ENTERPRISING Windhoek based businesswoman, Twapewa Kadhikwa was last week awarded an honorary degree of master of business administration (entrepreneurship) by the International University of Management. She runs the famous Xwama Restaurant in Windhoek.
Chamwe Kaira asked her about what the IUM award means for her.
TWAPEWA KADHIKWA (TK): Well firstly, it is a great honour. It also fills with me great humility. I am indeed humbled. This is really to say, we honour you. We acknowledge you and we want to encourage you to continue on your journey.
TK: No, I did not. I started my business as a young girl when I was 18 years old. Not one day did I think that people are looking and can see what I’m doing. I am encouraged that indigenous businesses are being publicly encouraged, motivated and marketed. It is an encouragement to the youth and entrepreneurs.
TK: Well, it’s still sinking in. It is a huge endorsement and a great, great initiative from IUM. I am inspired, motivated, encouraged and humbled. This is time to work hard, focus, work smart and nurture others who want to venture on this journey.
TK: IUM wants to promote good governance, good ethics, a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. I think and believe there are many Namibian of all races doing great things and who need to be celebrated. I have every belief and conviction that they will receive the same honours. I shared the stage with business giants such as Dr Shapumba and Dr Shilimela. I stand on the shoulders of giants and I intend to do great. I was also recently appointed as Nedbank Namibia SME ambassador. I take this role very seriously and I intend to really assist SMEs, through Nedbank, to reach their full potential and participate in the economy of this great nation.
TK: I am the true epitome of the African proverb ‘umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ – I am what I am because of others.
I want to thank the President Hage Geingob for the peace in the country, my mum and late father, my mother in law and my husband, Erastus Kadhikwa and our four children. I also want to thank my spiritual parents, reverend and meme Shiyandja and bishop Henry and mama Maria Ndozi – Okia. I also want to thank mentors, Sakaria Nghikembua and his wife meme Elsie and Kauna Ndilula.
