Nasilele Mbanga is a 27-year-old nurse at Nankudu District Hospital, located approximately 120 kilometres west of Rundu, who exemplifies that genuine community service transcends fame and recognition. She is a devoted civil servant who personifies care, compassion and unwavering commitment to the noble profession.
Her journey into nursing was motivated by a profound aspiration to positively impact the lives of others.
After earning her nursing certificate from Welwitchia Health Training Centre in 2022, she promptly entered public service, opting to work as a nurse in a rural healthcare facility where medical services are frequently needed.
“It has always been my dream to be a nurse as I love caring for people, and it has always been my dream to work for the government,” she noted.
Numerous rural communities in Namibia face challenges in accessing health education and preventive healthcare services.
In these remote areas, nurses such as Mbanga are essential in closing this gap.
“I don’t just focus on treating diseases; I also focus on empowering people to understand how to avoid getting sick in the first place,” she stated.
Civil service
Mbanga’s passion and expertise have proven invaluable to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Her contribution to healthcare in the rural region cannot be overstated.
“Being part of a team dedicated to healing and recovery is truly fulfilling, especially when it comes to the joy of helping women through normal childbirth,” she shared.
Despite the importance of her work, she faces numerous challenges in her daily life as a nurse. One of the most difficult aspects of her job is the emotional toll of losing patients.
“Losing lives stresses me, and sometimes I blame myself, although I would have done everything I can to save the person,” she observed.
Moreover, she frequently encounters the threat of infectious diseases and injuries in her profession. Working in a rural hospital requires her to remain vigilant and ready for any circumstances that may arise. The conditions of numerous healthcare institutions, such as Nankudu District Hospital, further complicate her role as many of these facilities are old and lack sufficient funding, resulting in a sub-optimal working environment for healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, she derives fulfilment from the positive difference she makes in her patients’ lives.
“What I find most satisfying about my job is making a real difference in people’s lives, providing comfort and offering support during vulnerable times,” she said.
Memorable moments
When asked about memorable moments in her career, she reflected on the times when she was able to provide life-saving treatment or offer emotional support to patients during their most difficult moments.
“There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you helped someone through a tough time,” she continued.
In her work for the government, Mbanga feels a deep sense of purpose. She believes that working for the public sector allows her to serve the community in a way that truly makes a difference.
“What I like most about working for the government is the ability to be part of something bigger than myself. It’s about serving the people and helping improve their lives,” she beamed.
Misconceptions
Mbanga is aware of the misconceptions that some people have about public servants.
“There is a big misconception that people like me, working in public institutions, are unproductive or inefficient. I disagree with this sentiment. I work hard every day to provide the best care possible for my patients. Public servants like myself are dedicated, and we take pride in our work,” she countered.
Looking to the future, she wants to remain committed and be in public service for as long as she can. Her goal is to continue making a difference in people’s lives, and to improve the healthcare system in rural areas.
“Professionally, I would like to pursue further education in nursing, and specialise in areas such as maternal health or infectious diseases. On a personal level, I hope to continue growing as an individual and contribute even more to the community that has supported me. I wish to make an even greater impact on the lives of the people I serve, and to inspire others to join the healthcare profession,” she emphasised.
Mbanga added that working for the government is rewarding, as there’s stability and a fair working balance. The retirement fund is special, and ensures that you have an income for the rest of your life.