Maxmus Halwoodi 

Access to information is not only a human right but an essential tool that empowers citizens to demand accountability from governments, participate in public life and fight corruption through knowledge. This is according to Maxmus N Halwoodi, the public relations officer at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Halwoodi, whose passion for public relations started many years ago, told New Era this week that he chose a career in public service because he was fascinated with ensuring people have access to information to better their livelihoods.

“I find great pleasure in sharing information with others in an attempt to bring to them something that they did not know, and to enlighten them to make better decisions and choices,” he said.

Having joined public service in 2015 as a soldier in the Namibian Air Force, Halwoodi is a communicator of note with years of experience in both print and broadcast media. 

His expertise lies in strategic communications, brand management, building and maintaining media relations, crisis communication, campaigns and social media management.

He worked as a journalist and marketing executive at the Villager newspaper and Prime Focus magazine. 

Halwoodi also worked as a presenter at the Ohangwena community radio and a communication officer for TRS Media and Development Aid from People to People, known as DAPP.

Asked why he decided to join the public service and whether it was his dream to work for the government, Halwoodi said: “Growing up, I always thought working for the government was the only befitting job; that’s why I gave up my journalism job and abandoned my passion for writing and the media industry to join the public service in 2015 as a soldier at Namibian Air Force,” he narrated.

Halwoodi asserted government employees are the mediators between the state and the citizens; hence, contributing towards community development ensuring information is channelled to the public in the right way and reaching all the corners of the country inspires him to stick to his job.

“I like the fact that I am a state agent, responsible for fostering state visibility to its citizens as well as forming part and parcel of the link between governments and its people,” he said.

On the job

Halwoodi is responsible for coordinating and executing all public relations activities of the OPM, as well as creating, promoting and maintaining a favourable image of the government.

“My job mainly entails maintaining the image and reputation of the OPM. I will also coordinate how the office reacts to crises as well as educate and inform the public and other stakeholders by conveying and spreading the correct and authentic information” he said.

Besides nurturing relationships, Halwoodi’s role entails making sure all stakeholders are informed and understand all the essential legislative policies and decisions taken to develop the country.

He is also responsible for engaging the media queries and other issues relating to publicity, developing communication strategies, photography, editing and producing videos and documentaries, as well as producing all promotional items. 

He also manages OPM’s social media platforms and the website.

The University of Namibia Public Relations and Sociology graduate describes himself as a people person and a good communicator, who easily builds relationships with others. 

Other qualities include his enthusiasm and team-playing capabilities, coupled with his easy-going, yet hard-working character. 

One would assume that these personalities make his job a walk in the park, but there are some challenges.

“The most challenging part about being a PRO is that people expect you to know everything, and they want you to do magic by turning negative situations into fountains of fresh water,” he said.

Halwoodi also points out the lack of relevant modes of communication to reach the intended audience effectively and on time as another challenge.

Be that as it may, he maintained that he gets great pleasure from the efficient and effective service delivery to stakeholders, “making a positive impact by changing the negative perception the public has about our office and the government in general”. 

Another satisfying thing about my job is the cooperation and support I get from my colleagues and supervisors. 

“I am also privileged to work with a team that allows me to do my job, as this allows me to excel and reach full potential,” Halwoodi said.

Queried on how his knowledge has benefitted his employer, Halwoodi did not mince his words: “The fact that I understand and have a wide range of experience in the communication industry makes my work easy and helps me to deliver beyond doubt to my best ability. At work, they call me a jack of all trades – not to say I know it all but because I like assisting my colleagues so that we can pull together to achieve our common goal as an office,” he said.

Rewarding

Asked to share some of his work-related accomplishments or memorable moments as a public servant, Halwoodi said: “The just-ended Africa Public Service Day that was held in Katima Mulilo was one of the events dear to my heart. I was involved from the onset. As a PR officer, you should be an organised and cool-tempered professional who can handle a crisis. One of the moments I felt proud of myself was when I managed to calm down the group of angry community members who came to our office with a negative perception. With my communication skills and self-contained temper, I was able to calm down the situation amicably,” he said.

Going forward

Having served for years, Halwoodi revealed that he has gained a lot and is now keeping his options open for other opportunities.

“I believe in service delivery and a citizen-centric approach, so as much as I serve the Namibian people, I will be here forever – as long as my service is needed by the people of Namibia. My wish is to continue working for the government and help in building and enhancing its government legitimacy, credibility and people’s trust.

“I want to be one of the industry moguls to whom youngsters in the communication fraternity run for advice. At some point, I would want to be an educator so I share my knowledge and wisdom with the young ones,” he concluded.