Highflyer aims even higher

Elizabeth Joseph





Set-son Hafeni Hamwedi was born in a small village called Ohaukelo in the Ohangwena Region. He started his academic career at Uukelo Combined School. At the age of 11, he went to Arandis where he completed school.

Hamwedi went on to pursue a degree in civil engineering at the University of Namibia, which he obtained in 2017.

When asked what makes him happiest in life, he didn’t hesitate to answer.

"There are a lot of things that make me happy to various degrees in various circumstances. Happiness, being an emotion, is incredibly difficult to analyse.

“The most obvious thing is interacting with friends and family. They have what it takes to brighten my mood, essentially in any circumstance, and when starting from a normal baseline, they make me happier than anything else can," he said.

"My career makes me happy. It's quite amazing how a group of idealists could think of something which will later transform the lives of the society and the community as a whole."

Hamwedi is one of the youngest engineers involved in the building and development of Namibia's very own Neckartal Dam.

Future plans

In the next five years, he said he'd like to have worked on many more essential projects, such as urban or rural infrastructure development.

"I would also like to have developed a deep expertise in the engineering fraternity and have acquired the necessary practical knowledge that will see me registered with the Engineering Council of Namibia as a professional engineer," he said.

Challenges

Hamwedi said during his journey, he has struggled the most with confidence. He mentioned that this made him underestimate his talent, skills and what he was contributing to his team.

"I recently tried to learn more to appreciate myself and be confident and sharing what I know, and I am still working on improving myself more on that aspect."

Achievements

"I obtained countless performance awards in high school. I was also elected as Arandis junior town council mayor in 2010.

“Having been a part of different projects which contributed to the sustainable development of the town has also been one of the biggest highlights and it all started when people saw leadership qualities in me and trusted me with the obligation to lead the team," he said.

Advice

Hamwedi has done many great things during his young life so far and wants to impart some inspiration to other young people.

"My advice to my fellow young people is that they should do something they are passionate about. It takes great determination to keep on going, especially when the odds are stacked against you. But if you are doing something that you love, you are naturally going to succeed.”

Fun facts

When I was a little boy, almost quit school to be a cowboy due to corporal punishment.

During storytelling at primary school, I would go stand in front and say nothing at all.

I failed my first mathematic test at university and thought of quitting to go study to be a diesel mechanic at the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology instead. Thanks to my friends who discouraged me from doing so.

Fitness is a huge part of my lifestyle, and I try to be active daily.