Fatima Apollus is a public servant who values time management as an organisation’s intangible factor of production. She is the executive senior private secretary to the Deputy Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises.
She said time management, if not valued, can hinder effective service delivery in the public service.
“Time in an organisation is an intangible factor of production that cannot be reclaimed once lost. In most cases, this precious asset is mismanaged. Although we have eight working hours, achieving all our goals within the limited time depends on how we manage the time available”, Apollus noted.
She was born and raised in Windhoek, and joined the public service in 2021 after obtaining her forensic science degree at the University of KwaZulu- Natal in South Africa.
She said getting a job in government was definitely one of the opportunities which came unexpectedly, “but I had determined that it would be the perfect position to create opportunities and change, especially for the minority community that I come from”.
Apollus, who described herself as energetic and dependable, stated that her experience at the finance ministry has boosted her self-confidence and understanding of the needs of all members that government liaises with, from taxpayers to international delegates.
“I am particularly proud of my supportive team at the office of the minister and the office of the executive director, which provide great assistance and input at any juncture.
I am very proud of my role as the secretary of the wellness committee and sports and recreation sub-committee, which allows me to arrange and be the master of ceremonies at numerous events, including the year-end-function”.
“I am proud that I am one of the few selected members of the government nominated to attend international seminars in China. I am particularly grateful that my deputy minister, honourable Maureen Hinda-Mbuende, doesn’t confine me to a secretarial role, but rather exposes me to official missions out of office,” she narrated.
Responsibilities
As the executive senior private secretary, she is the liaison between different departments within the ministry.
Her day-to-day duties range from responding to public queries, as well as disseminating directives as per the senior management decisions.
She is also tasked with preparing for Cabinet decisions, as well as ensuring proper coordination and maintaining regular consultation with the minister’s office and parliament.
Apollus is furthermore responsible for travel arrangements, rendering support during the deputy minister’s official missions.
Despite the demands of her position, she is satisfied with the opportunity that she is able to assist in government at such a high level.
“My favourite thing about working in government is offering solutions to frustrated taxpayers, and being a breath of fresh air through my diligent service,” she beamed.
Her studies in forensic criminology likewise come in handy in that she is able to critically analyse the documents that land on her desk.
“My legal studies’ modules such as criminal law and law of delict have given me a significant knowledge of the Constitution, and specific insight on the legislation and operations of the criminal justice system to be able to contribute during deliberations, and to give a youthful and integrated perspective in some of the higher-level meetings at the ministry,” she continued.
Apollus does not agree with sentiments that public servants are unproductive.
“This sentiment is wholly inaccurate, and I think it comes from the perspective of one bad experience. Here at the office of honourable Hinda-Mbuende, we work diligently, and always prioritise the needs of our co-workers and our clientele. I especially strive to be excellent every day as this is the beginning of my career,” she
emphasised.
Apollus is not planning to drop out of public service at any time soon, but wishes to be in a position where she can use her specific forensic laboratory and bio-psychosocial perspectives, as well as criminology skills
daily.