Lahja Nashuuta  

Yvone Tsuses is an accountant at the budget management and control division at the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises. She believes that civil servants are responsible and accountable for the decisions they make, including keeping sensitive information confidential.

Among other duties, Tsuses is responsible for payments of salaries.

“As an accountant at budget management and control, at payroll, I work with the whole government at large, and it is very crucial, to uphold confidentiality, because we are dealing with payments of salaries, and any other payments that is related to the civil servants of the whole nation,” she said.

The mother of two has been a public servant for almost 24 years since joining the finance ministry in October 2002 as an administrative officer in the human resources division. 

Back then she was responsible for the filing of documents of the staff members of the whole ministry, and mailing of documents, and sometimes assisting with human resources duties, like noting leaves, and contacting people for interviews and invigilating written interviews.

In her current role, Tsuses is responsible for ensuring that the functionality of the payroll module on the Intergrated Financial Management System (IFMS), and processing of salaries, and all other payments to staff members of the whole nation, which is very crucial and contributing a very important function as an employee of the ministry and the whole government at large.

Tsuses is a qualified accountant with a bachelor’s degree and a diploma in accounting and finance as well as a degree in business administration.

Humble beginnings

Tsuses hails from Otavi, but grew up in Otjiwarongo. She was raised by a single mother, who is deceased. Her father, a war veteran who took part in the fight for the liberation of Namibia, is also now deceased.

Tsuses started and completed her primary and secondary education in Otjiwarongo, and moved to Windhoek for job opportunities.

Asked why she decided to join the public service, and whether it was her dream to work for public service, Tsuses had this to say:  “Previously, I was doing odd jobs, temporarily, and I was fortunate to be employed within the government, because I want to serve the public, and support myself and my family”.

She maintained that to work for the State is secure and safe, than working for  private companies, in terms of benefits, like affordable medical aid contributions, housing subsidy, and GIPF contributions. 

“Being a public servant is also beneficial when you retire because you remain benefiting from your medical aid and receive a monthly payment from GIPF,” she said.

There is no job without challenges, Tsuses said while pointing out difficult and angry customers, as well as dealing with delays with the payments. “If I make any mistakes in processing the payments, I have to bear the consequences,” she said.

She, however, was quick to note that it is satisfying when work is done on time, smoothly and correctly, and when the customer is satisfied and happy when assisted.

Her work related accomplishments or memorable moments as a public servant include serving for over two decades in the same ministry. 

Tsuses is proud and happy for in-service trainings that she has attended on different occasions, some outside the country on the ministry’s request.

“The ministry also organise tours and team building activities, and I was fortunate enough to get financial assistance from the ministry for my studies,” she said. 

With regards to the public misconception about the effectiveness of public servants, Tsuses said: “One thing about being a public servant is that we are more relaxed doing our work without any pressure; we are only human, we are not perfect, but it doesn’t mean we are not responsible. The daily tasks we are given is as crucial and important no matter what you are doing, and by the end of the day, we have to complete our responsibilities, and deliver the service successfully”.

Here to stay

Tsuses has dedicated her productive years to civil service. “I am willing to serve the public until I retire, or until the opportunities knock at my door, because tomorrow is never promised,” she said.

On her wish list, Tsuses expressed her desire to continue with her studies to complete her honours degree, and be able to qualify for a senior accountant position. Her dreams are to become the head of department, leading her team effectively and efficiently before retirement, and to become a mentor and guiding others to succeed.

- lnashuuta@gmail.com