As is the case with wedding unsung heroes – who work tirelessly to ensure a seamless event – petrol attendants and police officers rarely get the credit they deserve, or their flowers in Gen Z lingo. 

But while many homes were filled with music, laughter and the smell of Christmas food, other places stayed bright and busy. 

Among such places are petrol stations that remain open throughout the year. 

Police patrol the roads and neighbourhoods. For the people working there, the festive season is not a holiday. It is a duty. 

Although most Namibians pack their cars, lock their homes and head for the holidays, others put on uniforms and report for duty. They work while the city grows quiet, the roads grow busy, and families celebrate without them. 

These are the heroes of the festive season, the petrol attendants and police officers who keep the nation moving and safe. 

At Wika Service Station, the festive season follows a clear rhythm. 

The days before Christmas, especially 23 and 24 December, are very busy. Cars line up as families fuel up before long journeys. By around 14h00 on Christmas Eve, the rush ends. The city becomes quiet as people leave town. 

“It is busy in the morning, very busy. But by the afternoon of the 24th, it becomes quiet. Everyone is already on the road,” one petrol attendant, Robert Kandenga, who has been a petrol attendant for 21 years, explained. 

Another attendant has spent over two decades on the job, alternating shifts so that some colleagues can be with their families while others keep the station running. 

“Yes, we miss family. But what can we do? We are here to assist the nation,” said another petrol attendant, Kavetjiua Murise. 

Instead of big family celebrations, some workers mark Christmas with colleagues. A small cabaret at work, shared food, and quiet moments replace traditional gatherings. The pain of missing home is real, but many say they have learnt to accept it. 

Revoully Adu Kharuxas, an office administrative assistant at Wika Service Station, said her first festive season at work was very hard. Her whole family travelled, and she stayed behind. 

“At first, I was sad. I worked, slept, and worked again,” she said. 

But over time, her feelings changed. She now sees festive work as an honour. 

“You realise people depend on you. If we were not here, people would not get petrol to travel. That makes you feel important,” she said. 

She also had a message for holiday travellers, which states, “Please drive safely. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t rush. There is no emergency at your holiday destination. Just arrive alive.” 

For Roland van der Westhuizen, the site manager at Wika Service Station, working during the festive season has become more than just a duty; it has become a second home. 

“This place becomes home. I am far from home, but it feels okay because we are together here,” he said. 

He said one of the things that keeps him motivated during the festive season is interacting with customers who are on their way to holidays or returning home. 

“It’s nice assisting clients. They always put a smile on my face. Even when we are tired, that smile makes a difference,” he said. 

Police 

That message is strongly echoed by the Namibian Police in Khomas. 

Inspector Silas Shipandeni said festive duties are similar to normal policing, but the pressure is much higher. More people are on the move. Excitement is high. Criminals often try to take advantage of this. 

“The festive season brings more demand for law enforcement. There is movement out of Windhoek, movement into Windhoek, and people passing through. That requires more police visibility,” he said. 

Khomas, especially Windhoek, becomes one of the busiest areas in the country during this time. Police officers work long hours, often without leave, to ensure road safety, prevent crime and respond quickly to incidents. 

Shipandeni also shared a recent success story. A couple informed the police before leaving town, as advised. Late one night, suspicious movement was reported at their house. Police responded immediately. 

“We caught them in the act. Two suspects were arrested for attempted housebreaking. One ran away, and we are still looking for him,” he said. 

For the police, such moments justify the sacrifice of missing family time. 

“We don’t want criminals to succeed. If crime is prevented, lives and property are saved,” he said. 

Omusati police spokesperson Inspector Anna Kunga added that festive policing has become normal for officers. Leave is restricted because safety comes first. 

“Our job is to protect people, their homes, and their businesses. That is why we are here when others are on holiday,” she said. 

-ljason@nepc.com.na