Bravery Kabula

Laina Kuutondokwa is in her late 20s, but her voice carries the weight of someone who has spent years observing people, listening and thinking deeply.

Born in Windhoek, raised in the northern part of Namibia, and now based in Swakopmund, she moves between places with ease, drawing lessons from each stage of her life.

By profession, Kuutondokwa is a teacher. By calling, she is a writer whose work centres on faith, personal growth and the power of the mind. Her writing journey did not begin in a classroom or behind a publishing desk, but in quiet moments of reflection.

“I started writing in 2022 while drafting notes for short videos on YouTube, as I just wanted to encourage someone out there, and then the words kept coming, so that’s when I realised writing was becoming something serious for me,” she said.

Those early notes slowly turned into manuscripts and eventually into published books.

“There is a strong need for personal experience that leads to deeper encounters within our inner consciousness, and then from there comes knowledge and wisdom that help people live better lives,” she said.

Although she has published several books, the idea that her stories could reach beyond Namibia came later.

“I had to pause and breathe, then I felt revived knowing that one day I could represent Namibia internationally through my writing,” she recalled.

The path, however, has not always been smooth.

“There was a time when negative words made me pack everything away, and I put my writing in a box and forgot about the dream,” she said.

That moment changed when she met her mentor, Apostle Danny of Dimensions of Yahweh.

“He spoke sense and life into me, which changed everything for me,” she further added.

Her books are rooted in the Biblical word of God, and at the centre of her writing is Jesus Christ.

“I want the youth to have transformed minds so they can become strong and brilliant leaders for this nation,” she said.

Interestingly, Kuutondokwa does not write extensively about her personal life. She prefers to keep her experiences in the background.

“One day I will write about my own journey, as I want to encourage someone who may be going through similar struggles,” she said.

Writing has changed the way she views the world. She said she now looks at situations more closely, always searching for understanding and solutions.

“Being an author taught me to dig deeper and made me want to speak life into people, whether through words I write or words I speak,” she narrated.

For Kuutondokwa, being a writer in Namibia comes with responsibility. She believes authors have the power to influence how people think and act.

“The mind is a powerful weapon, and writing can help people move away from habits that harm them and towards a life that benefits the whole society,” she said.

Despite her passion, she acknowledges that authors in Namibia face real challenges. Publishing costs, limited exposure and reaching readers across the country remain major hurdles.

“Finances and visibility are big issues which result in many good stories not reaching the people who need them most,” she explained.

Through it all, she draws strength from her support system.

“They always ask when the next book is coming,” she said with a smile. Currently, Kuutondokwa is working on the next episode in her book series. She is also planning a launch event where she hopes to bring together writers, young readers, and aspiring authors.

“I want us to connect and build something meaningful together because I believe there is so much talent in this country,” she added.

To young writers, her message is: “Your dreams are valid, and even if no one is clapping for you, just keep writing because one day it will all come alive.”

– mathebravery@gmail.com