Poet Publius Ovidius Naso, better known as Ovid (43 BC and 17 AD), once wrote “fertilior seges est alenis semper in agris”, which translates: ‘the harvest is always more fruitful in another man’s fields.’
More recently, one Laimi Ndeuhala Mbago, a young Namibian, took this popular saying and practically corroborated its narrative through her deeds.
At some point, Mbago, then a journalist and marketing officer at the Vision 2030 magazine, set out to look for greener pastures, and she found them in the civil service.
Mbago is the public relations officer (PRO) at the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation since 2015 – a position she says has been a ‘dream come true’.
“I wanted (a) greener pasture. The position was seeking a candidate with (a) knowledge of (the) French language, (and) it was exactly what I was looking to get. Hence, I applied, and I emerged successful,” Mbago told New Era this week, adding that it has always been her dream to be of service to the Namibian people.
Strangely though, her service to the Namibian populace began in central Africa, where she was initially stationed.
On the job
“I started my work, stationed in Loudima, Congo-Brazzaville, an experience I would not trade for anything in this world. I am currently seconded to the Namibia College of Open Learning (NAMCOL), doing the same job,” she revealed.
Here, she said, she is not only responsible but also accountable for coordinating and executing all public relations activities of the College, as well as creating, promoting and maintaining a favourable image of the institution.
“My position entails nurturing relationships with learners/students, media and communities and the public at large,” Mbago added.
The University of Namibia graduate describes herself as intentional and passionate, especially about whatever she sets her mind to. Other qualities she said complete her persona include her enthusiasm and team-playing capabilities, coupled with her easy-going yet hardworking character.
One would assume these personalities would make her job a walk in the park, but there are some challenges she experiences.
“The most trying times in PR, for me personally, are that you do not have control over how your content will be conveyed. In some instances, you can be misquoted, which sends out a totally different message to the public. To make corrections is one’s right but it is already in the public sphere and people interpret it differently,” she stated.
Be that as it may, she maintained she gets great pleasure from the efficient and effective service delivery to stakeholders in the education fraternity, which is part of the culture of the ministry.
“It is very fulfilling to provide the necessary information and service to learners/students, who most need it, especially when they feel like all hope is lost. It enables you to influence positive change in their lives,” Mbago stressed.
Queried on how her know-how has benefitted her employers, Mbago did not mince her words.
“My know-how of the job prospect is beneficial in the essence that it elevates a network where citizens can connect with government policies to evoke constructive dialogues. As an expert in the field, both NAMCOL and the ministry are reaping benefits of advocacy for government activities and procedures on how they affect the lives of the Namibian people in achieving unity and creating a people-led government.”
Rewarding
Mbago maintained that with her working closely with student matters, it is an accomplishment to always resolve Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) issues, as students – both internationally and locally – leave the ministry feeling satisfied, having been assisted in acquiring or reinstating their loans.
Also, the perks that come with working for the government, such as the subsidised home loans, come in handy.
“In these difficult times of Covid-19, where people have lost their jobs and companies having closed down, it is, indeed, sustaining to work in the public sector,” she stated.
She was further quick to register her disagreement with the popular perception that civil servants are largely unproductive.
“Of course, people are entitled to their own opinion, but you need to walk a mile in someone’s shoe to experience the walk. Public institutions have rules, structures and regulations that govern how government runs its operations – let alone the ‘bureaucracy of the government system’, which only allows public servants to act within their delegated responsibilities and not further than that. Many a time, the first-hand public office-bearer you meet is not in position to sit in any managerial meetings where issues of your concern, as a concerned citizen, are discussed. This is already a hurdle for that specific bearer to advocate for your concern to be answered at least within 24 hours of its lodging. Hence, it is absolutely disregarding and disrespectful to label public servants as unproductive and inefficient,” she offered.
Mbago is sure she intends to serve the Namibian nation for as long as she can deliver – even though, when an opportunity presents itself, she will rise to the challenge – be it in the public or private sector. For, to her, ‘growth is inevitable’.
“I do practise PR full time, but I have taken a career shift paradigm. I am arching for a stake in the ministry of international relations,” she revealed.