that we as an organisation will have to play in developing our current employees
and to ensure that we draw the best possible employees in the industry to the core of our business.”
-Jesko Woermann
CEO of the Woermann Retail and Wholesale Group
Insight Into Careers
“YOUR DREAM CAREER
IN RETAIL STARTS HERE...”
February | 19 | 2015
5
“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and
strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown” - Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
WE, THE EMPLOYEES, WILL BUILD THIS COMPANY!
For this edition, The Namibian spoke to two individuals
who
have,
against
“In order
to provide
our customers
with theall
best possible service and the best possible prices, we need
each and every employee working for Woermann Retail and Wholesale Group to operate with the same
the odds managed to bravely reshape their careers
and
flourish.
passion and
intensity
as that of a retail store owner. In order for us to reach this level, we have however
realised the crucial role that we as an organisation will have to play in developing our current employees
and to ensure that we draw the best possible employees in the industry to the core of our business.”
From banking to media
-Jesko Woermann
CEO of the Woermann Retail and Wholesale Group
U
• YVONNE AMUKWAYA
LLA von Holtz dedicated 26 years of her
life to a career in banking before she decided she had
had enough and she had to
move.
Von Holtz joined the banking
sector at 26 years, and by the
time she left, she had risen to
head of business banking at
Standard Bank Namibia.
Her next port of call was the
media, where she became general manager of The Namibian
newspaper. The affable Von
Holtz says the other aspect of
clients’ lives besides their finances, has always fascinated
her.
“Banking is an environment
where you work with customers and customers come
from different industries and
spheres, so depending on your
job title, you will work with
particular clients.”
“However, it does not matter
what title you hold, you are involved in the finance aspect of
the clients’ complex lives and
Ulla von Holtz
I wanted more than just that,”
she explained.
When then Editor of The
Namibian, Gwen Lister, approached her for a job she did
not think twice about the offer
but packed her bags and left the
bank.
She recalls Lister’s concern
with her shift, as the bank is a
very structured sector while the
media industry is completely
unstructured and individualistic.
“So for me, the learning
curve from banking to the media was intriguing,” said von
Holtz.
The learning curve was steep.
“When I came here, I learnt
that you cannot define a business by looking at its income
statement and balance sheet.
That learning curve was probably the single most enriching
thing for me because of the
complexities,” she explained
passionately.
While a business is generally
defined by analyzing history
and that history is its balance
sheet and income statement,
it was not until Von Holtz
had had a talk with bankers
where she discussed the risks
in media companies that she
knew she had made the perfect
choice.
The two sectors are oceans
apart, but Von Holtz has once
again packed her bags to climb
yet another mountain.
Now the owner consultant
for Starfish, Coaching & Consulting, which focuses on executive coaching, leadership
development strategy and team
facilitation, Ulla continues to
thrive and strive to overcome
greater challenges.
“I am about complexities after all,” she chuckled.
Choose the right partner
(career) for yourself
said that the school is based on the American
education system by institutionalising
CHOOSING a career is basically the
academic excellence.
same as choosing your life partner - you
“I look around Africa and we don't really
don't go on the street and choose just
have that (academic excellence). We have very
anybody,” says Anthony Auchab, head of
good schools but we lack a hub of academic
Academic Programs at the Bridge Institute of
excellence and that is why we came up with
Learning.
the institute. We are responding to a need.”
“Therefore you need to choose well, as this
Auchab, who is also the founder of the
is the person you will be waking up next to for
Bridge Institute of Learning, adds: “Our
what could be the rest of your life. The same
education system is weak compared to other
with careers; it is something you might do
African countries. Schools hardly offer much
for the rest of your life. You might grow and
needed career counseling.”
change but for most of us, that is what we will
“People complain about students failing, but
do,” he explained further.
what will happen if all students pass? Where
With only 42.8% of the grade 12 full-time
will they go?” he asked.
pupils having qualified for admission to tertiary
Currently the Institute is set to visit various
institutions, one can't help but wonder where
institutions in the US in a few month's time.
the rest of the 57.2% will end up.
Auchab says their focus is on getting
While quite a number will head to Namcol,
undergraduates into universities in America in
most might end up taking a gap year, also
the next five years by complementing what the
referred to as a bridge year.
education system already has.
This is mostly taken straight
There are certain requirements
after high school and before
and we want students to
starting university.
meet these requirements by
Founded in 2012, the
preparing them adequately.”
Bridge Institute of Learning
Apart from the foundation
is an institution of higher
programme, the Institute also
education, currently in
has other programmes such
the process of consulting
as public speaking and speech
for accreditation from the
writing, theology, sports
Namibia
Qualifications
management, filming, and
Authority.
offers career counseling.
The Bridge Institute
Although
established
of Learning Foundation
three years ago, most of the
Program offers Grade 12
programmes are only starting
NSSC subjects in order to
off this year, while other
TELLING IT... Anthony
improve their marks, while
programmes such as public
Auchab of the Bridge
preparing students for the
speaking, sound engineering,
Institute of Learning.
transition from secondary
filming and career counseling
school teaching to more
started last year already.
independent tertiary instruction.
The Bridge Institute of Learning also offers
Its goal is focused on establishing knowledge
scholarships for the bridge year/foundation
and skills through a wide variety of course
course called the Legacy Scholarship. The
offerings, including a one-year long foundation
scholarship is meant to benefit four currently
programme.
disadvantaged students who are interested in
While gap years are popular in the Western
studying civil engineering, architecture or
world, Namibia is seeing a slow start to the idea
quantity surveying.
because of the lack of foundation programmes.
“Furthermore,”Auchab states emphatically,
An outspoken Auchab said that foundation
“We don't take you unless you decide to
programmes are a necessity. Many people
go and study further. That is our admission
become teachers, nurses or join the police force
requirement.”
just because they do not meet the minimum
Registrations ended on the 2nd of this month
entrance requirements to enter a tertiary
and the Institute is looking at accommodating
institution.
a maximum of 300 students.
“If they had enough points, they would never
Whilst some parents encourage their children
have picked those professions. As a matter of
to take a gap year, many still frown upon it.
fact, these are callings, not professions,”he
The decision whether to take a gap year is an
emphasized.
individual one and could reap great benefits
In an interview with The Namibian, Auchab
should one make the most of your time.
“
• YVONNE AMUKWAYA
IN TRAINING... John
Ndara and Letisia
Erastus writing a
test as part of the
Woermann Brock
training programme.
Creating opportunities for all
A
• YVONNE AMUKWAYA
s one of the fastest growing
sectors, retail provides
much needed employment.
