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From driver to acting manager for train operations

Michelline Nawatises

Hans Karon started his career with TransNamib as an extra-heavy-duty driver in January 1985. With a career spanning over 35 years at the railway company, Karon, who is the chief of service delivery for the Erongo Region, was recently put at the helm of train operations as acting manager.

Karon hails from Outjo and completed his secondary school education in the former Damaraland. He holds a Diploma in Transport and Logistics from the former Rand Afrikaans University of South Africa and went on to pursue a transportation management programme through the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) of Tanzania.

Through hard work and attending various training programmes in line with his duties, he was able to climb the ranks within TransNamib.

Karon says his dreams came true and his hard work paid off when he was first promoted to the position of driver-in-charge and later to depot supervisor at the Tsumeb Depot.

“I have added important values to the road section during my tenure, serving in these positions for 25 years before my promotion to the current position as chief of service delivery, where I have been serving now for 10 years and have achieved various operational activities in the region,” he says.

With his broad background and his dynamic and analytical ability, he is confident that TransNamib’s rail operations will achieve the company’s objectives as a bulk transporter.

“With our current dynamic exco and committed staff, our company will flourish and will be regarded as the best employer of choice by all,” he says.

As chief of service delivery and acting manager of train operations, Karon is responsible for ensuring that freight is delivered to TransNamib’s customers. It is a demanding position that requires long hours, focus, accuracy and a commitment to service delivery.

He urges young people to focus on skills development and capacity building initiatives through higher learning institutions and steer away from destructive activities. “This culture or mindset will never take you further, please remember this, young people,” he says.

Karon says he has been dedicated to innovation and being focused and that has helped him to move to the managerial level. “It is through hard work, dedication, commitment, experience and trust,” he says.