The garden town of Okahandja is not only famously known for her eye-catching historical sites, old graves of war victims, and all other amazing tales. The compact mountainous town has unearthed many souls of remarkable pedigree in various fields. 

Oral historical accounts have it that the beautiful game of football first made her debut on South West Africa (Namibian) soil in Okahandja, introduced by German settlers in 1910. Okahandja was home to some of the greatest athletes to have ever played the game of football in the land of the Brave. 

The likes of Bomber Schultz, Engelhard ‘Larney’ Gariseb, Oscar Mengo, Doc Naobeb, Piet Bomhker, George Gariseb, Albert Tjihero, Ace Tjirera, Kiro Makati, Gotty Geiseb, Congo Hindjou, Bimbo Tjihero, Richard Gariseb, and dozens of others are all proud products of the unique and rare none-tribal enclave.

Add prominent ‘musos’ multi-instrumentalist, choir conductor, musical genius Axali Doeseb, author of the national anthem, ‘Jossy’ Haoseb, Japhta Noabeb, noted academics Meester Martin Neib, ‘Ouman’ Gertze, firebrand political analyst Nandi Mazeingo, veteran politicians Peter Katjavivi, and Moses Omeb, and you have a complete package. 

Lest we forget, Okahandja was home to the only Zoo Park that has ever seen light in the land of the Brave before it was regrettably ‘cheesed off’ due to unsustainable maintenance expenses. Admittedly, it’s only fitting that the influence of the abovementioned personalities trickled down to future generations to follow suit. 

One of the most outstanding personalities from that neck of the woods in recent times is the equally smart Madame Alna Similo, incumbent principal of the upper class Suiderhof Primary School. She came, saw, and conquered. 

Madame Similo has certainly left deep tracks in the annals of sport, occupying various high-profile portfolios in a sporting domain usually dominated by her male counterparts. 

After numerous unsuccessful attempts to sit the slippery madame down for an in-depth interview about her incredibly difficult to ignore sporting achievements, New Era Sport finally managed to corner the eloquent, mild-mannered madame of decent upbringing as she relives her unspoken sporting journey in full detail.  ν Carlos ‘CK’ Kambaekua

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lna Similo will go down in history as the very first female to occupy a high position in the hugely male-dominated sporting discipline. A schoolteacher by trade, the Okahandja born Similo succeeded internationally acclaimed sprinter Frank Fredericks.

Similo served for two consecutive years in an interim capacity before she was overwhelmingly installed as President of Athletics Namibia (AN).

 Shepherding a predominantly male-dominated, previously ‘toxic’ umbrella body was not going to be another Sunday afternoon walk in the park, but Similo stood the test of time effortlessly weaving her way through stormy waters, much to the delight of her subjects, including the doubting Thomases.

It’s by no coincidence that Similo achieved so much within a short period; sporting runs in the family genes, her old man meester Ludwitg Uiseb, was a formidable baller with Nau-Aib outfit Spoilers Football Club back in the day.

Elder brother Frans ‘Ouman’ Gertze needs no introduction in the local sporting circles; the likeable easygoing socialite was at the helm of the National Schools Sport Union (NSSU) for many years and also served sport at continental level. Uncle ‘SWA’ Gertze was a founder member and trusted servant for Nau-Aib youthful outfit Battle Boys.

Born in the sacred garden town of Okahandja in 1966, Alna Clara Magrieth Similo, famously known as ‘Siskate’, in social circles journey is one of resilience, passion, and ground-breaking achievements that have left an indelible mark on both education and sports, not just in Namibia but across the African continent.

Similo’s early life was shaped by the strength and support of her single old lady, grandfather, and three siblings. She learned the values of hard work and perseverance from an early age. And despite the challenges that came with being raised in a single-parent household, young ‘Siskate’ thrived, demonstrating early signs of determination that later defined her path.

Her long and winding educational journey began in Okahandja, where she completed her primary schooling before shifting to the city of bright lights (Windhoek). Her next destination was revered Ella Du Plessis High School, a learning institution famous for her diverse student body and commitment to academic excellence.

However, seeking to cultivate her leadership skills, Madame Similo found a new shelter at the Augustineum High School, whose filthy rich history and reputation for producing some of the country’s influential leaders. The new home provided the perfect environment for her growth, both academically and in sports.

Upon completion of her tertiary studies, Similo started teaching at Shalom Primary School in Otavi, honing her God given skills as a salted educator. She developed a passion for teaching that would guide her throughout her career.

A bird of passage, she retreated to her hometown (Okahandja) where she found refuge at the Aurora Primary before moving to Nau-Aib Primary School, where she continued to inspire young minds.

In later years, she accepted a teaching role at Bet-El Primary School in Katutura, before making a significant move to the newly built Michelle McLean Primary School, where she marked her journey as a noted educator.  