Woermann Brock, a wholly-owned
Namibian retailer has 33 shops
countrywide, and plans are underway
to add nine more stores.
Working in the retail sector is
perhaps one of the highest paying
jobs for the average youngster with a
grade 12 certificate.
Woermann Brock offers an
18-month practical and theoretical
training programme to people
interested in joining it.
The training programme is not only
for ‘newbies’ but also targets current
employees.
According to the training officer,
Lahja Enkali, branch managers select
two to three hardworking employees
who are then placed in the vigorous
programme in order to develop and
promote individuals.
Individuals from outside apply
through the company's human
resource office. Intakes are recruited
from al regions where the company
has branches.
Training is provided for both
groups simultaneously.
Out of 130 trainees, not more then
30 individuals made it through the
programme last year.
This year, the programme only
took in 30 trainees, while last year's
graduates who need improvement in
certain areas, are being retrained.
Enkali said that the training
programme is very important
because young people do not always
get opportunities to excel in retail.
“If you are working in the retail
industry, you don't always get the
chance for promotion. People remain
in their positions for very long until
they decide to leave,” she said.
With the training programme,
graduates have the opportunity to
become assistant managers, trainee
managers or branch managers.
Currently, one of the trainees is set
to become a regional manager.
“Of course, with promotion come
more benefits, and salary increments
and this motivates people to work
hard as the compensation is really
good,” she said.
Previously, the programme
gave preference to people with
qualifications but Enkali said that
these graduates do not really stay
long.
The only requirement now
is a grade 12 certificate. Retail
experience is an advantage.
Enkali said, “Retail is a very tough
environment to work in. It is not
for everyone. Our vision is for the
programme to grow while enhancing
the skills of trainees.”
She further explained that with the
planned expansions, the company
would need more employees that are
highly effective and efficient.
The application process started in
January and training begins early
February annually and is advertised
on the companies Facebook page.
2015 INTAKE
The Bridge Institute of Learning (BIL) is an institution of higher learning founded with
a goal focused on establishing the fundamental knowledge and skills through a
wide variety of course offerings, which the prospective students need to transform
themselves and effect significant change in areas they develop interests in.
We are inviting applicants for the following courses:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Filming
Audio Production and Sound Engineering
Sports Management
Entrepreneurship and Business Development
Graphic Design
Public Speaking and Speech Writing
Acting
English
N
TIO
A
R
E
IST DLIN ARY
G
RE DEA BRU
FE
th
7
2
Short courses and part-time study options are available.
For more details surrounding our courses and programs,
fee structure and admission contact us:
Telephone: 061 277319
Mobile: 0816764166
Email: info@bridgeiol.com
Website: www.bridgeiol.com
bridge institute of learning
@bridgebil
6
February | 19 | 2015
Insight Into Careers
Looking at Logistics
and Supply
Chain Management
Learning About
Intellectual Property Law
• NDAPEWOSHALI
SHAPWANALE
I
ntellectual property law is a
section of law dealing with the
protection trademarks, patents,
copyright and industrial designs.
It gives the owners the exclusive
right to profit from their intellectual
property for a particular period of
time.
In Namibia the period for
copyrighted material lasts 50 years
after the death of the creator and
author. Universally, the period 70
years after the death of the author or
creator of the work.
A patent has the right to exclude
others from making, selling, offering
for sale, or importing an invention
for some period after the property
has been filed.
A trademark, which may be one of
the most popular forms of protecting
intellectual property, is where one
takes a logo or symbol, a word or a
phrase to distinguish a manufacturers
product from other products.
With that outlined, intellectual
property lawyers do everything
within a legal framework that is
connected with intellectual property.
Within industrial property, for
example, the intellectual property
lawyer assists with the application
of patents and trademarks of your
property as well as defending your
patent or trademark. An intellectual
lawyer draws up licensing
agreements.
In order to practice in intellectual
property law in Namibia you are
only required to be a licensed lawyer
which means that you should have
completed your BJuris, LLB and
passed the bar.
Most lawyers in Namibia are more
familiar with the trademark leg of
intellectual property.
Although one does not necessarily
have to go for extra training in
intellectual property after being
licensed as a legal practitioner,
it is advisable to get training in
intellectual property law as one will
have a more in depth understanding
of not only trademarks, but also
patents and copyright and industrial
design rights.
This was confirmed by Master
Degree holder in intellectual
property law who did his thesis on
patents, Tulonga Nakamhela.
While protecting trademarks is
concerned with protecting a name or
a slogan, patents deal with protecting
an innovation or in an idea, which is
much more complex.
“You are at a better advantage
because you have an understanding
of the different forms of intellectual
property while a normal lawyer
will just know that which they have
taught themselves,” Nakamhela said.
Because the intellectual property
market in Namibia is very small,
there is not much work regarding
that specific field, this may be the
reason there are so few working
within the field.
The Africa University in Mutare,
Zimbabwe offers the Masters Degree
in Intellectual Property Programme
jointly with the World Intellectual
Property Organisation (WIPO)
which provides global accreditation,
meaning graduates are able to
practice anywhere in the world.
GIVING INSIGHT... Helga
Busing-Volschenk, the
chief operation officer of
the Business School of
Excellence.
Photo: Netumbo Nekomba
The educator
also needs to be
educated. We
believe that one
needs to start
from the bottom
up, otherwise
there’s going
to be a whole
generation
without a proper
education.
Logistics is a very
scarce skill and
I think it’s going
to become one of
the most soughtafter skills.
W
orking within Logistics and
Supply Chain Management is not
a career many find alluring, but
there are numerous reasons why it should
be. Based on distribution and controlling
of various goods, project management, and
overseeing imported and exported stock,
are among some of the many branches that
logistics involve.
This is a career that is still considered
'young' and 'new'.
What the public is not necessarily
aware of is that the career opportunities
are amazingly broad, and those who are
involved in logistics are more likely to
develop the skills necessary for the private
and public sector on many occasions.
Logistics is said to make up the heart of
every industry, and indeed, this fact has
been proven. From mining to railways
and sea transport, logistics is a necessary
component in every successful company.
“Logistics and Supply Chain
Management is a massively big field.
Anywhere that there is a stock component,
or even services, requires logistics,”
chief operation officer of the Business
School of Excellence (BSE), Helga
Busing-Volschenk, said. The school, in
collaboration with the Institute of Logistics
and Supply Chain Management (ILSCM),
has supplied academic solutions for those
who wish to embark on a venture in this
particular career.
