Africa-Press – Namibia. She is a teacher by training. He is an accountant at the National Planning. The other, a devoted civil servant and family man, has put everything on the line in his quest not only for a future but also to serve the Land of the Brave better in his unique, humble and miniscule ways.
Their journey from Namibia to ‘Zhongguo’, meaning the centre of the world as China is affectionately known, some 11 300 km away, zeal and determination for a better country could be likened to Mao Zedong’s Long March.
The Long March involved a gruelling trek of over 9 700 km through treacherous terrain, with the Communists facing numerous hardships and high casualties. Despite the challenges, it allowed Mao to consolidate his leadership within the party, leveraging the event’s narrative to bolster his status, authority and mount the counter offensive that would liberate China.
This is the story of three Namibians currently pursuing their academic dreams in Shanghai, China, the country’s urban metropolis where ideals of the West and East converge.
While covering the China International Import Expo earlier this week, this journalist caught up with several Namibians for a chat.
Aina Megameno Shitaleni is doing her master’s degree in professional accounting at the Shanghai National Accounting Institute.
Before she arrived here, she was one of many unemployed qualified teachers in Namibia.
To escape the jaws of unemployment, advance her knowledge and create her own chances of employability, she applied and was admitted to one of the scholarship opportunities, funded through the Namibian government. “I’m a final-year student because it’s a two-year programme, so I’ll be heading home soon,” an excited Shitaleni said.
Before that, she would hop from one interview to another or secure temporary teaching posts at best.
“I was an accounting teacher, so I was in between interviews and everything. With the unemployment situation in Namibia, I thought, ‘Maybe if I changed to a different course, but one which is quite similar, as I was an accounting teacher, then maybe I would increase my chances.’ I saw the scholarship and applied for the accounting programme, and that is what I am doing now,” she said.
Looking back now, coming to China is one of her best decisions, she said.
“My experience in China has been wonderful. I think the notion we have about China, or the one I had, is so different from when I landed here. My mind was blown away. It’s beautiful; the infrastructure (sic) and the systems are working, so it has been quite an experience,” continued Shitaleni.
However, her academic journey here has not been a walk in the park.
“Academically, it has been a bit challenging because I’m coming from an education background, and now I am deep into the accounting field. But luckily, with the help of my peer, who is very encouraging and helps a lot, that has been good,” she said.
Looking into the future, Shitaleni hopes to contribute meaningfully towards Namibia’s growth with the skills, experience and knowledge she has amassed here.
“Apart from doing a lot of courses on accounting, we are also doing a lot of courses on development, economics and introduction to China. They teach us how they came to where they are now. Most of these things, albeit in theory, are quite easy to achieve.
“One of the things I’ve noticed from the Chinese is that the first thing they got right is unity among themselves. When you are looking at the same goal as a country, it is easy for most things to fall into place,” emphatically stated Shitaleni.
Ambition
Shitaleni’s classmate is Ernesto Ndimulunde. For him, not even the sky is the limit.
“School is okay. But the experience outside school has been a wonderful experience. We’re getting there,” he said.
He is an accountant at the National Planning Commission (NPC).
This opportunity could broaden his horizons, he believes, as blending accounting and economics will open the ultimate windows for opportunities in academia, consultancy and potential upward mobility with his current employer. “China has taught me that systems can work when guided by effective leadership – but even more crucially, when human dignity and respect are prioritised. Leaders must set an example by being diligent, incorruptible and committed to their nations’ welfare, prioritising citizens’ wellbeing and making sacrifices for the greater good,” he added.
The expertise and knowledge that come with academia are also not to be taken for granted, Ndimulunde further opined.
“Shanghai is the business hub of China. These guys are very meticulous in how they do things. They are very particular and orderly; it just boggles the mind how many people come to China and cannot replicate that kind of behaviour in their own countries,” said Ndimulunde.
Family man, servant
Like the duo, Enrico Ndangere Katjivandje left everything back home to be here.
A married man and father, Katjivandje hails from Okakarara, in the Otjozondjupa region.
“I’m doing my master’s degree in professional accounting at the Shanghai National Accounting Institute. I’ve been here for the past year and three months; I’m in my third semester now,” he stated.
“So far, so good,” he said when asked about his studies.
“I won’t say it’s going smoothly. We are trying. We have the best professors we could ever have,” Ketjivandje quipped.
He is also an accountant at the NPC.
“I’ve been with the agency for the past 11 years now. I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship and got released from the office to come and do my master’s,” she said.
Coming to China is a sacrifice he believes is worth it.
“I miss my family. I have been happily married for four years now. With the issue of the time zones, I literally sleep at around 3h00 every day because I need to talk to my wife around 21h00 on their side. The same goes with the kids,” he noted.
According to the time zones, China’s time is six hours ahead of Namibia’s.
While there is not much to complain about, with a chuckle, Katjivandje said he misses Namibian beef and omaere.
“Like I told you, I am from Okakarara; our favourite thing is meat. That is one of the biggest challenges that I’ve encountered since I got here. Beef is a bit expensive here. [At least] chicken and pork are more reasonable. But sometimes you miss that fresh meat, even the normal kapana, with vetkoek, or nice pap, and down it with a nice cup of omaere,” he said.
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