Surveying her way to success

ELIZABETH JOSEPH
As Namdeb continues creating a positive legacy, its employees were featured under the theme of mining and inclusivity during March, which is the month Namibia gained its independence.

Meet Ndeshipanda Nghipandulwa (NN), a Namdeb employee, who started her career at the company in 2015 as a surveyor. This is what she had to say Careers (C) when asked about her views on mining and inclusivity in an independent Namibia.

C: Tell us about your educational and career path background and the path that led to your current role at Namdeb?

NN: I have a diploma in surveying and a Bachelor of Science degree in geomatics from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust). I started my career at a private surveying firm, Strydom & Associates Land Surveyors, in Windhoek. Thereafter I joined Namdeb.

C: Mining is predominantly a male-dominated environment. What are your views on how mining can be more inclusive?

NN: It is important to equip everybody with the necessary tools and assist in skills development for those that are willing to learn. Namdeb needs to continue actively seeking interventions to empower and develop women as a means of grooming them as they take on roles previously seen as male-dominated positions.

C: Employee wellness is an important aspect for the Namdeb business. How do you create a balance between work requirements and your personal life?

NN: It’s difficult but I have learned to list my priorities and make a schedule. I have developed a lifestyle that tries to incorporate physical activities that enable me to have a balanced mental well-being. I am also part of a fitness group that helps me to be fit, particularly as the nature of my work requires me to be out in the field most of the time.

C: As a surveyor what are your key priorities at Namdeb?

NN: Surveyors provide services through performing mining- and engineering-related topographical and hydrographical survey activities. In doing so, I also have to ensure I deliver quality service to my stakeholders and return home safely.

C: What does one need to become a surveyor?

A recognised tertiary (NQF level) qualification in land surveying, geomatics, hydrographic surveying, a Chamber of Mines advanced certificate or a Chamber of Mines certificate of competency. One will also needs post-qualification experience in engineering and topographical surveying, experience in modelling and volumetric survey software and you have to be computer literate in MS Office. You also need a Code 08/BE driver’s licence.

C: What does Namibia’s independence mean to you?

NN: Freedom. Freedom for everybody to express themselves, but most importantly, using the freedom to improve and learn continuously.