Imagine a publication filled with inspiring Namibian stories. One hundred and eighty pages of true tales about the nation’s innovators and experts who defied the odds, broke glass ceilings and lived the dream.
This is 99FM’s MYD journal.
Launched as a movement and defined by a radio show hosted and produced by media darling and executive editor Kirsty Watermeyer, the Master Your Destiny (MYD) journal is a glossy, annual must-have magazine featuring some of the best in the recent series.
Divided into sections on heroes, business, success in the arts, inspiration, mental health, self-awareness, acceptance and discovery, our natural heritage, forgiveness, positive thinking, boundaries, conservation and more, the MYD journal mines some of Namibia’s brightest minds to share gems of wisdom and experience with a country so often bombarded with bad news.
Antidotal in accounts of Dr Helena Ndume’s mission to restore the nation’s sight, Playshis the Poet’s musings on the poetry of life and Ally Angula’s revelations on personal power, the journal juxtaposes recognisable names with everyday heroes changing and indeed elevating the game in business, entrepreneurship, arts, education, meditation and for their fellow man.
“Master Your Destiny was launched as a movement, one that aimed to bring together innovators and experts, entrepreneurs and captains of industry, students and teachers, mentees and mentors all with one common goal: To be the masters of our own destinies,” says Watermeyer.
“Today, MYD is a platform for us to connect as human beings, a celebration of all that we are and a central point to learn and grow.
When you open the journal, you’ll find a selection of inspiring Namibian stories that demonstrate the wisdom of life, the connection of community, the power of diversity and the healing ability of hope. The MYD journal features stories of inspirational Namibians doing extraordinary things in their lives and in the lives of their communities.”
Presenting the human element in MYD’s various segments including MYD Art, Smart, Heart, Earth as well as the MYD Show, the journal puts faces and personal stories to myriad issues affecting society.
With artists like D-Naff expounding on the weight of revenge in terms of gender-based violence, Elemotho enlightening about letting go of blame and John Sam, a man who spent 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit – an enthusiastic spokesperson for forgiveness, the journal gives a voice to the easily overlooked and those as inspiring as ex-prison warden Moses ‘Jay-Jay’ Leonard who currently gives jobs and second chances to ex-convicts.
Provided to institutions upon request and currently in the process of providing free copies to libraries, the University of Namibia, Namibia University of Science and Technology, the National Art Gallery, government institutions, schools, doctors rooms and the like, the MYD journal aims to spread Namibia’s good news far and wide.
“MYD is always available both on-air on radio and online through the 99FM website,” says Watermeyer.
“Our focus has always been on sharing the stories of the people that demonstrate all that is going right in our country. The collection of stories on this platform moved us and inspired us. We felt that we wanted to share these stories further and wider and this is why we brought out the journal.”
Asked to select a favourite from a journal filled with practical Namibian success stories including Afra Schimming-Chase on setting boundaries, Leandre Kurz on saying goodbye to the guilt of the working mum, Dr Chris Brown on sustainable conservation and Sam Shivute on the importance of values, Watermeyer cites an entry that is currently particularly close to Namibians hearts.
“It was really tough to whittle down the final selection from year one, especially for me because every person and every story is one I have come to know and love,” she says.
“Selecting a favourite is an impossible task, because I know the people and the passion behind each story. However, it was especially special to me that Tony Figueira’s story was featured in the first edition of the MYD journal. He was a friend and his story is such an inspiration that it brought me great joy that through it being a part of the journal, more people will have the opportunity to know his story. With his recent passing, even more so.”
Currently in the process of selecting the stories for the second MYD journal, Watermeyer believes the collection is for everyone.
“Everyone who wants to know how incredible Namibia and her people are. Everyone who wants to know how inspiring Africa is. Everyone who wants to be inspired, informed and reminded of the beauty of humanity.”
A breath of fresh, informative and proudly Namibian air on the radiowaves and now available to read at your leisure and in the comfort of your own home, MYD is a a brand, a magazine and a movement to be proud of and Watermeyer, who describes herself as simply a conduit relaying the incredible stories of our incredible people, certainly is.
“It is hard to express the overwhelming joy I feel. It is to know that while there is great sorrow and tragedy in this world, there is also hope, optimism and beauty. It is to know that there is a space and many reasons for us to celebrate our success. I believe that like a string of a guitar, it is our nature to express what impacts us,” she says and adds:
“A strong community is made up of diverse individuals who dream of bettering the spaces they find themselves in, for the benefit of all.
This view of life is so much of what Namibia and Namibians are made of and I have had the privilege of witnessing this first hand. From the first MYD interview in studio in March 2015 to all the conversations that resulted in the many MYD articles, what an honour it has been.
This book, this journey and these stories are a testament to the power of human potential.
More than that, though, this is a collection of hope.”
Tune into 99FM’s MYD Show every Wednesday and Thursday at 18h00 and MYD Earth on Monday’s at the same time. Stream the station live and find MYD articles at 99FM.com.na and email kirsty@99fm.com.na for more information.
