Lahja Nashuuta
At only 26 years old, Muuaupi Kavari is steadily building a career in public service, driven by a passion for serving her community and contributing to development in the Omaheke region.
Born and raised in Gobabis, Kavari currently serves as the Senior Private Secretary to the governor of the Omaheke region, a role that places her at the centre of the governor’s administrative operations.
Her journey into government service was motivated by a strong desire to contribute to the development of her hometown and region.
“I am passionate about public service and community development, and I believe in contributing to initiatives that improve the lives of people in our region,” she said.
Civic duty
Kavari officially joined the civil service in June last year when she was appointed Senior Private Secretary to the Governor.
However, she was already familiar with the office’s workings long before her appointment. Kavari volunteered at the Governor’s Office for nearly three years, gaining valuable experience in government administration.
“I started volunteering at the Governor’s Office in 2023, and during that time I gained valuable experience and exposure to government administration,” she explained.
When asked whether it had always been her dream to work for the government, Kavari said her decision to join the public service was inspired by her commitment to community development.
“Joining the public service was motivated by my desire to serve my community and be part of initiatives that bring development and support to our people. Being able to contribute to government work and community programmes is something I truly value,” she said.
Supporting the governor’s work
As Senior Private Secretary, Kavari plays a key administrative role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Governor’s Office.
“My responsibilities include coordinating the governor’s daily schedule, managing official correspondence, organising meetings and engagements, and ensuring that the office operates efficiently,” she explained.
She added that her role also involves facilitating communication between the Governor’s Office, stakeholders and members of the public.
Like many professionals in demanding administrative positions, Kavari acknowledges that the job comes with its fair share of challenges.
“The most challenging part of my work is managing multiple responsibilities while ensuring that all engagements and tasks are handled efficiently,” she said.
Despite the pressure, she views these challenges as opportunities for growth.
“These challenges help me grow professionally and strengthen my ability to work under pressure. What I find most satisfying is knowing that the work we do contributes to the development of the region and supports communities in need,” she added.
Kavari believes her organisational and administrative skills play an important role in supporting the Governor’s Office and ensuring effective service delivery.
“This helps strengthen coordination between government institutions and improves communication and service delivery,” she said.
Memorable moments
Reflecting on her career so far, Kavari said some of the most memorable moments have come from being involved in initiatives to improve the lives of people in the Omaheke region.
One such initiative was the launch of the National Youth Development Fund in the Omaheke region, which provides funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
“I was involved in supporting the launch of the National Youth Development Fund in the region, which created opportunities for young people to access funding and start their own businesses,” she recalled.
She also highlighted her involvement in initiatives to address malnutrition in communities, as well as activities related to Farm Nuwehoop.
“Being part of initiatives that positively impact the community is something I am very proud of as a public servant,” she said.
Public perception of civil servants
Responding to public criticism that civil servants are often ineffective, Kavari said she disagrees with the prevailing perception.
“Many public servants work very hard behind the scenes to ensure that services reach the people. While there may be challenges within the system, there are many dedicated individuals who are committed to serving the nation,” she said.
Looking ahead
When asked how long she intends to remain in public service, Kavari said she hopes to continue serving for as long as she can make a meaningful contribution.
“As long as I can continue to have a positive impact, I intend to remain in public service. My current appointment is linked to the governor’s term of office, but I remain committed to serving the public sector for as long as I can contribute meaningfully,” she said.
Professionally, Kavari hopes to continue developing her skills and contributing to impactful government programmes. On a personal level, she also aims to keep growing and making a difference.