Hilya Ndapewa Omagano Nampweya is an office administrator at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, department of mines, sub-division mineral rights and resources development. She works for a division responsible for accepting and evaluating mineral licence applications, and issuing export and import mineral permits.
Nampweya joined the public service in 2021, and her day-to-day work is to guide and provide information to Namibians interested in mining activities concerning mineral licences and permits.
As an administrative officer, she receives and assesses mineral export permits’ (EP) applications submitted for minerals obtained within the jurisdictions of Namibia, and thereafter prepare the export permit for the minerals to be exported out of the country.
Nampweya is also responsible for issuing the non-exclusive prospecting licence (NEPL), “a licence that must be registered
with the mining commissioner against payment of a fee, and is only valid for a
period of 12 months. A non-exclusive prospecting licence allows a person or company to prospect anywhere in the country (excluding protected areas),” Nampweya clarifies.
Besides that, she is also part of the team which deals with the processing of removal permits known as transport permits, which are required when one is transporting or moving minerals within Namibia.
She is likewise responsible for the processing of refunds for rejected and withdrawals of mineral licences, as well as the processing of high-value mineral permits.
Nampweya has always wanted to work for the public service.
“I wanted to work for the public service because I was interested in a career where I could help people. Working here makes me feel like I’m making a difference in people’s lives,” she asserts.
Whether you are new to the workplace or a seasoned employee, there is no job without challenges, and for her working with
different people with different backgrounds and moods is one of the challenges.
“It is challenging being in this position, and dealing with different people every day. Either way, I am here to work, so I make sure I deliver to them, and where I am unable to, I refer them to the next door where they can be assisted,” she added.
“When I first came here as an intern in 2019 for six months, I didn’t want to go back home because working in the mineral rights and resources development division was interesting, and I had learned a lot,” she said.
Nampweya strongly believes that with her earned experience, she can now be able to deliver the right information to the public in a professional manner.
“My expertise in mining rights and permits is not only beneficial to the ministry, but also to those in the mining industry. It allows them to have an opportunity to have access to the service effectively and efficiently. Our best customer service offered at the ministry has created a good image out there in the community,” she beamed.
When asked to share work-related memorable moments, Nampweya had this to say: “Our department is very busy. When we step into this office, we work. Memorable events outside the office would be only when the ministry had a fun day or sports day, where most people are present. It brings a feeling of being part of the ministry, and not just the division itself. Otherwise, all other memories will maybe be of a client coming here, appreciating the good service offered, and those coming with their perceptions to try and make the ministry look bad when it should not be the case,” she observed.
Regarding the public perception that public servants are ineffective, Nampweya said, “the work that you do behind the scenes may not always be understood by those who do not walk in your shoes. Perception and myth will always be there, but as a public servant, I always claim my pride in knowing that I always provide the best service. My clients can testify that “yes, Hilya is for us,” she smiles.
Nampeya has committed her career to government. “I wish to serve the government until my retirement, even if it’s to work at this same division. But of course, I should climb the ladder to a different position,” she noted.
On her wish list, she points out career growth, best service delivery, and seeing Namibian youth venturing into the mining industry.