Passion is energy

Uvatera Kamberipa was recently appointed as one of eight trainee managers at Pick n Pay and he believes that passion is the key to realising your dreams.
Michelline Nawatises
Mariselle Stofberg

Growing up, Uvatera Kamberipa always dreamt of becoming a soccer star and would always be running in the dusty streets of Ovitoto, just for the love of the game.

This soccer enthusiast has used his drive and determination to make his mark within the retail environment and was recently appointed as a trainee manager at Pick n Pay.

Kamberipa was born in Windhoek on 26 October 1995 and completed high school in Okahandja in 2013. His career started in the retail environment in 2016, when he was appointed as a trainee manager at Woerman Brock supermarkets.

“I also studied a certificate in accounting and taxation at the University of Namibia (Unam) in 2017.”

Kamberipa has always been excited about life and the possibilities it offers, and used his determination and drive to build his career.

“I was appointed on 1 August 2019 as a trainee manager of Pick n Pay, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group. Working in Pick n Pay is a wonderful experience to have in the retail environment, because the opportunities for growth are endless.”

Even though one might be weary of starting a new job, Kamberipa felt right at home since the first day he started at Pick n Pay. “My colleagues welcomed me very well and I already felt at home on the very first day of work,” Kamberipa added.

He values the opportunity he has been given to work in an environment that allows one the opportunity for growth and offers a vast amount of career opportunities.

“O&L is a group that allows people to grow and I feel all grown up just in the three months that I have spent working in the group thus far. In this group everyone is regarded as very important, no matter how the hierarchy seems to look. “

Kamberipa has a problem-solving nature and uses every challenge he encounters as an opportunity for growth. “I like to use my problem-solving skills to find a common solution to benefit everyone.”

Kamberipa encourages individuals who might be embarking on a new journey within their careers to never lose hope and determination, and to not allow money to be the deciding factor within their lives. “To my fellow Namibians who are about to start the journey, my advice is to have a passion for your job and to never be driven by money, because just money will never be enough.”

What inspires Kamberipa is being positive in life, no matter the nature of the situation. “I am not an easy person to be shaken, and I maintain my positivity and drive in every situation.” He strives to be the best version of himself, to be committed in anything he takes on and to always remain honest in his life.

“What makes me truly happy is being acknowledged, even for the little things you do.”