Lahja Nashuuta

Hertha Ndahetekela Shimuningeni, a chief human resources practitioner at the Omusati Regional Council, believes that Namibia’s development depends on the dedication of its civil servants. 

For her, when government employees thrive, the nation prospers. “I have always been passionate about servanthood,” she said firmly.  Shimuningeni stated that she enjoys being a public servant because it allows her to serve the masses and embrace diversity. 

“The public service offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. It gives a sense of self-actualisation knowing that I am part of a team which communities rely on for quality service delivery,” she remarked.

Born and raised in Onayeluka village in the Omusati region, Shimuningeni’s path toward public service was shaped early. 

She attended Ompakoya and Omwifi combined schools before matriculating at Okalongo Secondary School (now Haudano Secondary School).  She later pursued human resources studies at the Polytechnic of Namibia (now NUST).

Her career began in a different field. 

In 2005, at only 20 years old, she joined the Namibia Correctional Services as a prison officer.  “It was just days after I had graduated,” she recalled.

Seed

Shimuningeni said her passion for human resources started with a simple classroom assignment.

“In grade 10, our teacher, Oscar Mumangeni, gave us homework to model the profession we wanted. I chose nursing. But when I presented, he told me: ‘Hertha, you are a perfect fit for the office. You love organising and directing people. Consider an office-related career,” she said. That advice planted a seed that later blossomed into Shimuningeni’s career in human resources.

 “Little did I know then that this would also become my way to serve the public,” she reflected.

Roles

As a chief human resource practitioner, Shimuningeni oversees recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration and performance management. 

Her mission is simple but vital: ensuring that the Omusati Regional Council has the right people in the right positions.

“My role is to attract skilled employees, guide them and ensure they contribute to the council’s goals. Ultimately, it is about creating a workforce that serves the community effectively,” she remarked.

Challenges 

One of the recurring challenges she faces is changing how staff perceive human resources.

“The challenge in my work is helping employees understand the role of human resources in disciplinary procedures. When a staff member is alleged to have committed an offence, human resources provides advisory services to both the employer and employee based on prescribed rules. Yet, many staff members see human resources as the enemy, not realising that we are only enforcing compliance,” she said.

In the same vein, Shimuningeni also rejected the belief that government workers are unproductive.

“The public service is not profit-driven, so productivity cannot be measured like in the private sector. Look around… the infrastructure, services and community developments are all results of civil servants’ work. While a few may underperform, the majority are dedicated, hardworking and committed to national development,” she said.

Fulfilment 

What keeps Shimuningeni motivated is seeing employees succeed.

“The most rewarding moments are when employees excel because they are well-informed and supported. Even more so when I hear feedback like, ‘You are kind and knowledgeable,’ or ‘I appreciate your service.’ That motivates me to push beyond boundaries and deliver the best service,” she said.

She added: “Working with people is rewarding. Knowing that the workforce is informed about policies, rules and regulations and seeing them excel in their roles assures me that I have done a good job”.

When asked how her expertise benefits the Omusati Regional Council, Shimuningeni said: “My expertise ensures the public service recruits employees with the right skills to serve the community effectively. Through coaching and mentoring, I transfer knowledge to staff members, who, in turn, deliver quality services. It also allows me to contribute to national development priorities, such as NDP6 and Vision 2030”.

Commitment

Shimuningeni sees herself serving the public for many more years.   “I am planning to serve in the public service for as long as life will offer me. I will continue to serve with passion and dedication. I look forward to serving at various level within the public service, including the managerial level. But, if by any chance, I am called to serve at private organisations, serving is serving and it is selfless. I will always be glad to share my expertise with everyone – be it at public or private institutions,” she maintained.

She also aspires to grow into senior management, take on more strategic decision-making roles and pursue higher academic qualifications. 

“I want to grow and serve at strategic positions in my organisation, where I am more exposed to challenging situations and actively involved in decision-making, which is impactful to the community. 

“I wish to see my team well-groomed and excelling. I am working toward obtaining high qualifications and being a certified professional in different domains within human resources and related fields,” she asserted. – lnashuuta@nepc.com.na