Lahja Nashuuta

Maria van der Berg, a Control Administrative Officer in the Office of the Auditor General, is one of the nation’s unsung heroines who has so far devoted 35 years to serving in the public sector. 

She joined the Public Service in 1989, a few months before the country gained its Independence.

Given her vast experience in office administration, Van der Berg is currently supervising seven different sections within the sub-division of Auxiliary Services at the Office of the Auditor General.

She ensures that the office runs efficiently and productively.  Her job entails managing the procurement of goods and services, maintaining and disposing of assets, managing the office fleet, as well as managing office records that are necessary for the office’s efficiency.

Van der Berg’s philosophy of being a civil servant is simple, yet profound. She highlights the significance of being a compassionate and dedicated public servant.

 “I am the go-to person for advice or help on operational matters. Being in the civil services for year, I developed the various skills that currently  help me to juggle multiple responsibilities within the office of the Auditor General. My juniors naturally look at me for direction. They put their trust in me to make wise decisions and produce good results. I am approachable, helpful and going beyond the call of my duty to assist those in need,” she said.

She observed that having been an administrator for nearly four decades, she has picked up unique skills which are not only beneficial to her daily duties, but also her personal life.

These skills include but are not limited to conflict management ability, and decision-making. 

Van der Berg furthermore demonstrated her solid understanding of employee relationships and asset management, just to mention but a few. 

What she finds rewarding about the job is when the public shows appreciation for the work that the Office of the Auditor General does.

“Positive feedback is highly encouraging, and one can only keep improving to maintain this positive feedback,” she said. Although there have been many proud moments that will always stick with her, Van der Berg narrated the moment she was awarded a certificate and a handshake for being the longest-serving civil servant by the Founding Father of the Namibian Nation, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, a few years ago.

“The appreciation I felt when I received a Long-Service Award for years of loyal service and appreciation for playing my part in achieving the goals of the office will always be my biggest accomplishment as a public servant,” she noted.

Humble beginnings

Born on 4 October 1969 in Rehoboth, Van der Berg spent her childhood years on a farm where she attended primary school until grade six, previously known as Standard Four. 

She then commenced with grade seven at Rehoboth High School until she completed her matric education in 1987 at the age of 18.

Before becoming a public servant, she was a casual worker at various retail shops. 

“I decided to join the public service, mostly because I was eager to get a permanent job at the time, and for the benefits that come along with the job,” she smiled.

Queried on why she opted to stick to public service for a long time, Van der Berg maintained that the government offers job security and ample chances for personal development.

She stated that the government offers a lot of growth opportunities, and it is the best sector to be a part of, especially when you strive to support government agencies, and improve and make a difference in communities and the country at large.

In terms of human development, Van der Berg believes that many public sector jobs provide excellent opportunities for individuals to gain experience and build useful new skills.

Although she cherishes every moment that she spends on the job, it is not without challenges. 

She admits that interacting with individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds can be a bit challenging.

Despite the accountability attached to her work responsibilities, she still finds her roles at the Office of the Auditor General both fulfilling and enjoyable. She notes that the work environment is pleasant and characterised by mutual respect among colleagues, contributing to a healthy relationship with her co-workers.

Public servants’ misconception

When asked about her views on the misconception that public servants are ineffective and lazy, Van der Berg dismissed the notion. 

She believes such claims are unjustified, and likely stem from a lack of understanding of the specific goals and objectives of each government department.

“Government is an institution like any other, and yes, there is room for improvement. But it is worth noting that there are people in the system who are determined to give it their best, and to execute their work to their fullest potential and on time,” she assured.

Future plans

Having served for 35 years in public service, Van der Berg said she has no plans of leaving her public duties just yet. 

Her vision is to work in the public sector until she retires. Currently, she is occupied with investing in farming activities, something that she and her family devote most of their free time to. 

She thus plans to stay and settle on the farm after she retires.

 -lnashuuta@gmail.com