Commit to be fit

Jonathan Mweneni Mwafangeo has decided to merge his passion for fitness and economics to start a new and exciting fitness and food event.
Michelline Nawatises
Mariselle Stofberg



It takes exceptional perseverance and determination to continue to chase your dreams despite adversity and complications that may arise. Jonathan Mweneni Mwafangeo has proven that he has what it takes to turn his dream into reality.

Mwafangeo has learned the hard way that nothing in life comes easy. This has, however, not stopped him from pursing his dreams, even when life tried to knock him down. Currently, he is planning and preparing for an exciting event that will take place in March this year, called the Fitness and Food Season, even though the journey towards this has been filled with ups and downs which have only made him stronger, more determined and more focused.

Mwafangeo is currently employed at First National Bank (FNB) in Windhoek in the Legal and Credit Risk (LARC) department where he works as a guarantees custodian. He has occupied this position for two years, after having worked as a multi-skilled consultant and deciding to move into different areas within FNB.

“The bank is a place that offers one different career opportunities. In my free time I move about the different departments, because I’m always trying to listen and learn and broaden my skill set,” he says.

Mwafangeo has the ability to grasp concepts quickly and this has allowed him the opportunity to expand his knowledge by simply investing time in getting to know the people he works with and understanding the work they do.

“I’ve been able to understand the work done at FNB Points of Presence and the relevance of data in the bank.”

After finishing grade 12, he enrolled for a diploma in accounting and auditing, but quickly realised that this career path was not for him.

This year he has registered at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) as a part-time student towards a bachelor’s degree in economics.

“I’ve been listening to a lot of podcasts on how businesses are not showing growth at the required rate because they lack the necessary support they need in order to grow. I wanted to understand the scope of business dealing and understanding what an entrepreneur is required to have and understand,” Mwafangeo says.

Mwafangeo is an entrepreneur with a great sense of identifying a niche within the market and hopes to utilise the skills he gained in the bank, alongside his degree, to someday assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to use data as a way to maximise their profits and economic growth.

Another one of Mwafangeo’s passions is his love for coffee, and he is in the process of opening his own coffee shop.

“We still need to sort out some logistics in terms of a venue and so forth, but one day I will be able to make this dream a reality.”

Currently Mwafangeo is planning a vibrant and exciting event that will be taking place on 3 March in Windhoek at the Goethe-Institut.

He hopes to eventually have at least 20 stalls present at the Fitness and Food Seasons event. The overall aim of the festival is to celebrate fitness and wellness by showcasing different demonstrations and stalls offering anything from smoothies to Crossfit, meal preparations, workouts and much more.

Related to the event, they will also have a weight watchers programme where individuals who would like to lose weight can participate from mid-February until the day of the event to see who is able to lose the most weight.

Also included in the event will be runs of 5 km, 7 km, 10 km and 15 km.

Mwafangeo wakes up every day at 04:00 to complete his affirmations, exercise and prepare for the day. After work, he has to attend to his studies and the planning for the event. Mwafangeo is able to prioritise his time, and with the help of his girlfriend’s unending support, he has proven that no amount of effort is too much for something you are determined to achieve.

Mwafangeo is in the process of securing sponsors and stalls and hopes to create a spontaneous and energy-packed event to excite Namibians to join in this event of great food, fitness and a celebration of wellness.

Fort any enquiries on the event, Mwafangeo can be reached at m8heritage@gmail.com.