Tunomukumo Taanyanda is an assistant accountant at the Finance and Administration Department under the Office of the Auditor General. 

He believes that timely payments and regular reconciliation of accounts ensure effective governance of the office finances, leaving no room for corruption.

Taanyanda has been in the public sector for more than seven years. He joined the public service on 1 October 2017 as an assistant accountant in the finance and administration department.

He is responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and reconciliation of the receipt suspense account, updating commitment register, capturing of treasury authorised warrant (TAW), and external and internal virement, issuing reminder letters to those who owe the office, and making sure that the government’s funds are recovered.

Tanyaanda’s major role is to ensure that staff members receive their payments promptly, especially those who represent the office on regional and international levels.

Paying staff dairy substances allowances promptly puts the staff member at the ease of financial worry in a foreign country, knowing that the government is a good and caring employer. This, in the bigger, picture fulfils the national ideal of development.

“Our auditors normally go into the field for three weeks to conduct audits. Pay them on time, ensure that they can conduct their audits stress and worry-free, and focus on the task at hand without needing to worry whether their accommodation and meals are paid,” he said.

According to Tanyaanda, working for the government has been his dream. He is positive that the government is one of the best institutions to work for, because of the benefits they provide to their respective employees and its supreme job security, especially in these uncertain global economic times. 

Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the government ensured they did not take the approach of retrenchment like the private sector has done. Government is a sure and secure employer, where you can build long-term career goals – unlike in the private sector.

“Yes, it was my dream to work for my government, because it is my passion to serve the people when they need help, and also to assist the government to generate more revenue so that it can develop the country as much as it can”.

Another reason why Taanyanda decided to join the government was for personal growth. When asked about what he finds most satisfying about his job, Taanyanda said, “customer satisfaction; a happy client means increased production for both parties. Personal satisfaction when I can process all payments on time, recover overpayments made, and make sure I adhere to the public service staff rules and according to treasury regulations and instructions. Compliance is a key element for me in my job.

Beginnings

Taanyanda, commonly known as “Dr Tuno” among his peers, was born in the Omusati region, Tsandi constituency in a village called Okalonda B (Onamafuma). 

He started at Tsandi Primary School, after which he relocated to Ondukuta Combined School, where he attended grades four to nine. 

He then moved to Mwaala SSS, where he attended grade 10, and then he went on to attend grades 11-12 at Shikongo Iipinge Senior Secondary School.

Taanyanda holds a National Diploma in Business Administration through the International Training College, a degree in Business Administration through Mancosa and a National Diploma in Accounting and Finance from the International Training College of Namibia. 

He also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance that he acquired through the International Training College Lingua.

Before joining the public service, between 2010 to 2012, Taanyanda worked as a general worker at Oluvanda Clearing and Forwarding in Walvis Bay. 

“Due to my bravery and courage, I found myself as the spokesperson for the Clearing Agent in Walvis Bay, especially on the issue when the Namibia Customs and Excise wanted to shut the operation of the Clearing Agent in Walvis Bay due to illegal operation and violation of borders.

Taanyanda also worked as a temporary teacher for Accounting, Business Management, Entrepreneurship and History for grades eight to 10 learners at Omaandi Combined School in the Tsandi Circuit in the Omusati region. 

Thereafter, I worked at Namibia Wilderness Safaris as a creditors controller between 2014-2017. 

He also worked as a debtors/property administrator at Woermann Brock Swakopmund from 2008-2011 and as a creditors clerk at Woermann Brock Hyper in Windhoek.

Accomplishments

 Sharing some of the work-related accomplishments or memorable moments that he is proud of as a public servant, Taanyanda said his “greatest highlight at the Office of the Auditor General was on 29 March 2023 during the first-ever employee award ceremony when the office recognised his efforts in exceptional customer service. 

He was awarded the Exceptional Service to Clients Award. Through this, he quotes the saying by the late Herman Adimba Toivo ya Toivo: “Sometimes, you can’t smell yourself, but those close to you feel how you smell”. 

This means although he might feel he is a hard worker, those who receive his service decide.

In terms of how long he plans to serve in public service, Tanyaanda said: “At this moment, life is unpredictable, but God knows already my life journey on earth. Anything can happen, but he wants to work for the Namibian government until the age of 55, so he can allow young graduates suffering from unemployment.

Wishlist

On his wish list, he is thinking of registering for a professional qualification, such as a Certificate in Accounting and Finance. 

In his opinion, accountants need to be professionally affiliated and recognised over achieving a master’s degree.