Lahja Nashuuta

Some civil servants would stop at nothing when given the opportunity to blow their horn, and they would sing like canaries at the drop of a hat.

But there are those like Simson Ochurub who take pride in their work, and prefer to wax lyrical about their respective projects and collective efforts as team players.

Ochurub is a civil servant of note, who strongly believes that efficient public service is vital to a well-functioning country that maximises its developmental potential and the welfare of its citizens.

The 33-year-old Tsumeb native is currently serving as a personal assistant to the Khorixas Town Council CEO and mayor. He is devoted to serving his employer with commitment and zeal.

Ochorub joined the public service in September 2011 as assistant clerk at the education ministry’s Kunene regional office for four years. 

He was later promoted to an administration officer within the same ministry. 

In 2015, Ochurub moved to the Namibia Correctional Service in Windhoek, where he served as a registry officer.

He later left to work as a senior administrative officer in the Erongo region, attached to the Okombahe settlement, where he served until 2019.

In 2020, he moved to the Khorixas Town Council, working for the CEO and mayor’s office, a position he currently holds.

Narrating the early days of his career, Ochurub said he matriculated from Etosha High School, and before he joined the public sector, he worked part-time while studying. 

“I used to work as a part-time employee at various places such as the Electoral Commission of Namibia, and NamPost,” he said.  

Fit like a glove

Ochurub is one of the few personal assistants to have found a niche for himself in the female-dominated field, and said the job “fits him like a glove”.

He, however, was not shy to reveal that being an administrator was not his first option, as he wanted to be a computer technician. 

“Initially, I wanted to study system administration, mastering computer science and becoming a computer technician one day. I ended up in office administration, a career I fell in love with and am passionate about. I fell in love with administration because I strongly believe that being part of two key offices, I can positively influence the lives of people,” he said.

Ochurub is currently responsible for ensuring there is smooth operation within the offices. He is also responsible for ensuring that all the arrangements, protocols and council meetings are organised smoothly. 

“I consider myself as the right hand of the CEO and mayor in ensuring the decisions are implemented,” the assistant said. There is no job without challenges, and, working for politicians is the most challenging. 

I am responsible for seven local authorities, ensuring the decisions made by the leaders are implemented,” he said.

While juggling his duties, Ochurub said he learned to be accommodating and understanding in his job.

He further revealed that it is fulfilling to put smiles on the community’s faces.

“I am planning to serve the public service until the last breath. It does not matter which sector I might land in, as long as it is the government. Ochurub wishes to broaden his knowledge and become a public servant of note. I want to make a difference in people’s lives, being a productive and efficient public servant,” he said.

-lnashuuta@gmail.com