Lahja Nashuuta

Batlomeus Uugwanga Shikongo is a civil servant who devoted his productive years to capturing significant life events of Namibian people at the regional level and ensuring that the country has a well-functioning and maintained civil registration system.

He is the deputy director for Civil Registration in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security attached to the Ohangwena region. 

Being the head of civil registration for the region, Shikongo is responsible for overseeing the issuance of national documents such as identification documents (IDs), marriage certificates, birth certificates, and death certificates.

His day-to-day roles involve managing and coordinating the registration of births and the issuance of birth certificates. 

He is also responsible for coordinating the issuing of duplicate birth certificates, duplicate marriage certificates, and conducting outreach programmes to facilitate the issuance of national documents as well as processing applications for changes on national documents.

 Joining the public service

Born and bred in Ohangwena region, Shikongo is not an infant to the public service, he started working for the government in 2006 as a school teacher at Nehale Secondary School upon completion of a three-year teacher’s training course where he specialised in science.

“After successfully graduating in 2005, I promptly secured a teaching position, marking the beginning of my rewarding career in education,” he said.

Shikongo held other various roles in the public service including personal assistant to the executive director, chief learning and development officer, learning and development officer, and Teacher.

“One of the aspects I appreciate most about working for the government is the opportunity to positively impact society. Being part of a governmental organisation allows me to contribute to the well-being of the community and the nation,” he said.

Shikongo is an expert in strategic planning, training, and development, focusing on providing training to employees and actively participating in business process improvement within the ministry.

Currently, Shikongo is pursuing a PhD at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, specialising in e-government. His academic background includes a master’s degree in human resources planning and development, an honours degree in training and development, and an advanced diploma in ICT and education. Beyond academia, Shikongo’s passion lies in advancing the utiliSation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in governmental business processes, intending to contribute positively to sustainable development goals.

“I consistently prioritise equipping our workforce with the right skills, knowledge, and attitude to ensure the ministry delivers the best possible service to our clients. It is through these efforts that the ministry has successfully progressed from its previous state to its current level of achievement,” he said.

Being a civil servant has been Shikongo’s dream although his passion lies in education.

“Growing up in a village, I observed many successful individuals in my community were teachers. This observation fueled my desire to become a teacher, and it significantly influenced my decision to pursue a career in public service. Working for the government has always been my dream, as it provides boundless services to citizens, directly impacting the human development index of our society. I am deeply committed to contributing to the betterment of our community through the valuable role that public service, especially in education, plays in shaping the future,” he said.

Accomplishments and memorable moments

As the manager for civil registration, Shikongo has been leading training initiatives for most of the ministry’s employees, contributing to their professional development. 

He served as the chairperson for the Turnaround Logistic Committee, overseeing crucial logistics operations. Furthermore, he also performed the role of a performance management advisor, providing valuable insights to enhance overall efficiency.

“My commitment and expertise led to my appointment as a member of the Turnaround Steering Committee by the honourable minister. I played pivotal roles in various committees, including the Trade Fair Committee, Training Committee, Business Improvement Team (BPR), and the Ministerial Improvement Team. Furthermore, I was instrumental in formulating strategic plans, annual plans, and annual reports, showcasing my dedication to the ministry’s long-term success,” Shikongo revealed.

Challenges

There is no job without challenges and according to Shikongo, one of the most challenging aspects of his role arises when handling late birth registrations for individuals above the age of five. 

“Many of these individuals were typically born at home, necessitating a verification exercise by the office. Unfortunately, this verification process is becoming increasingly resource-intensive, diverting attention and resources from the originally planned efforts to prioritise timely birth registration,” he said.

He, however, noted that the most gratifying aspect of his work is receiving compliments from the customers. 

“The sense of public service is fulfilling, and I find satisfaction in knowing that my work directly influences policies and programmes that benefit citizens. Additionally, the government often provides a stable and structured work environment, fostering collaboration and teamwork. I value the chance to work on diverse projects that address societal needs and contribute to the overall progress and development of the country,” said Shikongo.

Lazy civil servants’ misconception

“I respectfully disagree with that sentiment. Working in a public institution has allowed me to witness firsthand the dedication and hard work of my colleagues. While misconceptions about productivity may exist, I have found that many individuals within the public sector are highly committed to their roles and strive for efficiency,” he said.

According to Shikongo, public institutions play a crucial role in serving the community, and the professionals within these organisations often work diligently to address complex challenges and contribute to the public good. 

“I take pride in being part of a team that is focused on making a positive impact and debunking any stereotypes that may suggest otherwise,” he said.

Future plans

Shikongo is not planning to leave public service any time soon. His plans involve furthering professional growth within the public sector, taking on more responsibilities, and leveraging his skills to address evolving challenges. 

“I am enthusiastic about the prospect of continuing to serve and adapt to the changing needs of the community, ensuring that my contributions align with the overarching goals of public service.”

On his wish list, Shikongo aspire to continue advancing in his career within the public sector by taking on more leadership responsibilities and contributing to impactful projects. 

“I hope to further enhance my skills and knowledge, staying abreast of the latest developments in my field. Collaborating with diverse teams and fostering innovation is a key goal, as I believe it’s crucial for addressing complex challenges effectively,” said
Shikongo.