With persistence and perseverance in good measure, anything is possible. This sentiment rings true when it comes to the life of one Selma Ndamonondjila Namwandi – a former labourer-turned-accountant at the Ministry of Finance.
Namwandi was never a straight A student. In fact, she had to blow new life into her academic career with a stint at the Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL), where she upgraded her grade 12 results to obtain her matriculation exemption.
Having lost her mother at a tender age, the Lumbango-born Namwandi was raised at Onuumba village in the Omusati region. As such, she did not have many privileges children who are raised in big cities have. But one thing that Namwandi had in abundance is determination. That, and a strong-willed grandmother, whose constant encouragement kept her going.
Says Namwandi; “Before joining the public service, I remember working in a bar owned by my uncle in Rosh Pinah for about five months, and that is when I decided that I will just go back to the north because that was not me at all. My dream was to become an accountant someday.
Opportunity knocks
She eventually found favour in the eyes of one of her uncles, who offered to finance her Namcol fees, which saw her coming to Windhoek in 2010. She joined the Ministry of Finance that same year as a labourer under the directorate of customs and excise.
“It was a great opportunity for me because I saw my dream of becoming who I wanted to become moving to reality. In 2012, I decided to enrol at Unam for a Certificate in Accounting and Auditing, and I couldn’t continue to diploma level due to unforeseen circumstances. In 2015, I decided to go back to school, thanks to my late grandmother who reminded me that since I do not have a mother, I should let books become my mother. I felt like I owed her that qualification, and decided to go register at IUM,” Namwandi observed, adding that she has since graduated with a Bachelor’s (Honours) Degree in Finance Management.
“I am an accountant at the Directorate of Budget Management and Control, at Payroll Helpdesk for a month now. I must tell you that the payroll module is so broad, and my responsibilities here include ensuring the effective functioning of the payroll module on the IFMS, producing reports like payslips and payee certificates of the previous system as requested by line offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs), to provide training to both old and new GRN staff members on payroll activities and functions, to address queries and problems from all OMAs in the government with regards to payroll, as well as to generate Social Security Commission and GIPF files, and anything else regarding payroll,” she said, enthusing that joining the civil service was a dream come true for her and that even when she served as a labourer, she believed that her role was critical for the overall wellness and performance of the entire staff complement.
Queried as to what she finds challenging about her work, Namwandi tenders a diplomatic reply. “Learning something new is always challenging and enjoyable at the same time. February was a bit challenging to me as I needed to adapt to the new working environment, and to do new things while interacting with new people from within the ministry,” she revealed, adding that having moved into her new portfolio, she is looking forward to helping the department to move to another level in service delivery, and for it to be the best department in the ministry and in the public service at large.
Job satisfaction
But whatever challenges she might encounter in her new role, she said are justified by the job security and perks that are synonymous with all government jobs.
“When you work for the government, your job is secure. It all boils down to how serious you are with your work. Furthermore, there are a lot of benefits such as medical aid, which is affordable. There are also various opportunities for growth in the civil service,” Namwandi stressed.
That said, she rubbished as a misconception the view that civil servants are largely unproductive, citing that it all depends on the individuals whether they throw their weight behind their work.
“If you know why you are in the public service, then I am sure you know what is expected from you as an individual. Personally, I know why I am in the public service, and I must do what is required of me to get my bread,” she added.
In addition to harbouring plans to complete a master’s degree as well as grow professionally, Namwandi did not mince her words when she emphasised that she is planning to work for the Namibian government for as long as her faculties allow her.
“I want to serve the Namibian public for eternity, and I believe that the best place to do it is in the public service,” she added.
She praised her colleagues as having been some of the best people that she has ever worked with, and her 11 years as a labourer as having birthed some of the most profound memories of her lifetime.