Training in freight handling is offered, as
well as higher certificates (which equips
individuals with intellectual competencies
and practical skills among others), as well
as a Bachelor in Business Administration
degree in Business Management,
Economics, Business Statistics, Logistics
Management and Supply Chain
Management, all verified through the
National Qualifications framework.
Other options include Road Transport and
a Diploma which allows students to delve
into work-integrated learning opportunities
in various companies around the country.
“The educator also needs to be educated.
We believe that one needs to start from
the bottom up, otherwise there's going to
be a whole generation without a proper
education. Logistics is a very scarce skill
and I think it's going to become one of
the most sought-after skills.” BusingVolschenk explained.
For a chance to study at the Business
School of Excellence, note that the
application is considered on individual
merit as well as three to five years work
experience in a field concerning Logistics.
Although this field of study is internet
based, the school offers study material
and limited contact classes via smart
boards which allow all branches of the
school (in Namibia and South Africa) to
simultaneously engage in activities in realtime teaching.
Aside from the experience, a degree
requires all subjects passed on Higher
Level and English must be a first language
with a 3 score or more. The three-year
diploma requires a certificate, national
or higher certificate from an accredited
higher educational institution, and the
higher certificate in Logistics Management
candidates should be born prior to 1993.
In a rare case, Grade 10 applicants will be
considered. For more information on this
course, visit www.bse.com.na.
Insight Into Careers
February | 19 | 2015
7
What makes professional qualifications
different from academic qualifications
M
any people in our
society still don’t
understand the key
differences between Academic
and Professional qualifications.
Both academic and professional
qualifications are indicative of
some form of achievement, and
both entitle the bearer to use
certain initials before or after
their name, but beyond that they
are quite different.
The essential difference
between professional and
academic qualifications is that
professional qualifications are
‘warrants of competence or
expertise’ whereas academic
credentials are not. With
professional designations, the
certifying body such as the
Chartered Institute of Marketing
(CIM); the Chartered Institute
of Purchasing and Supply
(CIPS); the Association of
Chartered Certified Accountants
(ACCA); the Chartered Institute
of management Accountants
(CIMA); etc. is warranting that
the certified person (tradesperson
or professional) has the essential
knowledge and skills of a
specified domain necessary for
safe and appropriate practice
of the trade or profession. With
academic credentials, there is no
such ‘warrant of competence,’
an academic credential means
that someone has successfully
completed a particular course of
study not that one is competent to
practice a trade or profession.
Professional designations are
always built upon a practice
analysis which defines what
certified individuals need to
know or be able to do. Academic
credentials are rarely based upon
formal and systematic practice
analyses. Academic institutions
do not assume responsibility of
the actions of their graduates. By
contrast, professional do have
some ongoing responsibility for
the behavior of their members.
Professional associations and
regulatory bodies are accountable
for their certification processes.
Professional associations and
regulatory bodies must be
able to demonstrate that they
demonstrated due diligence
in their certification process.
This does not mean that
errors cannot be made, but
professional associations and
regulatory bodies must be
able to demonstrate that their
certification requirements
and standards and assessment
protocols provide reasonable
protection to the public.
Many professional designations
now require recertification in
one form or another. The idea is
that certified individuals must
maintain the level of competence
required for competent practice.
With such professional
designations, individuals who
fail to maintain their knowledge
and skills up to standards, or who
fail to document their efforts at
maintaining their knowledge and
skills, will lose their certification.
Then there is the matter of
recourse. Should a certified
individual exhibit misconduct or
fail to live up to the standards of
the profession, the professional
association or regulatory body
provides for complaints and
discipline processes. Academic
institutions do not have such
mechanisms. Professional
associations and regulatory
bodies have a concern about
the ethics of their members
that academic institutions do
not. Academic institutions are
concerned about academic
misconduct and other forms of
misbehavior but only in relation
to achieving the credential.
Educational institutions do
not set out rules of conduct
that graduates must abide by
after graduation. Professional
associations and regulatory
bodies are, in fact, offering
‘warrants of appropriate
professional behavior,’ which
includes not only competence
but professional ethics and
behavior as well.
As part of their certification
requirements, professional
associations and regulatory
bodies will often require a
specific level of academic
credential, or completion of
a specific course of study.
Certifying bodies will, for
their part, publish lists of
approved programs or courses.
Despite this cooperation
with educational institutions,
most certifying bodies still
conduct examinations. As the
‘warrantors of competence,’
professional regulatory bodies
are reluctant to delegate the
assessment of competence to
some other body. That is why
professional regulatory bodies
will specify education as an
eligibility requirement but still
conduct their own assessments.
In addition to educational
requirements, however,
professional associations and
regulatory bodies will require
candidates to have some
minimum amount of experience.
Although some academic
programs will include various
practical and co-op terms,
the experience requirements
of professional and trade
designations are typically much
more extensive than academic
programs.
The Centre for Training and
Projects Development (Pty)
Ltd (CTPD) offers professional
course programs examined
by various internationally
recognized professional
bodies including the Chartered
Institute of Marketing (CIM);
the Chartered Institute of
Purchasing and Supply
(CIPS); the Association of
Chartered Certified Accountants
(ACCA); the Association of
Business Executives (ABE);
the Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants
(CIMA) and the Chartered
Institute of Logistics and
Transport CILT.
Mr. Frederick Chizu
Simpungwe, Chief
Executive Officer (CTPD).
8
February | 19 | 2015
Of Hopeful hope
• YVONNE AMUKWAYA
Insight Into Careers
FNB study loan more flexible
I
NSPIRED by great African writers such as Chinua
Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ayi
Kwei Armah as well as American Harper Lee and
Englishman George Orwell, Salom Shilongo aspires to
have his work internationally acknowledged.
Shilongo, who hails from the Omusati region, says he
grew up like any other village boy, herding cattle.
“I was not surrounded by books as a child, nor did we
have a library at our school. However I loved reading and
quenched my thirst with whatever material I could find,”
said the soft-spoken Shilongo.
Now in his mid-thirties, a reserved Shilongo is a
published author of “The Hopeless Hopes”.
The story follows a young man's journey from childhood
through the changing landscape of his native homeland.
Similar to most contemporary African literature, the story
highlights disenchantment with current events.
Apartheid and oppression are introduced as themes early
on in the book. The aurthor describes the brutalities of war
with vivid imagery that captures how crudely he lived.
Having put his teaching career on hold in order to pursue
his writing passion, Shilongo has big dreams for the
second edition of his book.
Currently, he is rewriting the book to make the story
more detailed and longer in order to compete at a
continental and global level.
According to Shilongo, the second edition of the book
will have over 300 pages and will expand on the love affair
between Robert, the protagonist and the daughter of the
village headman.
