Abel Siseho Mubita, who killed two birds with one stone by graduating from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) last year while employed at the institution as a security guard, is hopeful he will get an opportunity to use his qualification.
The 31-year-old’s sheer determination to obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice garnered him public applause and admiration at the time.
However, the public’s adoration and media attention have not culminated in him landing a job in his field.
“It’s been tough. As we speak, I am still working as a security guard at NUST. I have not gotten any interviews or offers from the organisations that advertised vacancies in my field,” he said.
The young graduate said he thought it would be a walk in the park to get employment, considering the media attention he received.
“People keep asking me if I have been hired by any organisation. It is discouraging to have to tell them that I am still a security guard, based on their reactions,” she said.
Mubita stated that none of the organisations that praised his efforts have assisted in his search for employment.
“Security guards are often seen as inferior people who make very little money. The hours are long too. I often work more than 12 hours a day,” he said.
The police-officer aspirant and a resident of Windhoek’s Goreangab Dam area noted that despite the daily challenges, he is grateful for the job he currently has. “At least it provides for my basic needs and those of my parents. I have learned that even if things start difficult, they can eventually get better,” he said. The lack of opportunities has not shattered his dream of becoming a police officer.
He plans to further his studies to gain knowledge and understanding of law.
“Currently, I am familiar with handling cases. I’m patient when it comes to handling cases. The security job made me to be social with the public, and help them amicably. The best motive is to protect the community at large, and the property and lives of people,” he said.
It is Mubita’s dream to one day help disadvantaged people within the community through law.