Lahja Nashuuta 

Christell Nassauw is a seasoned public relations and communications expert dedicated to fostering effective communication within organisations. 

She currently serves as the Chief Public Relations Officer and Head of the Communications and Public Relations Division at the Office of the Auditor General (OAG). In this role, she oversees internal and external communication strategies and ensures that the OAG maintains a strong and positive public image. 

Her work highlights the trans formative power of strategic communication in the public sector, positioning her as a trailblazer and role model in her field. Nassauw is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including auditees, citizens, public accounts committee members, the media, and civil society. 

“Effective communication is the backbone of transparency and good governance,” she asserted. She also leads the implementation of the OAG’s marketing and communication strategies, manages digital marketing efforts, and oversees online media platforms. 

Additionally, she ensures the production of high-quality print and digital content and crafts speeches for senior OAG officials. 

Civil service 

Since joining the public service in 2016, Nassauw has brought extensive experience in public relations, communication and stakeholder engagement from both the public and private sectors. 

Before joining the OAG team, she held roles such as Student Liaison Supervisor at the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) and Cultural Affairs Practitioner and Education USA Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek. 

Her passion for community outreach and effective business communication systems drove her decision to enter public service. 

“I believe in the power of communication to drive meaningful change and impact lives,” she shared. 

Nassauw sees herself as an advocate for inclusive and accessible communication strategies, ensuring that government policies and initiatives are effectively conveyed to diverse audiences. 

Academics 

“I received my formal schooling from Suiderhof Primary School and Windhoek High School and completed my grade 12 in 2005,” she narrated. 

Nassauw holds a Bachelor of Media with a major in Broadcast Media from Stellenbosch University and an Honours Degree in Journalism and Media Technology from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). 

She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the same field at NUST. 

Nassauw’s expertise extends beyond her official duties. 

“My work experience includes 15 years of experience in public affairs, customer experience, and communication and stakeholder engagement in both the public and private sectors,” she revealed. 

She is also a voice-over artist for radio, film, and theatre and serves as a part-time lecturer at NUST. 

Her ability to adapt communication styles across different media platforms has solidified her reputation as a versatile and dynamic communicator. 

Despite challenges such as limited resources in the public sector, Nassauw has demonstrated resilience and creativity in overcoming obstacles. “Challenges push us to innovate and find new ways to be effective,” stated the dedicated civil servant. 

Her leadership earned her team the OAG Innovation Award in 2023, and she personally received the Customer Service Excellence Award for five consecutive years for successfully implementing the OAG Customer Service Charter. 

Nassauw revealed that her diplomatic and etiquette skills, honed during her time at the U.S. Embassy, have been instrumental in her current role. She has also played a key role in policy development, contributing to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Communications Strategy, which standardised government public relations, and co-authoring the Ethics and Integrity chapter of the second edition of ‘Being a Public Servant’ in Namibia. 

Nassauw has also been actively involved in capacity-building initiatives, mentoring young professionals in the field of communication and public relations. 

“I manage the organisation’s digital marketing, content creation, and speechwriting to ensure clear, consistent, and transparent communication of the OAG’s mandate,” she said. 

Nassauw strongly refuted the misconception that public servants are inefficient, emphasising the dedication and hard work required to achieve the government’s vision. 

“Public service is about commitment and accountability, and we work tirelessly to uphold these values,” she affirmed. 

At the OAG, she ensures that statutory deadlines are consistently met, reinforcing Namibia’s reputation for financial transparency and good governance. 

Looking ahead, Nassauw aspires to earn a doctorate in communication studies and establish a public relations institute in Namibia to regulate and advance the profession in alignment with the country’s unique needs. 

“I want to help shape the future of public relations in Namibia and ensure it meets our nation’s evolving needs,” she concludes. She envisions a future where public relations professionals are empowered with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to drive impactful and meaningful communication strategies at all levels of society. 

-lnashuuta@gmail.com