Out of all career options in government, there are a few which are close and most directly linked to the ultimate survival of the masses. And those that have to do with land and housing are undoubtedly part of this pack.
Hence, the introduction of land management studies at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) could not have been a more befitting reply to the government’s call for the education sector to introduce programmes that speak to the bread-and-butter issues of the citizenry. And the uptake of graduates from these institutions and others, by the civil service, can attest to that fact.
One such graduate is Kumbazu Kaihiva, a Property Valuer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.
The Cattle Country native, who is a holder of a BSc (Honours) in Property Studies, joined the civil service in 2010 and by her own assertion, it was never by chance.
“I have always been drawn to service-related work that allows me to serve other people. It’s always rewarding, knowing that my job is part of a larger initiative that strives to maintain and improve public life as this keeps me motivated,” Kaihiva told New Era this week. But like many other youth who enter the public sector, the perks attached to her job were also another pull factor.
“One of the best things in the public sector is the excellent opportunities that are available, such as training,” she added.
The mother of three is further excited that her job offers her the one thing that she values most in life, which is flexibility.
“I support a work environment that gives one the option to be flexible, without abusing it. Employers have the trust that the employee can get the job done. Sometimes, one can be in the office from 08h00 to 17h00, and still not get the work done,” she said.
“Also, providing flexibility to those who need it can be great for both the State and the individual since the government is getting good quality employees, and the individual can be part of both the corporate world and his or her job,” she added.
A fan of healthy work environments, Kaihiva further stressed that working with friendly, caring colleagues removes the strife of workplace politics and fosters a sense of trust and congeniality among team members, which later translates into incredible job satisfaction. The latter, she said, is synonymous with her workplace.
On the job…
According to Kaihiva, a property valuer is a skilled individual who gives professional advice on the value of the immovable property for various purposes. Valuation in the State set-up is required for decision-making when buying commercial farms for resettlement purposes, rental determination, statutory valuation for land tax purposes, and the selling and buying of government houses.
“It is also required for the determination of compensation in terms of town expansion,” she added.
In terms of the viability of her expertise to the government department, Kaihiva maintained that valuation experts are central to the ministry of land reform as property valuers determine market value in accordance with the International Valuation Standards (IVS), and form the basis of negotiation in terms of buying farms for resettlement purposes, and valuation for land tax purposes in terms of revenue collection.
She did not mince her words when she denounced the misconception that government employees are largely unproductive and inefficient.
“It is very wrong, as most government employees are competent and passionate about the work they do, and are eager to help clients get what they want,” she maintained.
“Working in the public sector is a privilege that entails lots of responsibilities. We know that what we do has a purpose that is bigger than ourselves, and we work to improve service delivery, even when we do not see the immediate output directly,” she stated.
Having been in the civil service for over a decade now, Kaihiva did not waste any time pondering the question of how long she is planning to stay in the public sector.
“It has been 11 years now; it became my second home. Therefore, I am here to stay,” she replied.
In the near future – both professionally and personally – Kaihiva expressed her hope that the Property Valuers Profession Act will be operationalised to allow those who are well-qualified to earn an industry certification, like other professions.
“Individually, my wish is committing myself to personal growth through continued professional development courses that are available, because I have a desire to learn and expand my career possibilities,” she noted.