A clearly thrilled Shilongo promised readers long nights
of reading the revised edition of “The Hopeless Hopes”.
At least 600 copies of the first edition were printed and
only about 80 copies are still on bookshelves.
Shilongo is looking at printing over 1000 copies of the
revised edition.
The book launch is expected in June this year, according
to Shilongo.
NB NAMIBIA manager for
student loans, Anneke Hansen
has urged parents to invest in
the education of their children.
“The purpose of the Life Start
Student Loan is to assist students to
meet the cost to pursue further studies
at institutions of higher learning.” she
said.
The FNB student business has
two products, the Life Start Student
account and the Life Start Student
Loan.
As part of the study loan application
requirements, students must have an
account with FNB.
The study loan finances full- time
students, part-time students or
distance students (with or without
formal employment).
allow the student time to find a job
and to get his/her finances in order
before loan repayments start.
“Whilst in the past loans extended
only to master’s students, nowadays
we also give for PHD’s, pilots as well
as finance students studying abroad.
As long as it is at a recognized tertiary
institution,” she explained
Hansen also added that anybody that
is willing to assist a student can apply
for them. “If I want to help you, I can
help you. However, the gross salary
must not be less than N$ 7500.”
In order to apply for the study loan,
students and parents must take along
acceptance letter, proof of registration
letter, ID’s, quotation and payslip.
Graduates repay at the same interest
rate that they were paying during their
last year of study. However, dropouts
repay at Prime +4%.
Customer can pay Interest plus
capital from the beginning. Or,
customer can pay the interest only on
the student loan for the study duration
after which the customer will need
to repay capital plus interest over a
maximum term of 60 months.
After graduation a maximum period
of 6 months will be allowed in which
capital repayments can be halted,
before capital and interest repayments
will begin. The 6-month period is to
• The student fails more than 3
subjects
• The student discontinue studies
• The student changes field of study
• The student moves his/her main
banking account away from FNB,
while any amount is due and owing
• There is a Breach of Contract i.e. if
loan is in arrears
She said that repayment interest rate
will change to Prime plus 4 %, and
F
• YVONNE AMUKWAYA
MAKE THE RIGHT
CAREER CHOICE…
Anneke Hansen, manager
for student loans at FNB.
Government
can not fund
everyone. We
also have that
social economic
responsibility
towards Namibia.
This is our
contribution.
Applicants have two options for
repayments:
However should any of the
following occur:
Now you can GRADUATE
from all degrees of education.
FNB Student Business has evolved.
FNB Student loans now include primary, high school and even PHD fees.
Whatever stage of study you’re at, we’ll help you take care of the financing!
Visit your nearest FNB branch today or call our Student Business division at (061) 299 2484 today. Terms and conditions apply.
the repayment of the loan will start
with immediate effect and the renewal
of the loan will be affected.
In addition, Hansen said, “The loan
is not opened in the students name but
the one who applies for the loan. Thus
it is also their responsibility to make
sure that students study and finish
their studies.”
She further urged students to make
the right career choice. “Students
must be sure what they want to study
and should not go to the Bank after
the first loan was given and change
their courses as it will then cause a
breach of contract.”
Other then the study loan product,
last year FNB also partnered with the
Business School of Excellence (BSE).
BSE offers courses to teachers who
want to further studies in teaching
with FNB’s financial assistance
through North West University.
A survey on ‘Namibia Skills
Deficit’ by the Institute of Public
Policy Research in 2010 shows that
there is a lack of skills in various
sectors.
This shortage is as a result amongst
other reasons, lack of relevant
qualification, lack of relevant
experience and lack of funding.
“Government can not fund
everyone. We also have that social
economic responsibility towards
Namibia. This is our contribution,”
stated Hansen.
Insight Into Careers
2015 SKILLS EXPO TO
PROMOTE VOCATIONAL AND
TECHNICAL CAREERS
T
he Ramatex Textile Factory in Windhoek’s Otjomuise
suburb promises to be a hive of activity as the Namibia
Training Authority (NTA), in partnership with Namibia
Careers Expo (NCE), stages a national Vocational Education and
Training career fair from the 25th to the 27th of February 2015.
According to the NTA’s Manager: Public Relations, Marketing
and Stakeholder Engagement, Mornay Louw, the event brings
together on a shared platform, public and private registered
training providers, corporate entities and other industry
stakeholders to partner the NTA and the NCE in the promotion
of technical and vocational careers.
The 2015 Skills Expo is to place significant emphasis on having
actual job practitioners on site and creating opportunities where
visitors can directly engage them and gain first-hand knowledge
about the various vocational and technical career options available
in the local training market. Louw therefore urges schools to
encourage their more technically-inclined learner cohorts, who
might have a genuine interest in VET career options to attend
and access information about technical and vocational career
options.
“A good number of reputable training institutions, including the
seven Vocational Training Centres under the NTA’s supervision,
will participate and introduce their course offerings and training
services to visitors. Key industry roleplayers and employers who
rely heavily on technical and vocational skills have also confirmed
their participation. The response has been good and visitors
can look forward to exciting interactive sessions with actual
practitioners and interesting onsite simulation activities”, he said.
Louw also encourages parents and guardians to attend. “We
often find that while learners might show a genuine interest in
taking up vocational and technical career paths, they are often
discouraged by their parents and guardians who still deem such
options as dead-end streets with little potential for career growth
and development. In fact, we need parents and guardians to
partner us in countering the perceptions stigmatising vocational
and technical careers as ‘last choice education’ and to fight the
stereotypes profiling vocational and technical jobs as inferior”,
Louw stated.
Louw is also confident that the 2015 Skills Expo will go a long way
in supporting equal opportunities and promote social inclusion
by allowing disadvantaged groups access to opportunities that
might otherwise have been denied to them. Another important
objective is to widen the net beyond what is traditionally
considered the VET cohort (learners who have failed Grade 10
and 12, early school leavers and unemployed youth).
Meanwhile, the NTA has embarked on another exciting pilot
project under which it is to select a group of local vocational and
technical trainees to represent Namibia at the 2015 WorldSkills
competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, later this year. The NTA is now
a full member of WorldSkills International, which brings together
on an international stage vocational and technical practitioners
from member countries to compete in skills competitions in
select occupational areas. Once identified, these trainees will
leave for South Korea to train with members of that country’s
national skills team, in preparation for the Sao Paulo competition
in August. “In fact, the NTA is now going to take the lead in the
organisation of annual national skills competitions from which we
are to select teams in the future. We anticipate for the annual
Skills Expo to later merge with the annual skills competition as
a single event. Staging this event allows us an opportunity to
generate institutional experience in organising an event of this
magnitude and to lay the groundwork for the staging of Namibia’s
first national skills competition”, Louw explained.
