New Era journalist Festus Hamalwa (FH) sat down with presidential photographer Absai Haiduwa to discuss his journey as a photographer at State House, where he turns creativity into a national legacy, balances artistry with protocol and shapes history one image at a time. 

FH: Can you please tell us about yourself 

AH: I am Absai Lineekela Haiduwa. I often describe myself as a ‘lightbulb’ because I thrive on illuminating narratives through creative media. As the presidential photographer and multimedia specialist, I work at the intersection of artistry and protocol, ensuring Namibia’s national story is documented with dignity, precision and resonance. 

FH: When did you join the public service, and what was your career path before? 

AH: I joined the public service in September 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

I started as a founding photographer and graphic designer at NawaZone, graphic designer at Antonio’s Art, where I have worked with a wide range of Namibian musicians. I then moved to PlastiPrint, where I designed Namibia’s newborns’ blue and pink health passports, an achievement I remain proud of. Later, at Namibia Media Holdings (NMH), I worked as a group designer and photographer, contributing to major projects, including branding the Namibia Tourism Expo for five consecutive years, the Namibia Town of the Year Competition and the Youth Career Expo. 

I also managed social media for clients and initiated the ‘Breaking News’ placeholders for social media and websites for Namibian Sun, Algemeine Zeitung, Republikein and community newspapers under the NMH banner. My career then took me to Startup Namibia. There, I served as marketing and communications manager before transitioning to State House to take on my current role. Each of these experiences sharpened my skills and prepared me for the responsibility of documenting leadership at the highest level. 

FH: Was working in government always your dream? 

AH: Public service was not a childhood dream, but rather a calling. My passion for photography and branding positioned me to contribute meaningfully to The Presidency. Today, my responsibilities extend beyond capturing images: I craft narratives that reflect national identity, preserve history and strengthen communication between the government and its citizens. 

FH: Briefly highlight your responsibilities. 

AH: As the presidential photographer and multimedia specialist, I hold a role that is both creative and strategic, rooted in documenting the official life of the Presidency while shaping how those moments are communicated to the public. My responsibilities extend far beyond taking photographs: I capture presidential events, ceremonies and engagements with accuracy and dignity; transform images into narratives that reflect leadership, national identity and cultural symbolism; collaborate with communication teams to ensure visuals align with protocol, audience expectations, and the broader message of government; preserve a historical record of the Presidency for future generations; and maintain strict protocol awareness to ensure all outputs respect the dignity of office and the sensitivities of diverse audiences. In essence, my work bridges artistry and accountability, ensuring that Namibia’s story is not only documented but also told in ways that resonate both at home and abroad. 

FH: What challenges have you encountered in your role? 

AH: The greatest challenge lies in balancing creativity with protocol, capturing moments that are both artistically compelling and respectful of the Presidency’s dignity. It can be daunting to step into spaces where every eye is on you, knowing that public sentiment from across the country, and even the global stage, will scrutinise your work. Every frame invites commentary, the “could have, should have” type of remarks, but I’ve learned to embrace that as part of the journey. 

I approach my role with the mindset of a choir conductor: they turn their backs on the audience not out of disregard, but to guide the choir with precision and unity. In the same way, my focus is on leading through visuals rather than performing for approval. 

FH: What do you find most satisfying about your job? 

AH: What I find most satisfying is the unique blend of personal fulfilment and national impact that comes with my role. Every frame I capture is more than just a photograph. It is a piece of history that will live far beyond the moment. 

The knowledge that my work becomes part of Namibia’s permanent archive, shaping how future generations remember today, gives me immense pride. 

At the same time, the artistry of turning fleeting moments into timeless visuals fuels my creative spirit. Seeing my images resonate with citizens, sparking emotion, unity or pride, is deeply rewarding because I am not only documenting events but also visually representing leadership, culture and identity. The role constantly challenges me, sharpens my skills and expands my vision, making the satisfaction lie in doing what I love while contributing to something larger than myself. 

FH: How is your expertise beneficial to the public service? 

AH: My expertise benefits the public service, and especially my ministry, by strengthening institutional memory and enhancing communication through visuals that go beyond documentation. Every photograph and multimedia record I produce becomes part of Namibia’s national archive, preserving an authentic history of leadership and governance while promoting transparency. Through creative storytelling, I transform official events into narratives that resonate with citizens, making government communication more relatable and impactful. At the same time, 

I balance strict adherence to state protocol with artistry, ensuring that the Presidency’s image remains dignified yet approachable. By integrating cultural symbolism and local context, I help project Namibia’s identity on both national and international stages, fostering pride among citizens and strengthening diplomacy. My multimedia and communication expertise also supports strategic goals by aligning visuals with broader objectives, including accountability, policy awareness and international representation. In essence, my work turns imagery into a tool of persuasion, education and national identity, serving both the ministry and the people. 

FH: Please share work-related accomplishments or memorable moments that you’re proud of as a public servant. 

AH: Among my proudest accomplishments is facilitating the Presidency’s capacity to live-stream State House events, documenting historic occasions such as the state of the nation address, the presentation of credentials and international engagements, including the United Nations General Assembly, African Union summits and Southern African Development Community summits. 

These moments remind me that photography is not only an art but also a form of diplomacy and storytelling, one that strengthens Namibia’s democracy and ensures citizens’ right to access information. 

FH: What do you like most about working for the government? 

AH: What I value most is its purpose. Every image contributes to democracy, transparency and national identity. The flexibility of the role, opportunities to travel globally as part of benchmarking exercises and exposure to best practices enrich my craft and enable me to bring innovation home. 

FH: How long do you plan to serve in public service? 

AH: I view my service not as a job with an end date, but as a lifelong calling rooted in passion, commitment and the ability to serve. My dedication lies in using creativity and expertise to enrich the nation’s story. As long as those qualities continue to make a meaningful impact, I will remain in service. For me, this journey is about longterm contribution, building a visual legacy, strengthening national identity and ensuring that history is preserved with dignity. It is a path of purpose rather than a timeline, one I intend to walk for as long as my work can inspire, inform and serve Namibia. 

FH: What are your aspirations for the future? 

AH: Looking ahead, I aspire to build a lasting visual legacy, mentor upcoming creatives and embrace innovation in multimedia storytelling. Personally, I seek balance, growth and community impact – living a life where service and creativity coexist meaningfully. 

-fhamalwa@ nepc.com.na