Categories: namambe interview

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Categories: namambe interview

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Kashindi:

1. Welcome Gerhard Sam to Namambe, you have very interesting European names what do they mean? Well, let me thank you first for the opportunity.

Let me begin by saying I am literally known or referred to as Sam which is actually my surname. The name Sam is of Persian and Hebrew origin which means “God has heard”. Gerhard on the other hand is my first name which means “spear ruler or spear-brave”. To do justice to your question, my family or middle name is Pangiiko and Lala (only my parents and grannies use them). The meaning of Pangiiko is not far from Gerhard’s one but this one meant to “anoint me onto power and take the leadership position once my father is unable to or simply once he passed away” and I have been ruling the family since my dear father left us in early 2012 (I am practically putting Pangiiko into work).

2. If you are asked to relocate would you opt for Europe, Asia or North America?

I would prefer North Europe (Nordic countries) or Asia. Nordic countries have embraced the inclusiveness of the masses regardless of the class and race into the realm of humanity. Basic services such as health and education are provided to the foreigners with the same quality as done to the locals. Equally, public funds are pumped back into national and social programmes to take care of the needy which subsequently improves the livelihood and living standard of the citizens. I came to learn this during my 6 months (exchange program with UNAM) stay in Finland where I visited several cities and villages to enlighten myself with other cultures. Alternatively, I also admire the Asian countries especially China, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. You see, these nations have naturally gripped well to modernization dynamics but on the other hand kept firm to their culture and heritage e.g. language, food, sports and architecture to mention a few. It shows that one does not necessarily have to let go of their traditions on the expense of embracing modernization or Westernization as some may term it.

3. At what time do you usually wake up in the morning and go to bed during the week?

I normally wake up around 6h30, have a prayer followed by some light exercises would then be checking the wardrobe as to what to put on before I take a bath. My bedtime is between 22 – 23h00.

4. Great let’s come back to business, please tell us about yourself.

I am a young Namibian man born by Namibian parents some 32 years ago in Luanda (Angola) during the heat of the liberation struggle against the apartheid regime. Simply put; I am an exiled kid. I grew up in different environments ranging from SWAPO camps in Kwanza-Sul, village then urban at a later stage. I am told I was an obedient and quiet child who was loved by the teachers. I am the first born of 6 and I am currently living with most of them in Ongwediva. As a child, I was given to one family member as my mother had to go to United Nations Institute for Namibia (UNIN) in Lusaka for studies while my father went to Germany for military training and later to the battle front. So I only got to meet them in Namibia around 1990 after repatriation, very funny indeed but this is what happened to most of the exiled kids.

5. In a summary we would like to know about your educational background?

To be frank,I attended many schools in the 90s as my parents were sourcing for a better place to settle. My primary started at Omusimboti Combined School until grade 2, then moved to Oshikondiilongo Combined School and then to Ongha Secondary School in 1997 for grade 8, later went Nuujoma Senior Secondary School for grade 11 and 12 which I completed in 2001. After matric I then registered at UNAM Windhoek Campus in 2002 for a 4yrs Bachelor degree (Tourism) program which I successfully completed and graduated in April 2006. In my third year at UNAM, a colleague and I were selected by our department to go for the newly opened exchange program between the University of Namibia and the University of Oulu, Finland. The selection was based on academic merit and we certainly came back with flying colours, the trip created profound memories that I cherish up to present. Academically, I am a travel consultant by profession; a field I have worked in for 5 years after varsity and I still fancy it. I have thus however shifted to economic development and a bit of public relations. I love travelling and I can travel the entire world if I have the means.

6. Who is your role model?

I have to say my parents did a great job by instilling values of humanity, discipline and having made it possible for me to complete my education. I should point it out that, my parents juggled here and there to pay for my first year at UNAM as the study loan was only approved in my 2nd year. I salute them highly for that noble dedication, so they are my role models.

7. Where do you work?

At Oshikuku Town Council

8. How do you describe your current job and what do you enjoy most?

I feel that I am in the right position at the right time. My responsibilities here are to coordinate economic activities within the business community, link them to training providers, financial institutions, attract investors, grow the local economy and create a positive image for the town and make it conducive for business to prosper enjoy the fact that your are required to offer your ideas and advises where necessary and equally seeing the fruits from the latter.

9. What do you wish should have never taken place in Namibia?

This may put me in trouble. lol. Well, I wish Namibia was never colonized so we would not have the comrades, the Tanganyika group and veterans taking the country’s resources into their own pockets while forgetting that Namibia’s resources are ought to rather benefit all citizens home and abroad. I would also advocate for a political system which borrows from democracy and communism because often the citizens are only brought in to vote for governance purposes but are totally snubbed when it comes to resources distribution or economy rather.

10. Some people have criticised Facebook, what is your comment on the use of Facebook and other social network applications? 

Social network sites come with a purpose and relevance. There are two sides here; the one criticising sees neither purpose nor relevance whereas for an urban and global-village person it is the opposite. It is not my place to judge but the above sums it up; I personally embrace its application to keep up with the technological ideals, information and development of the world.

11. Supposed you are given 20 millions (N$) to invest in Oshikuku, what will you do with it to speed up development in that town?

The provision of basic services and human needs should be addressed first; the right to shelter, nutritional food, health care and education are fundamentals enshrined in the country’s Constitution. The above are “human needs” and once these are met then follows the “wants” which naturally can be things like shopping malls for shopping, banking facilities and leisure e.g. golf course and swimming pools to mention a few.

12. How many cities have you travelled to and did you learn anything worthy helping Namibia?

A person would name all the cities he/she travelled through during transit (air travel)…but if it is about staying or spending a night; well I have been to Frankfurt, Oulu and Helsinki (both in Finland) and St. Petersburg in Russia and Johannesburg in RSA.The Finnish cities taught me a lot about the mutual relationship Namibia has with Finland (Suomi) dating from the Finnish Missionary Society in Olukonda by Martti Rautanen in 1899, this has culminated in the developmental projects that the Finnish Embassy is still supporting and providing capacity in different fields up to date.

13. If you are given a glass of beer and apple juice which one will you start with?

I will take beer first and wash it down with juice…lol

14. What message would you like to give to our youth in Namibia?

I have to say our generation was perhaps the last serious generation with education, of late you will notice that school kids are already dating, having cellphones (tablets, etc) which in our era you would not dare having them as you believe they will make you fail. All I wish to tell them is; kindly take life serious and excel in your studies, respect the elders and be obedient at all times. Your qualification will be your passport to the economy (job market) and your boyfriend will never be.

15. What makes you happy?

Completing tasks successfully and meeting deadlines makes me a happy citizen, followed by meeting up with friends for a drink after a busy day. Travelling excites me too and if it’s possible I could be going to places like Spitzkoppe, Granietkoppe, Sossusvlei and the Okavango Delta for weekends.

16. What type of a lady would you prefer to tie a knot with?
She must be God-fearing, naturally smart and beautiful (in absence of Brazilian and make ups). She should know and fulfil her purpose in life and result-driven, not a sleeper (I hate people that sleep a lot).

17. Is there any other thing you would like to share with the Public?

Well, let me share with you (readers) this information. While living in Finland I was scared to go to hair saloons for haircutting and worse; a friend told me it is expensive especially for black hair (African), I decided to buy a clipper (haircutting machine) and a mirror and I have been cutting my hair myself up to this date.

Many thanks for your time and insight
Pleasure is all mine.
E-mail contact: gerhardsam@yahoo.com

At Othithiya near Omuthiya Town 2013

With Italian friends in Oulu, Finland 2005

With friends at Opuwo Country Hotel 2012

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