The 2015 Skills Expo ties in well with the overall strategic
objectives of the NTA to improve the efficiency of the national
training system and managing its interface with the labour
market.“If individuals make decisions about what they are to learn
in a well-informed and well- thought-through way, linked to their
interests, their capacities and their aspirations, investments in
education and training systems are likely to yield higher returns”,
Louw said.
Interested parties can contact the NTA’s PR and
Marketing Officer, Roberta da Costa at 061-2078521, or
rdacosta@nta.com.na, for more information.
February | 19 | 2015
Inviting all
,
S
R
E
N
R
LEA
PARENTS,
VISITORS
THE 2015
SKILLS
EXPO
25-27 FEB
AT RAMATEX
A 3 day
explosion of
vocational
skills,
training and
educational
platforms and
opportunities
Opening times:
09:00am
till 17:00
+ FREE Entry
+ LIVE Demonstrations
+ INTERACTIVE
Presentations
+ LARGE
Exhibition Area
For more information email info@skillsexponam.com
or call 061 245 711 or visit www.skillsexponam.com
9
10
February | 19 | 2015
Insight Into Careers
It is not ALWAYS about
the money
N
• YVONNE AMUKWAYA
HEART OF THE FARM… Seeds of various herbs and vegetables.
Inviting all
,
S
R
E
N
R
A
LE
PARENTS,
VISITORS
THE 2015
SKILLS
EXPO
25-27 FEB
AT RAMATEX
A 3 day
explosion of
vocational
skills,
training and
educational
platforms and
opportunities
Opening times:
09:00am
till 17:00
+ FREE Entry
+ LIVE Demonstrations
+ INTERACTIVE
Presentations
+ LARGE
Exhibition Area
For more information email info@skillsexponam.com
or call 061 245 711 or visit www.skillsexponam.com
ot everything in life goes according to plan, however
life has a funny way of rewarding one's efforts.
For the past 11 years, Manjo Smith has been
growing herbs and vegetables on her farm just a few km's
from central Okahandja.
The former general manager of Mweb, now AfricaOnline,
left her high profile career to nestle herself in nature.
Sharing her journey with The Namibian, Smith who
worked in the corporate world for close to 12 years' said that
her life changed within one week when she enrolled for a
two-year part-time course at the University of Stellenbosch.
“My plan was to do an MBA, but after my friend
convinced me to attend the course in sustainable
development, things changed. The course was really an eyeopener for me.”
She said that that shift was major. “While it was important
to have money and be able to travel and do what I want
with my life, that all changed at a time that I was starting
my family. I wanted my kids to grow up in a farming
environment,” shares Smith.
Now a mother of two young boys, she said that switching
over to farming has been greatly challenging and rewarding.
“Farming is not easy. It is complex. I learnt through trial
and error, but I wouldn't change it for anything.”
A family-oriented Smith added, “My kids also have a
better understanding of where food comes from and have a
sense of appreciation for life.”
A sector still in its infancy, today Smith is one of a only a
handful of organic farmers in the country. Smith said that
being a farmer is a big responsibility. “Choosing what seeds
to plant and what food to grow effects every single person
buying from you.”
While many people continue to look down on farming as
a path for the uneducated, according to Smith, human life is
dependent on the earth.
“People think that big farms produce the food in this world
but it is not. A huge percentage, in fact 80% of the world's
food is produced by small-scale farmers,” said Smith.
She added, “What happens in agriculture on a worldwide
scale will determine our survival.”
Smith farms with organic parsley, tomatoes and carrots.
Since last year however, she has slowed down on
vegetable production, because of lack of good rains and
baboons.
Even though the learning curve was steep, Smith said
that there was never a day when she was bored. “I have
never ever been bored here. It is such a challenge, not only
in organic farming but other types of farming. You learn
GO ORGANIC… local organic farmer Manjo Smith is
also vice president of the International Federation of
Organic Agricultural Movement.
every time. Every season, every plant is different,” she
emphasized.
Recently appointed vice president of the International
Federation of Organic Agricultural Movement (IFOAM),
Smith said she is privileged to serve the industry.
She is also the chairperson of the Namibia Organic
Association, which she helped establish five years ago.
“It's not about your degree, but your passion and what you
are prepared to do for the industry. I had to learn how to do
this single-handedly. Getting involved in the international
organic community really enhanced my skills,” she shared.
The brain behind Green Spot Organic, Smith that while
her farm supplies the market with organic products twice a
week, demand is much higher than the supply.
“We never have enough. There is a huge market and this is
only in Windhoek.”
Corporate to organic farming.
“All my marketing, management, organisational and
public relations skills I am using on the farm.”
Smith produces and packages her products with the
assistance of 14 farm workers.
Green Organic Spot can be found at Food Lovers Market,
Super Spar (Grove and Maerua Mall), Ocean View at the
coast and the Organic Box (online organic shop).
Currently, Smith is attending Biofach, which is the largest
international organic expo.
Success comes through trial & error
• YVONNE AMUKWAYA
W
ho would have thought that
selling sweets on campus
would ever get one so far?
From humble beginnings to the sole
owner and Managing Director of The
Virgin Hair Boutique Cc, 25 year old
Albertina Ashisheoshange Ndishishi
opens up to The Namibian about
where she started her journey and her
new hair line.
The Virgin Hair Boutique has
established itself as the leading
virgin hair wholesaler in the country
supplying premium quality virgin hair,
and hair care products not only to the
Namibian market but to neighbouring
countries such as South Africa, Zambia
and Zimbabwe
Ndishishi who classifies herself as a
self-funded entrepreneur is a graduate
from the University of Namibia,
having completed her Honours in
Industrial Psychology and Sociology
in 2010.
Raised by her grandmother,
Ndishishi said that she comes from a
humble background.
“I started selling popcorns while I
was a freshman in high school, at the
same time I used to sell ice at home as
well,” shares Ndishishi.
Knowing my circumstances at home,
I knew I had to do something to help
out in the little way that I could, I was
able to buy own stationery as well as
toiletries for myself.
Ndishishi said that after enrolling at
DRIVEN… 25-year old Albertina
Ndishishi is the owner of the
popular Virgin Hair Boutique.
the University of Namibia, she soon
realized that she would have to earn
extra money because tuition fees was
costly not to mention the books and
taxi fare. It is then that she decided to
start selling sweets on campus.
Recalling her struggle, Ndishishi
said that with the money, she was able
to pay for her own taxi fare as well as
save some money.
