Catching up with Hella

Since stepping back from the spotlight, Nghifindaka has earned a degree in public management and ventured into business.

“I can’t even really recall exactly when was the last time I was in the public eye, but it gradually happened years ago when I realised the gold in privacy, especially for a business individual. I decided to be more private because they told me diamonds are scarce. I could say I only wanted to be seen when it was worth being seen, it’s more special this way and people tend to miss and appreciate you more,” she says

Nghifindaka’s education journey continues, having recently applied for post graduate studies. She believes one can never go wrong with education.

“Those who get an education have higher incomes, more opportunities and tend to be healthier. It also creates a sense of belonging when you are an alumna. For me personally, it was more of a personal need from Maslow’s hierarchy, falling under the self-actualisation need.”

Since being out of the public eye, Nghifindaka says she has done a lot but the most recent highlight is working in the mayor’s office of the Tsumeb municipality.

She describes this as a “great experience and stepping stone”.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to use my skills, experience and education in regional and local governance, to create economic development and relief fund projects for the Tsumeb council and community at large,” she says.

Nghifindaka has also set up a party supplies; events equipment rental; decor; catering and baking supplies business at Tsumeb, she says.

She decided to venture into public management because she always had a keen interest in politics, economics, law, finance, public governance and international relations.

“I have come to realise that many of our politicians have been put in public administrative and managerial positions, which require this type of educational background. However, some lack the knowledge required, which is instead replaced with advisers, which is a waste of public resources,” Nghifindaka says.

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