Lahja Nashuuta

Thomas Iyambo is a goal-driven, detail-oriented public servant, who devoted his productive years to ensuring that public servants are given medical care. 

He is an administrative officer in the Medical Aid division within the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises.

He is responsible for providing administration and managed care services to Public Service Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas) beneficiaries.

As an administrative officer, Iyambo is responsible for the division’s day-to-day administrative functions.

His roles involve receiving application forms from line ministries, and processing them.

“Workplace is the second home for me. Having a great team to work alongside is an accomplishment” he remarked.

The 32-year-old holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology. 

His journey into public service started on 1 November 2020. 

Before his permanent appointment, he served in the public sector as a graduate intern in the same department of the same ministry.

Working for the government offers him job security and various growth opportunities. But every job comes with its own set of challenges, and the civil service is no exception.

What he found challenging about his work is the fact that the Psemas office is centralised, which increases the workload. Moreover, the department is currently operating on a skeleton system.

He said he finds satisfaction when he and his team strive to be as helpful as possible to serve the clients with satisfactory services.

Other gratifying aspects of his work are when he receives compliments from the people he serves, working in a conducive environment, and the ability to assist people from diversified backgrounds.

Dream comes true

In an interview with New Era this week, Iyambo revealed that working for the government is a prestigious achievement to him.

“Who would not want to work for the government? It has been a dream. In comparison to the private sector, a public servant has better benefits, which include job security and an opportunity to grow,” he asserted.

He maintained that what he likes most about working for the government is the fact that he works with supportive and talented colleagues in a collaborative work environment, which is flexible and gives him an opportunity for growth.

“The sense of public service is fulfilling, and I find satisfaction in knowing that my work directly benefits citizens,” he said.

Asked how his expertise is beneficial to the public service, especially to his ministry, Iyambo was optimistic that after getting to know the mission and vision of the ministry, he believes that his technical skills will be of great contribution to achieving departmental as well as ministerial goals.

Lazy civil servants’ misconception

Questioned on his take on the public perception that people who work in public institutions are unproductive and inefficient, Iyambo had this to say: “Government has a culture of productivity, managed by the implemented performance management system”.

Future 

It is clear as daylight that Iyambo is not planning to leave the civil service anytime soon. But he remains open to any possibility whichguarantees growth.

His plans involve furthering professional growth within the public sector, taking on more responsibilities, and leveraging his skills to address evolving challenges.

“As long as I have a positive impact, I would love to work for the government over the long-term. 

He wishes to advance his skills and drive his career through qualifying and non-qualifying training programmes offered by the government and through enrolled courses at the tertiary level.

-lnashuuta@gmail.com