Lissony Njembo
Two brothers in Okahandja’s Nau-Aib are continuing their late father’s legacy by running a family welding workshop that has supported them since time immemorial.
Gerson and Charles Tjaveondja are co-owners of the workshop previously owned by their late father and later by their late elder brother, a well-known welder, Katjirumendu Tjaveondja. Katjirumendu and Charles worked on the roofing of Okahandja Mall when it was constructed; for Charles, it was a major milestone.
The business has grown from a small home-based workshop, although it is still operating in the backyard, into a reliable source of income for their families and employees. Their journey in welding started when they were schoolboys. Their father worked at a welding workshop and operated one at home, where he would sometimes take them along to assist him and learn basic skills.
It was during this period that their legendary father took them through the ropes, transferring both skill, zeal, and metallic ilk.
During their high school years, they spent weekends and school holidays helping at the home workshop, slowly gaining experience that would later shape their careers.
“This business has been with us ever since we were young, and I grew very fond of it. When I completed Grade 10, I started working for my brother,” said Charles. The workshop manufactures trailers, steel pots made from old geysers, burglar bars, designer steel gates and fences, and cattle rails.
They also restore damaged metal parts on machinery, vehicles and pipelines.
“The only challenge is that customers do not pay the amount quoted. After the job is completed, they start making excuses,” said Charles. “Despite everything, I am grateful for one of my customers, the owner of Okashandja, who does upfront payments. I have never had a problem with him,” he added.
Now in their immaculate prime, the business is preparing the next generation to continue the family trade.
“We have employed my son, Avihe Tjaveondja, who showed interest when he was 13 years old. For him, it comes naturally. I am planning to enrol him at a vocational school since welding professions have advanced nowadays. He might learn something that will benefit our company,” he said.
He added that his nephew, Newboy Tjaveondja, also works at the workshop and contributes design skills after studying graphic design.
What is more, Gerson did not initially enjoy the work during his younger days.
He was under the impression that his father and brother were simply shoving the work down his throat.
However, after spending three to four years in the village without employment, he realised the opportunity that existed within the family business.
He later joined the workshop on a full-time basis and was eventually employed as the business expanded. He has never looked back since.
Today, he is a proud co-owner following the passing of his elder brother. “I enjoy our work, and I am very passionate about our company because it caters for our daily needs and takes care of my family,” he said.