I realised what I wanted to do in life when I scored 100% in the first test for my high-school accounting course. My late uncle taught accounting at the university in Namibia, and seeing his desk filled with books and watching him solve maths problems without using a calculator fascinated me. After I joined an audit firm, my interest grew even stronger, and I signed up for the ACCA programme.
I joined the private sector to complete my ACCA qualification. I’d been at the Office of the Auditor General for four years, and taking on new responsibilities in a fast-paced audit environment, working with diverse clients and industries while applying my accounting skills in practice proved really demanding. I had to manage complex assignments with tight deadlines and learn how to collaborate while also working independently. This experience helped me to build resilience, strengthen my problem-solving and improve how I adapt to new challenges.
I would like to see stronger laws against those who steal public resources
Completing the ACCA qualification has been my biggest achievement, and I am proud of completing my audit articles as well. Achieving these milestones while balancing the demands of my career required discipline, perseverance and good time management.
I have been back at the Office of the Auditor General for just over a year now. We ensure that public funds are spent according to the law, fight corruption and waste, and improve service delivery across the country. Through financial and compliance audits, we identify irregularities and non-compliance with legislation, and our reports hold public officials accountable. I would like to see stronger laws against those who steal public resources – too many wrongdoers are not held properly accountable.
What I enjoy the most about my role is being able to contribute to accountability and transparency and to ensure that public resources are used for their intended purposes. I also like being able to apply in the public environment the knowledge I gained in the private sector.
It’s about taking pride in your work regardless of who is watching
My favourite quote comes from Colossians 3:23: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.’ It’s about giving it your best effort, maintaining integrity and taking pride in your work regardless of who is watching.
When I was growing up, I thought I might be a bank manager, a hairdresser or an interior designer. I like working with my hands, so hairdressing or interior design probably would be my choice, as both allow creativity and attention to detail.
Outside work, you will often find me reading a book or exploring home decor and interior design ideas. I also enjoy listening to gospel music and podcasts, and spending quality time with my family and friends.
