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Striving to thrive

Wetumwene Shikage





Twenty-one-year-old Diina Dhiginina Egumbo is a third-year political science student at the University of Namibia (Unam). She was born in Oshakati and raised in the harbour town of Walvis Bay. She matriculated in 2017 from the Kuisebmund Secondary School, affectionately known as the “society of achievers”, under the social science field.

Initially, she planned to pursue a law degree, but due to circumstances beyond her control, she ended up studying logistics and supply chain management at the Namibia University of Science (NUST). Her desire to study law led her to discontinue her studies the following year. She got yet another blow of disappointment in 2019, but then a well trusted friend advised her to apply for what he believed was the best alternative, a bachelor of arts in political science, which she now finds worthwhile.

Egumbo was raised by an incredible single mother who, despite all the odds, managed to provide for her needs. Her childhood wasn’t easy but it was a great experience learning from her mother throughout the years of living with her, she said.

She was also an active member of the Young Achievers. “We met once a week to discuss various youth-related topics while performing various community outreach activities. I am currently part of the Khomas regional executive committee,” she said.

Regarding the Political Science Society, there are many obligations, which include but are not limited to: Translating the goals of the society into practical solutions; developing strategies that serve as guidelines to achieving both short- and long-term goals; organising workshops, school visits and seminars, and formulating schedules for these purposes. Her role largely focuses on planning and implementation.

“I mostly stay in contact with our head of operations committee and the rest of the executive members to ensure that the progress of upcoming events is in full swing, e.g. the official opening,” she said.

Besides harnessing her communications skills and delegating tasks, becoming a mentor to a junior student has been one of her greatest highlights thus far. Egumbo got a chance to give people a broad idea of politics outside the norm of party politics, saying the society is relatively new. They are yet to fully showcase their potential in their respective portfolios in order to reach their vision, which is to “promote the welfare, social and academic progress of the members of the organisation, to unite strengths and practice tolerance and acceptance of differing principles”.

Challenges

Egumbo said in as much as the discipline has endless career options, the opportunities are somewhat scarce, identifying the best career option has proven to be a hard task. Lack of support is a devastating feeling, she said. “The misinformation around politics forces people to not be supportive, in my opinion.”

As a student with various obligations, extensive reading on ever-changing local, national and global political affairs requires a lot of time and effort, which at times becomes a challenge on its own for her. Identity politics and big egos dominate politics and this often does not allow new talents to thrive.

Motivation

Egumbo said the fact that she is not where she visualises herself to be keeps her motivated to keep going.

“The strong desire to see my loving mother’s face when I obtain my first degree is another driving force. I aspire to be part of those who reshape and develop various rural areas in Namibia, and this motivates me to do my best at all times,” she said.

She encourages those who wish to pursue a similar field to know what they intend to do when they obtain their degree and to have a clear plan on how they will achieve their set goals. She added that it is always advisable to have a mentor to guide you through your career path, someone who can positively influence your personal and professional development.