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Free-spirited and a creative mind that runs like a bullet train

Michelline Nawatises

Lendl Izaaks is a proud Namibian and is comfortable in his skin. Born and raised in Windhoek, he is surprised every day at how what once was bushes children played in, is now covered in houses and other buildings most adults can’t afford.

Izaaks runs the press and communications department at Goethe-Institut Namibia. His job entails promoting a culture, language and country through projects, events and information services. Planning, budgeting and coordinating communication amongst parties, such as the media, for all to work together and manifest ideas is the order of the day.

Working with musicians, artists, designers, linguists and academics are what inspires his tasks of writing, photography, video, website management and social media management as a content producer.

“I respond to requests from the public and have them engage in what we offer for them to learn German, study in Germany or visit the country’s pristine lakes and mountains, or the vibrant cities filled with arts, cuisine and other forms of cultural expressions,” Izaaks says.

The biggest challenge in his 13-year career so far has been to stand for what he understands as acceptable and respectful treatment. “Too often, employers or colleagues think it is still 1950-something and all staff must accept verbal abuse or nepotism,” he says, adding that growing a thick skin was a challenge but has become a priceless achievement.

“My biggest achievement has been adapting easily, as my career changed every three to four years because I wanted to change occupation: media consultant and radio journalist to teacher, sub-editor and now PR and freelance consultant. Learning fast and adapting to a new role is not easy for everyone,” he says.

Coffee is the first thing on his daily to-do list and Izaaks says items depending on a response from someone else are at the top of his list, followed by other items prioritised by the expected date of execution. Emails, phone calls, Skype conferences, meetings or whatever is on the list must be done.

“There will always be random items that disrupt your list and its rhythm, so I prepare for that. My working hours are flexible so the time my day begins also depends on an event, meeting or need to travel relative to one of those items on my list,” he says.

His workday normally ends by lunchtime and he enjoys his afternoons working on external projects as a consultant, spending time with his family or simply catching a tan by the pool - should the weather be fine.

“Just like being a journalist or working in the media, PR is not a job but a lifestyle so I am always on standby unless I deliberately switch off my phone,” he adds.

Izaaks is driven by the want to enrich his mind and how culture is expressed, particularly through music and movement. His childhood was the time of globalisation, followed by the time of mass information through the Internet and before the social media phenomenon.

“Similarities between cultures inspires me the most because nobody is better than any other, regardless of culture or ethnicity. Identifying and relating on similarities is the first step towards harmony in a multicultural society. I am a sensual person who pays attention to detail – a perfectionist,” he adds.

He finds it difficult to single out one when asked about his future plans. “One is completing further education and identifying how I could contribute to the cultural development of a 30-something nation for Namibia to be the gem it could be,” he says.

Izaaks further adds that you can’t change the world but you can change how you behave. “We, Africa, have great potential but before achieving that, we must take responsibility for a culture and way of life that we call our own, before blaming the past or holding ourselves hostage to the ideas of dead people through tradition and religion,” Izaaks says.

One thing he wishes he knew how to do is play the clarinet and be part of a jazz band. It is his favourite instrument but indeed one of the most difficult to play. Unrealistically: Have it rain more often in Namibia so that our farmers are better off. “It is disheartening to see livestock fall over and die after you have spent years of nurturing them to have meat on the table or money in the pocket,” he concludes.