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This week in the Khuta – “Adios Amigo”

Surprisingly I found it difficult to write this week’s Khuta. I thought it was a cliché, but saying good bye is truly never easy.
I do not even have the words to express my gratitude towards my team and the honour I had working with them during my term at the Economist, which ends this week.
I joined the Economist in June 2010. I must confess, it was not easy diverting from broadcasting – which is audio and entertainment oriented to writing – writing economic stories for that matter.
Some days, when the going got tough, I wanted to quit, but giving up was no option. After all, no easy wave ever made a good sailor. I told myself to either shape up or be doomed. And I am glad I did. I finally got the hang of the tenets of journalism, and was suddenly able to come up with unique economic stories as expected of me.
I became more observant. I learnt more on the trends of different industries and sectors.
With an editor like Mr Steinmann, you can’t help but learn. Believe me, he is a walking library.
Even though I hate to admit it, journalism somehow made me “a tough cookie”.
How can one not be, unless you have not dealt with deadline pressures, not to mention dealing with difficult people who never what to divulge relevant information. Well, not all people, some are cooperative and help you meet your deadline.
In this industry, you also meet characters who tell you complete lies during interview s- like Mr K.L from the 065 region, while others proved difficult to work with, especially most ministries.
At this moment in time I still fail to understand for ministers and permanent secretaries can be in meetings or conferences all day.
This is my kind request to public relations officers, when journalists send you questions for a story, please do not ‘CC’ them to all other newspapers and media houses.
Its frustrating. That’s my scoop you are selling off! My creativity went into it, it’s my idea and it’s my product. Believe me, there is such a thing as plagiarism of ideas!
On another topic, I cannot thank my team enough for grooming my career. I learnt a lot.
Further, covering diverse events, I learned more about social systems in Namibia and I got to see the real facet of Namibia.
I know we have come a long way as a country but I realised that we still have a long way to go.
I realised that we are more reactive than proactive. More often we shy away from the real challenges affecting the majority, especially those in rural areas. Maybe we should cut down on the number of meetings, conferences and all sort of sessions that do not transpire into results.
At the helm of independence as Namibia turns 22, I still think we must establish our own trust funds to secure assistance for those in need instead of depending on global funds that  threaten to withdraw any time. Rural areas are lagging behind in development and this is no laughing matter.
Our leaders have the power and have access to resources so they ought to look out for every one. They must stop the lip service and ignorance.
At 22, Namibia must have matured and graduated from being a developing country to at least an emerging economy. But how can that be when we ignore and disregard our own people for tenders and let them starve?
Oops, there I go again with my sermon when I am supposed to be saying good bye.
Thank you wholeheartedly Economist for every opportunity, growth and for opening greater doors for me.
To the readers, thank you for your input and for putting me on the spot on various articles I wrote. To my correspondents and all liaison personnels, thank you all for your co-operation.
I have learnt a lot from all of you.
To my sources, unfortunately there is no goodbye for you! As I take up the new challenge and join E. Communications, you will definitely hear from me again as I continue to carry out journalistic and communication duties entrusted to me.
As horizontally disadvantaged as I am, I stand tall and thank you all once more! I look forward to our continued relationship.
To my team and colleagues, I will miss you all to bits (tear drops). Adios Amigos!

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