Her meteoric rise at her former employer, a leading multinational in the global financial sector, attests to her professional prowess.

But it is her commitment to the Namibian public service to which she has devoted for about five years that caught our attention.

Kandi Itewa Karlus joined the public service on 3 July 2017 as a senior private secretary in the Office of the Judiciary. 

She was then transferred to the High Court, in the same office, where she now serves as a senior private secretary to judges at the High Court of Namibia.

Prior to that, the wife and mother of two professedly beautiful daughters was a personal assistant at the Alexander Forbes Financial Services – now known as AlexForbes – where she worked for 10 “committed” years.

Here, she started as a receptionist, then a personal assistant to the fund manager before becoming the client liaison officer (trust fund). 

She then became a financial planning assistant and thereafter the personal assistant to the chief financial officer.

The Swakopmund native – where both her parents and siblings still live – has been living in Windhoek since 2003.

“I love to serve with pleasure; it is something I believe just comes spontaneously,” she told New Era this week.

Surprisingly though, never has she, in her wildest dreams, seen herself toiling in the public service.

 “I have never thought that I would become a civil servant, but it is a decision I am forever grateful for; I thank God for my husband, who saw the potential in me and encouraged me to apply,” she revealed.

On the job

Although Karlus was hired to serve as a senior private secretary for three judges at the moment, her professed inquisitive nature and love of learning admittedly see her going beyond the line of duty, as she empowers and educates herself – and in so doing, “serving the nation”.

These include attending court proceedings and giving weekly reports thereof, updating the judges’ diary, facilitating travel arrangements, ordering office supplies, screening and channelling telephone calls, attending to walk-in visitors and lawyers’ queries, typing and drafting official letters and any other correspondences, serving refreshments as well as any ad-hoc tasks.

But as much as she loves her work, the job is never without challenges, so there are blue moments, especially when it gets overly hectic.

“When it gets busy here, it gets really busy to the point that one forgets that you are wearing heels (shoes) and running around – but in the end, we make it happen,” she said. 

What is satisfying about the work, according to her, are the perks that come with the job. 

“I should really give credit to the fact that I have a secure job that comes with benefits, a privilege not many have today,” she says.

Personal aptitude

Karlus prides herself as a person with a strong sense of duty, and with an ability to communicate effectively in all aspects.

“I put the interests of the public and the public service first, and I have learned to maintain and enhance the public’s trust and confidence in the public service,” she added.

She further maintained that she has an innate ability to influence others through reasoned argument but with respect for hierarchy. 

“Being mindful of and caring for the underprivileged in society, I have relentless empathy,” she said.

Karlus, an Office Management and Technology degree holder said she does whatever it is in her capacity to serve. 

“Where I am unable to, I refer to relevant colleagues. I am very forthcoming,” she added.  

The rather spontaneous working environment in government drives her. 

As for the misconception that civil servants are ineffective, she totally disagrees. 

“The team really works hard here. You cannot work here and be lazy. The job demands one’s utmost attention, dedication and commitment. The fact that I love what I do, I go an extra mile in doing so with pleasure,” she said, suggesting that all civil servants can have the same attitude and energy towards their work.

Queried as to how long she is planning to serve in the civil service, she said, “Well, I have been serving for five years, and I am open-minded to work. When and if something appealing comes my way, I will grab the opportunity with both hands. There are endless opportunities out there.

“Since we are going through an ever-changing job market, I wish to keep myself up to date with trends that will give me a better chance to distinguish myself, among others, for years to come by recognising threats and opportunities, developing my skills and knowledge, and making use of my support network and continuing to add more connections. I will remain a continuous learner who embraces change and thinks differently,” she concluded.