At the beginning of her second year,
19-year-old Ndishishi said that she had
saved close to N$6,000.
“Looking at the money I wondered
what I was going to do with it because
I felt like it was so much! It is then
that I decided that I wanted to sell
hair extensions and that is where my
journey started,” she eluded.
Today, barely five years later.
Ndishishi has grown into a force
to reckon with. The booming hair
industry is no place for quitters and
according to her; the road does get
smooth but never easy.
Upon returning from an exchange
program in Europes, Ndishishi
imported her first set of hair extensions
which she bought from an Argentinean
wholesaler.
Ndishishi said that the beginning was
not easy and stayed for months without
selling a single packet of hair but soon
it grew.
“I saw that there was great demand
for the products and I also realized that
in spite of the high demand, a lot of
the products that were on the market
were of low quality and people were
charged hefty amounts.”
She then decided to do wholesale
too.
Today her shop supplies over 700
individual sellers in and outside the
country that we supply the hair to on a
monthly basis.
Ndishishi also ventured into the
hair care industry. She has her own
hair care products, the virgin hair
care system, a hair care line for virgin
human hair.
The admirable young
businesswomen is driven by the,
‘Work hard today to enjoy tomorrow,’
her motto.
The Virgin Hair Boutique is situated
at Khomasdal, Parkfood Shopping
Mall.
Insight Into Careers
February | 19 | 2015
John Savva’s
ingredients for success
you develop these twin qualities – the ability
to step out in faith and then to persist resolutely in the face of all difficulties – your
success is guaranteed.
T
• ADAM HARTMAN
HE Walvis Bay billionaire John Savva is a man with many friends in
every circle of the society, including
high places, and he is considered one of the
wealthiest men in the country. He has been in
Namibia for 45 years.
Those who earn money easily and dishonestly will also lose it easily, says Savva
(JS) who is also the Honorary Consul for Cyprus and Greece. He shared a little of who he
is with The Namibian (TN).
TN: Tell us a little about who you are.
JS: I was born in Cyprus. My dream was to
buy an American car. They were smart and
powerful. I saved money and bought a Pontiac Persian 1970 model – six metres long. I
sold it because it was too expensive to run
when fuel prices sky-rocketed in the early
70s.
I had three children. My eldest son, Yianni,
died in a motor car accident near Walvis Bay
in October 2010.
We have passion for helping people. Cyprus was a colony like Namibia. The relationship between the people of Cyprus and
Namibia has been very close. I advise a lot
of people going into business. I assist and
advise them to do it right.
TN: What is it like being a personal friend
of the founding President Sam Nujoma,
President Pohamba and other political
leaders?
JS: They are good people. Every good citizen loves them. They fought and sacrificed
their lives for Namibia.
They spent the best years of their lives in
exile; moving from one country to another,
one mountain to another, leading the struggle, so that we can have freedom and peace.
Who doesn’t want to be friends with leaders of this country? Every Namibian is their
friend. We can see it from the rallies, how
they pull the crowds. My friendship with
them is open and respectful.
TN: Does money make friends?
JS: No. Money cannot buy friends. We know
money is a powerful thing.
Nothing can be done without money. It can
affect real human feelings such as friendship or love. It can make you enemies. Some
people can become jealous, because of your
wealth. Jealousy can change attitudes.
It is quite easy to notice. Some people calling themselves businessmen knock at your
door and offer business ventures. In fact,
they can be cheats who want to take the opportunity to get easy money. Money can’t
make friends. Be humble, be yourself and
recognise everybody around you.
Money must never define your personality.
At all times, be a philanthropist - in Greek
‘philos’ means a friend and ‘anthropos’ a human being. I have believed in that since I was
young.
TN: How do you know who your real
friends are?
JS: My wife and I discuss this matter often,
because we meet people all the time. Can he
be a good friend? Can we trust this person?
Is that person honest?
It is very difficult to tell who your true
friends are. The ones who will see you
through thick and thin, the good and the bad,
the ups and downs. It may be hard to know
who your real friends are. It is very important
for friends to discuss their lives.
A true friend will admit fault, ask for forgiveness when wrong and extend forgiveness
to you when you are wrong. A real friend
sticks up for you whether you are there or
John Savva
not. Someone who does not stand up for you
with things you care about is not your friend.
My wife is my best friend, because there is a
mutual trust and understanding between us.
TN: How did you start your business?
JS: The beginning was very difficult.
It was surely a long journey. You make
mistakes and learn. I started as a personal
assistant and started my business at 25. I
started in retail and ventured into other different businesses I have a passion for. I want
to see Walvis Bay becoming Namibia’s biggest city in the near future.
TN: What do you say to those wishing to
become wealthy?
JS: Don’t spend frivolously. Don’t buy a car
unless you can afford it.
Don’t trust anyone coming to sell you nice
stories about investments. If you are in debt
by more than 10% of your annual income,
this is a red card. Track your spending, make
a budget. Selfdiscipline is more important
now than ever. Get in the habit of making
smart choices.
There are no gains without pain. Successful leaders in business often demonstrate
attributes such as an ability to effectively communicate their vision, honesty and
openness with their dealings, skillfulness
in planning and developing strategies, clear
vision of business goals, positivity, reliability, pro-activeness and self-awareness and
self-direction. I understand my processes
and know how to direct myself.
Make decisions quickly when necessary,
but also slow down to consider all the options. Decide on what is important to you
and pursue that. Good work habits can pay
enormous dividends. Most wealthy men are
self-made. They may have studied hard in
school, took some calculated risks, worked
even harder on their business and reached
their goals. They know what it’s like to be
poor or middle class. Good times cannot last
in business, so keep on working to ensure
your business is protected and never take for
granted what you have.
TN: What is your biggest success in life?
JS: To choose the best girl in the world to
be my wife, Roulla. There is nothing better
than to have a good partner. That was my
biggest success that no money in the world
can buy.
She is my partner and companion who understands me. Caring is not a matter of convenience, it is a commitment of one soul to
another.
TN: What is your secret to success?
JS: Success is simple – it comes through
hard work 24 hours a day.
Love what you do, be motivated and determined. My shop was the size of two rooms;
that’s how I started.
I tightened my belt and ate brown bread.
No wine and dining out; no expensive
things. It was just to keep on moving; that is
how successful people start. You start from
the bottom and learn the nuts and the bolts.
To set out on the way to wealth and become
a self-made entrepreneur, you will have to
develop many qualities at a higher level than
you ever before.
You will have to become an exceptional
person. You will have to become more than
you ever imagined possible for yourself.
