From Opuwo to India: Police officer wins international influencer award

Namibian police officer, content creator and youth leader Mburombua 'Thusy' Tjipundi has won the content creator and digital influencer award at the CT University Influencers Awards 2026 in Punjab, India, adding another milestone to her growing list of achievements.

The award recognises her work as a content creator and digital influencer, adding to a career trajectory that has seen her balance more than a decade of service in the Namibian Police with higher education, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.

Originally from Opuwo in the Kunene region, Tjipundi is currently studying medical laboratory technology at CT University in India. Reflecting on her path in life, she described it as proof that where someone begins does not determine where they will end up. “Where they start has absolutely nothing to do with where they can finish," she said.

Tjipundi said the discipline and resilience she developed working in law enforcement for a decade have shaped every aspect of her career. "Having served as a dedicated police officer for over ten years, I understand the grit, sacrifice and focus required to protect and serve," she said, adding that those same qualities helped her adapt to life as an international student.

Beyond borders

Beyond her studies, Tjipundi has become one of CT University's most recognisable student leaders, regularly participating in academic activities while also motivating young people through public speaking engagements and social media.

Her passion for empowering others also led her to establish Miss Africa India, a pageant that celebrates African women living in the diaspora. Through the platform, she mentors young women, promotes cultural pride and encourages leadership. For Tjipundi, pageantry goes far beyond beauty.

“Pageantry is not just about aesthetics; it is a vehicle for leadership," she said.

Building a legacy

Despite living thousands of kilometres from home, she remains committed to promoting Namibia internationally. Alongside her academic work and mentorship programmes, she is currently seeking funding for two film scripts focusing on wildlife conservation and anti-poaching, projects she hopes will contribute to Namibia's creative industry.

As she continues balancing policing, higher education, content creation and youth empowerment, Tjipundi believes her journey is proof that young Namibians can pursue more than one dream at a time.

"Through my academic journey, my decade of police service, and my creative platforms, I want to prove that a Namibian youth can wear many crowns and succeed in every single one of them," Tjipundi said.