SWAKOPMUND – When he is not running one of the country’s busiest local authorities or attending to his family and friends, he is deep into his thoughts, recording and penning.
For Swakopmund CEO Alfeus Benjamin, writing is more than just a hobby.
It is a personal outlet, a leadership tool and a way of documenting life’s most complex transitions.
Benjamin recently launched his third book, Lessons from Local Government.
The book gives insight into the role of a CEO at mega institutions. In addition, Benjamin authored one of the fan favourites, ‘Die Nuwe Skoolhoof’, which deals with issues around being a principal at a white school.
The other book is ‘Road to Self-discovery’. Recently, New Era’s Evelin de Klerk sat down with Benjamin to tap into his omnipotent well of wisdom.
“I always call myself an accidental writer. I studied English and always enjoyed reading and following debates.
Even as a teacher, I was naturally drawn to writing,” Benjamin said during an interview with New Era.
He credits his family dynamics and teaching background, combined with his involvement in local authorities, for his third book, ‘Lessons from Local Government’.
“I am a husband and father to four boys. I consider myself blessed to have hundreds of adopted sons and daughters through the relationships I’ve built over the years,” he said.
Benjamin’s passion for reading was first inspired by African-American authors, such as Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison and Malcolm X.
As an English major, he later discovered powerful African voices like the late Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Chinua Achebe.
Their work deepened his appreciation for storytelling, shaping his identity as an author.
“In my leadership journey, I’ve drawn wisdom from leaders like Myles Monroe and John Maxwell.
Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in the works of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, reading everything I can find. I do not have a single favourite author now, as I read broadly –
especially materials that support personal growth and self-development,” he stated.
Local governance
Benjamin said ‘Lessons from Local Government’ reflects on his extensive experience and
knowledge in municipal leadership.
Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, it blends personal reflections with practical guidance on governance, leadership and community engagement.
“Local government is the closest form of government to the people. It is where real change begins. This book is from both the negatives and positives – the successes and failures I encountered. I hope this book will serve as a resource for those who wish to make a positive impact in their communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, in ‘Die Nuwe Skoolhoof’, he chronicles his transition from being a teacher to principal of a former white school during a time when racial dynamics were still visibly present in the education sector.
He said he felt a need to share his encounters and experience, as it is part of what moulded his character.
“I felt that story had to be told. It wasn’t about portraying myself as a victim. It was
about highlighting the realities of walking into a racially sensitive work environment and how to navigate it,” he reflected on the book.
Benjamin wrote the book not only to share his experience but also to guide others who may find themselves in similar situations.
He wants people to read it and say ‘Watch out for that. Be prepared for this’.
“It’s about being aware and knowing how to handle certain situations,” he said.
The book was inspired by letters he wrote to his sons during earlier years.
“As a father, I wanted to put our family journey into words. I wanted them to know where we come from, what I’ve learnt as a man and what we expect of them. It’s a reflection on identity, values and legacy,” the teacher-turned-technocrat said.
Benjamin admitted that writing helps him cope with the pressures of his role in public administration.
“In a role like this, expectations are high, and the pressure is constant. So, on a quiet day, I write. Sometimes, it’s just thoughts or lessons I’ve learnt,” he said.
He is currently working on another book, titled ‘The Swakopmund Experience’.
It is a reflective piece on the town’s transformation and unique challenges of municipal leadership.
“There are aspects of Swakopmund that people don’t see from the outside. Often, they just see a functioning system – the budget, the progress – but not the complexities behind it. This book is about telling those untold stories,” Benjamin stated.
It is his wish to publish the book once his tenure at the municipality culminates.
“At the end of the day, I write because I believe in purpose. I was appointed to transform lives, not just administer a town. That mission needs to be documented – not for praise, but to share what’s possible,” he said.