You must develop the virtues of integrity;
courage and persistence. You will have to
practice the qualities of clarity, competence,
creativity, concentration and continuous
action until they are as natural to you as
breathing.
You will have to accept complete responsibility for your life and everything that happens to you. The entrepreneur is one who
undertakes the risks of a new venture in pursuit of profit.
The majority of people don’t have sufficient courage to launch a new venture, to
start a new business, to boldly go where no
one has gone before.
You need, first of all, the courage to begin, to move out of your comfort zone in
the direction of your goals and dreams, even
though you know you will experience many
problems, difficulties and temporary failures
along the way. Second you need courage to
endure, to hang in there, to persist in the face
of all adversity until you finally win. When
TN: What is Namibia’s biggest problems?
JS: We must combat unemployment. We
need skills development.
We must maintain the peace that we inherited from the Founding President and continued by President Pohamba and I am sure
will continue under the next President, Hage
Geingob. Our political structure is correct
and Swapo proved that they can do the job.
The skills development affects everyone,
because it is so closely linked to Namibia’s
growth and development.
The quality of education becomes a joint
responsibility of the private sector, society
and government and it is therefore essential
that a partnership between government and
the private sector be supported to improve
training in all sectors of the economy.
Service delivery should remain at the core.
We must engage the business community,
municipal employees, government employees irrespective which sector we are working to establish a culture of the good service
delivery so that people receive what they
deserve.
Service excellence is an attitude that
should be engrained in every department
from the ordinary teller, office clerk, hotel
receptionist, bank employee, house keeper,
painter, refrigeration, technician, petrol attendant, taxi driver, police officer, teacher,
municipal councillor, member of parliament,
to the CEO or owner of any organisation.
Let’s build a nation of service deliveries.
TN: What’s your biggest fear?
JS: I have no fears. I have the best partner
and friend Roulla by my side.
TN: What message do you have for the
new president?
JS: My message is very clear. He’s an experienced man who has been the Prime Minister for many years; he gained vast experience in administration and politics. He must
keep the legacy of President Nujoma and
President Pohamba alive; based on the principles of peace, unity, stability, development
and keep the people of Namibia together.
I firmly believe Namibia will continue to
prosper under him. Foreign investors must
invest now and not leave it too late.
TN: Tell us a little about your consulship?
JS: It is an honour to be appointed as one.
I have two portfolios: Consular of Cyprus
and Consular of Greece in Namibia. It does
not come easy to be appointed by the country where you were born; therefore it’s a big
honour. It’s worth more than money.
TN: People say you are a generous man
– with your money, time and person. Do
people take advantage of you?
JS: Yes, some people take advantage of your
kindness. I have a passion to help people
who are honest and have good intentions.
That way I am also investing in the economy
of our country by creating entrepreneurs. We
were designed to seek and discover happiness in loving and caring and we have been
taught from an early stage in our lives to
respect and be kind to others. However in
some cases people take advantage of your
generosity and kind nature expecting more
than is fair or right.
Such people may repeatedly ask for favours and cause you to feel obliged without
showing you any respect. If you feel people
are taking you for granted, protect yourself
by setting boundaries.
11
12
February | 19 | 2015
Insight Into Careers
Bridging the gap in industry
S
• YVONNE AMUKWAYA
imeon Mueze dreams of owning his
own business one day and with the twoyear fully funded training programme
of CATS, he might just be able to realise his
dream. Established in 2005, the Commercial
Advancement Training Scheme (CATS) is a
unique business administration skills development programme that combines theoretical
learning and practical experience in the
workplace.
CATS Namibia was established by various
companies within the logistics/ transport
industry in response to the severe commercial
skills shortage experienced in Namibia.
The two-year commercial training programme is based on the German dual training
system and aims to prepare young Namibians
to participate in the modern business world.
Tuition fees and books are fully covered
by the programme and trainees also receive
a monthly allowance from a CATS member
company.
In an interview with The Namibian, the
soon to be graduated young man says he is
very fortunate to benefit from a fully funded
programme.
One of two other children raised by a single
mother, Mueze completed his matric at De
Duine Secondary School.
“CATS changed my life. I could not afford
to pay for my university fees, I did not get a
loan from NSFAF,” he said
Thus when the opportunity rose, Mueze did
not hesitate to send hand in his application
form.
CATS trainees also get a monthly allowance
of between N$ 2000 and N$ 3000 from the
member company.
Mueze who is a trainee at the African Marketing Company uses part of his allowance to
pay for his accommodation in Windhoek. He
is set to graduate in May.
A major part of the CATS training programme is the practical training, which runs
from Monday to Thursday.
“As a CATS trainee, you rotate through all
the departments in the company and you gain
expertise in each of them. The duration at a
certain department depends on the size of the
company,” shared an enthusiastic Mueze.
One of three trainees left from the initial
six doing practicals with African Marketing,
Mueze said that it is not easy. “To make it,
you need to be dedicated. The programme
requires a lot of time and hard work.”
Mueze who was also a relief teacher at De
De Duine Secondary School during his gap
year, urged students who are finding it hard
to get into University and want a commercial
career, to consider the programme.
After successfully completing the 2-year
programme, a trainee receives an internation-
CATS TRAINEE… Simeon Mueze
sharing his experience.
ally recognized diploma as an industrial
management assistant.
Theoretical training is provided by the
Polytechnic of Namibia on Fridays and
Saturdays (Half-day). The Polytechnic of
Namibia issues successful graduates with
a Certificate in Applied Business Process
Management.
CAS is a joint creation of the South African and German chambers of commerce
and industry and was transferred to the
Namibian context in 2004.
It is a Section 21 company, not for gain,
which currently consists of 27 member
companies.
People with work experience who are
over the age of 23 can qualify for the programme via the mature age entry test.
Career Opportunities at Nedbank
As a leading Namibian Financial Institution, our success depends on the calibre of
people we invite to join our professional and highly skilled team. For 40 years we have
focused on building an environment where motivated people flourish. If you can make
a contribution to our team, join us.
Suitably qualified and highly motivated candidates are invited to apply for the following
position:
Personal Banker – Eenhana Branch
Reporting to the Branch Manager
Key Responsibilities:
• Acquisitionofnewclientsandretentionofexistingclients.
• Deliverworldclassbenchmarkedcustomerservice.
• Compilationandmaintenanceofactionplanstoincreasebankingsales
• Exceedmonthlysettargets.
• Marketingofthevariousbank’sproducts.
• Maintaininganddevelopingrelationshipswithexistingandnewclients
Abilities Requirements:
• Customerservicedriven.