However, one of the most defining moments in her teaching career was when she joined Pionierspark Primary School in Windhoek. She immediately made her mark and was elevated to the plum position head of department, thus rewriting the history books by becoming the first black to occupy such a high-profile portfolio at the predominantly whites’ school, responsible for mathematics and science.

The appointment was groundbreaking, not only because of her role as head of department but also because she was a trailblazer in a space that had previously seen little diversity in leadership. During her 17-year tenure at the school, she was instrumental in shaping various academic programmes, particularly in mathematics and science.

Her phenomenal leadership skills helped elevate the school’s performance in the abovementioned subjects. She subsequently became a well-respected figure among her colleagues and the broader school community.

After her impactful service at Pionierspark Primary, Similo’s career took a significant leap when she was appointed as the school principal at Suiderhof Primary School, marking a pinnacle in her educational career. She is shepherding the school with the same passion and dedication that have characterised her flawless journey in the industry.

Outside the classrooms, Similo’s unquenchable love and passion for sports took shape during her formative years, showing her competitors a clean pair of heels in the 200 metres sprint and long jump. Her passion for sports extended to netball, where she played for the childhood team Spoilers.

Her leadership qualities were recognised early on as she was elevated to the position of secretary for the Spoilers netball team, a role that set the stage for her future in sports administration. During her high school years at Ella and Augustineum, the sport crazy madame continued to rattle the baskets on the netball courts, rubbing shoulders with some of the most celebrated players in the business; Lydia Kandanga-Kandetu and Emsie Esterhuizen, amongst others.

Throughout her career, she was influenced by key figures that shaped her path, notably lawmakers Natalia Goagoses (education) and Agnes Tjongarero (sports). In her own words, the pair had a profound impact on her professional life, providing guidance and inspiration.

Additionally, Carle Schafer and Noreen Waters played pivotal roles in shaping Similo’s sporting career, offering mentorship and support that propelled her to navigate the complexities of sports administration, while Frank Fredericks also played a hand in her sporting journey.

She is also a great deal of gratitude indebted to her brother ‘Ouman’, who had a significant impact on her sports life. Gertze’s involvement in sports management and passion for the overall development of athletes offered her a close connection to the world of sports, further enriching her career and personal growth.

Rubbing shoulders with internationally acclaimed sports icons. Similo’s involvement in athletics laid the foundation to meet and engage with some influential figures in the global sporting arena. She rubbed shoulders with Sir Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, and Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Those interactions were not just ceremonial; it created the platform to share ideas and gain insights from the global sports leaders, further enhancing her influence and vision for sports in her native land.

Similo’s overall contribution towards the development of sports was recognised internationally when she became the second Namibian to be trained as Programme Director under the auspices of the IOC in Lausanne, Switzerland.

This training enabled her to present and train others attain diplomas in Sports Management. The late Quinton Steele-Botes was the only Namibian to achieve that distinction. Similo was the only elected female as council member at the Confederation of African Athletics Congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2015, representing women on the council, a portfolio she held with great aplomb for four years certainly no mean feat.

Her dedication to sports and education earned her numerous accolades over the years, solidifying her legacy as a leader in her field. She is a university graduate with an Executive Master’s in Sports Organisation Management from the University Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium, and a Diploma in Management of Olympic Sport Organisations issued under the auspices of Olympic Solidarity.

She also holds a Baccalaureus Technologiae degree with majors in Education Management from the University of Pretoria/Tshwane in South Africa. An academic par excellence, the bookish sports guru is the proud holder of multiple high profile academic achievements from internationally acclaimed high learning institutions.

The ‘Iron Lady’s influence extended
across the continent, undertaking various roles within Africa’s highest athletics bodies, representing the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), and was instrumental in shaping global sports policies in the process promoting gender equality and supporting emerging athletes.

Her efforts ensured that Namibia was not just a participant but a leader in international athletics. Similo’s advocacy for women and youth in sports created lasting opportunities for future generations, elevating her to the status of a revered figure in the world of athletics.

At the heart of Alna’s success is her close knit family, the cornerstone of her foundation. Her equally smart hubby, the streetwise Bro Stan Similo, incumbent ‘Langana’ of the national broadcaster, whom she describes as her rock, has been a staunch supporter throughout her journey.

Similo’s life journey is not just about breaking barriers in education and sports, it’s more about breaking stereotypes of what women can achieve. The madame has proven that it is possible to have a fulfilling family life while excelling at the highest levels of professional achievement.

Her legacy is one that will inspire countless women across the SADC region and beyond. Similo’s impressive resume is a powerful testimony that with determination, passion, and support, there are no limits to what one can achieve.

She is a pioneer, a role model, and a symbol of possibility. Her immerse contribution towards education and sports has left an indelible mark on Namibia, while her influence continues to resonate across Africa. She remains committed to the core values that served as guidance throughout her life:  strong belief in the transformative power of education, a passion for sports, and a dedication to gender equality.

Her story is one of pure resilience and triumph, a narrative that will inspire generations to come. Similo’s legacy is one that will be celebrated for years to come, indeed a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose.