Moffat excels in correctional service despite dwarfism

Ongwediva-Born Moffat Hapulile (30) says he has had to look past mockery and bullying to focus on his goals.

Hapulile is one of the first two people with dwarfism to be accepted into the Namibian Correctional Service brass band as a correctional officer after successfully completing three months of training at Omaruru in December. The other is Lazarus Ndara.

This is his first formal job after several years of working as a brand promoter and dancer, interspersed with periods of unemployment.

Hapulile says he does not allow his disability to hold him back, instead he expresses himself fully, even amid mockery and bullying.

“Throughout the training programme, I was treated the same as all other candidates, which I appreciated because it pushed me to do my best. I did not feel weak or excluded,” he says.

“Participating in the passing out parade was a reward for hard work, pain endured and perseverance. It was a proud and joyful moment for me and my colleagues.”

He says hard work and honesty are essential in the service, which deals directly with offenders.

Hapulile says he feels compelled to motivate others with similar physical challenges to express themselves.

“If making others feel small brings you joy, continue, but it will not stop me.

I have learnt not to react to negativity and remain focused,” he says.

He describes completing the training as tough and coming through it as one of his greatest achievements. He also advises people with disabilities to believe in themselves and disregard negative talk.

He has expressed gratitude to his friends, Modestus Alweendo and Hans Somseb, who stood by him during his training.
Hapulile has previously worked as a brand promoter and dance activator with TST Marketing Agency.

Before joining the correctional service, Hapulile was a member of a music group, Fresh Family, which produced the popular track ‘Superstar’.

Local artist James Omlongo says he was impressed by Hapulile’s dance moves with the band at the national music awards 13 years ago.

“As a musician I’ve always liked working with talent, and I am fortunate to have had him perform beside me as a dancer. His dancing skills will take him far,” Omlongo adds.

Although he loves music and dance, Hapulile says he was tired of waking up every morning hoping for bookings that often did not materialise. “So, I applied to join the service and was shortlisted,” he says.

He says his mentor and role model is chief correctional officer Gideon Nambahu. “I admired his enthusiasm, discipline and energy while drilling, which demands excellence at all times. His leadership left a lasting impact on me,” he says.

The assistant commissioner of the service, Salmi Hangula, says there are different categories and employment processes. Some officers are recruited, while others, like Hapulile, are qualified candidates referred to as trainees.

Hangula emphasises that the hiring of Hapulile was not purely a matter of disability inclusion. The selection process focused on experienced candidates with different skills, including artisans, chefs and entertainers.

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