• Extensiveandsoundexperienceinallaspectsofsalesandbanking.
• Musthaveahighdegreeofself-confidence,beabletoworkindependentlyandmustbeaselfstarter
• Goodproblemsolvingandanalyticalskills.
• Abilitytoworkunderpressureandaflexibleapproach
• Asoundcreditbackgroundlinkedwithsuperiorinterpersonalandmarketingskills.
• Knowledgeandexperienceoffinancialstatementsandtheanalysisthereof.
• Excellentknowledgeofbank’sproductsandsystems.
Education and Experience Requirements
• Grade12(25points),aDiplomainbusiness/bankingrelatedstudies.
• Adegreeinarelatedfieldwillbeanadvantage.
• Minimumof5(Five)yearsretailsalesexperienceinabankingenvironmentofwhichatleast2
(Two)yearsasaSalesSupport.
• Computerliterate(MSWord,MSExcel,MSPowerPoint).
• ApplicantwillberequiredtoworkonsomeSaturdays.
How to Apply:
Thebankoffersanaboveaverageremunerationpackage,excellentbenefitsaswellasastimulating
workingenvironment.
Closing date for applications: 5 March 2015
Interested applicants meeting the requirements should forward a detailed CV (which
includes a career outline to date) together with supporting documents to: Human
Resources Department, Nedbank Namibia, P. O. Box 1, Windhoek (12-20 Dr Frans
Indongo Street, Windhoek) or Recruitment@Nedbank.com.na
Please note that no documents will be returned and only shortlisted candidates will
be notified.
(Affirmative Action Candidates are encouraged to apply)
I CAN… Uaanda Karirao is a graduate of Kayec (inset). POLISHING HER SKILLS…
Elina Johannes is completing a three-month long course in general electrical.
Training young people to
be economically active
1
• YVONNE AMUKWAYA
9-year old Uaanda Vaanda
Karirao is one of many
other young people
who did not make it into the
mainstream vocational centers
but underwent various training
programmes.
A soft-spoken Karirao did
basic training in joinery and
carpentry making at the Klein
Aub Resource School before
enrolling at Kayec KAYEC.
Karirao who was raised by
his grandfather said that he
(grandfather) decided to put him
in vocational training because
he was not performing well in
school??.
A community based training
center, Kayec has contributed to
the livelihood of over a thousand
young Namibians.
Founded by the Anglican
Church in 1994, the organization
is registered as a trust Trust
and has grown from strength to
strength.
It started as a center providing
training in office administration. Today, the center offers
various programmes such as
bricklaying and plastering,
plumbing and pipefitting,
welding and fabrication,
carpentry and joinery, general
electric, painting and glazing,
ICDL (base) and shuttering
amongst others.
Course duration vary from
three, four and six months.
According to Eneas Emvula,
Employment Liaison Officer
at Kayec, the center remains
interested in solidifying its
role in society by training
young people. While Kayec
used to design their own
course material, they are now
transitioning to accredited
training material by Namibia
Training Authority (NTA). A
process that started in 2014.
Emvula said that while
they are trying to diversify
their means of income,
Kayec still relies heavily on
donor assistance and funding
especially USAID and NTA.
“Many of the courses cost
round N$ 1 600 and on average,
it costs around N$ 13 000 to
train a single trainee and that
difference all comes from our
donors,” he said.
Kayec also helps student
trainees get into mainstream
vocational training by helping
them acquire the relevant
work experience through job
attachments.
Although Karirao was
struggling to get into
mainstream vocational training
because he does not have Grade
10; As of this month, he will be
attending evening classes at a
Windhoek Vocational Training
center in cabinet making for a
month-long.
A driven Karirao who recently
completed his three months
course in carpentry at Kayec
was working at the Katutura
SME centre making cabinets.
In an interview with The
Namibian, Karirao said that
he wants to be a professional
cabinetmaker. “I hope to run my
own company some day. That
is what I am working towards
P
U
R
E
W
O
P
ER
YOUR CARE
with
evening courses in:
• CONSTRUCTION CARPENTRY
• SHUTTERING
• CONCRETE WORK
•
INTERNATIONAL
COMPUTER DRIVING LICENCE
Don’t lose your place—
come register in person today!
at KAYEC in Wanaheda—corner of Kampala & City Streets
Telephone 081.129.1109
Women are especially welcome!
Construction courses—3 months, February–May
N$200 deposit (N$600 full fee)
ICDL course—6 months, February–August
N$800 deposit (N$1,600 full fee)
If you are over 16 and out of school, KAYEC (Trust 250/99) wants to help you
train your job skills so you can find work and help your family and community.
Sponsored by the Namibia Training Authority, with U.S. government support
through USAID funding from PEPFAR.
and I know that one day I will,”
he shared.
Emvula added that Kayec is
working towards harnessing
their relationship with both
private and public sector by
providing trainees with job
attachment opportunities.
“We don’t just want to release
graduates. We want to empower
young people to actually make
a meaningful contribution to
the economy. It is not only the
person earning an income, this
person is able to strengthen their
household economically,” he
noted.
Emvula said that the
entrepreneurship training, which
they provide trainees with, has
assisted some of the graduates
to become entrepreneurs
themselves.
Besides the vocational
training aspect, Kayec also
has a youth development
programme which runs at 48
schools in nine different towns
and is progressing well as it
targets children from the most
disadvantage household settings.
“One thing that we are really
proud of is that for the past three
years, these students learners
have been out-performing
the national average in their
pass rate even though they
are coming from the toughest
backgrounds,” Emvula shared.
Asked what their greatest
challenge is, Emvula said that
while vocational training centers
give training to people with a
certain amount of resources,
Kayec’s challenge is to help fill
the remaining gap.
Emvula added that while
there is progress, finding a
common ground with industry
remains a problem. “There is
a need to establish a national
job attachment incentive for
industry. They also find it
difficult to dig in the pockets
even though they understand the
importance of job attachment not
only for students trainees but for
them and the country at large.”
In addition, he said, “What
we are busy with is essentially
increasing the skills level of our
people. And these are people
whom they (industry) might
employ or employ others.
Thus we need to increase their
willingness to take on more
trainees on job attachment. Not
to leave out the role of trade
unions and other institutions
such as Metal and Allied
Namibian Workers Union
(MANWU) and Construction
Industry Federation (CIF)”
Last year, 744 trainees
enrolled at Kayec and this year,
they are looking at at least 750
more trainees.
Since establishment, Kayec
has expanded to Ondangwa.
In 2014, Kayec opened a new
center in Southern Industry that
works with heavy machinery
such as forklift operator training.