Erongo’s “Ouma” leads with discipline and duty

Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses has spent her life defying limitations — of geography, circumstance and expectation. From the dusty village of Okombahe to one of Namibia’s highest regional offices, her story is a portrait of resilience, discipline and purpose.“I was the only girl among four brothers,” she recalls. “But there were no stereotypes in our home. I was doing whatever the boys were doing — fetching water, driving my father’s trucks at 13. I was brought up to be a strong human being.”Born in the 1960s in the Daures Constituency, /Goagoses’ early years were spent moving between rural communities as her father served in law enforcement. The family eventually settled in Uis, where she completed her schooling — finishing two grades in a single year and passing matric with distinction.“I never settled for less,” she says. “I wanted to be the best — at school, at home, everywhere.”Lessons from the ClassroomThat drive led her into teaching, where she quickly became known for her authority and discipline — qualities that still define her leadership style.“As a teacher, I learned that if your audience misses what you are saying, your message is lost,” she explains. “So when I speak, I make sure people listen. Teachers must be listened to.”Away from public life, /Goagoses has lived the same lessons she preaches. She married in 1987 and raised five children — one daughter and four sons — while balancing a demanding career in education and government.“I always believed I could be both a mother and a professional,” she says. “I handled my family life and my work life with discipline.”Her husband died of Covid-19 in 2022, a loss she still speaks of with quiet strength.“I am now a single mother raising grown men and grandchildren,” she says. “But family has kept me grounded.”She now lives surrounded by her grandchildren, who call her Ouma — the same name the public affectionately uses.The Girl Who Refused to QuitYet her journey was not without setbacks. While in Standard Eight, she fell pregnant at the age of 16.“I was a child myself,” she says candidly. “But even that did not stop me from achieving what I wanted. I told my parents: ‘You take care of this child. I’m going back to school.’”That determination shaped a professional life spanning education and government. She rose through the ranks — from school principal to regional education director, to deputy minister of higher education, and urban and rural development, and eventually to governor of Erongo.“I’m not an affirmative action candidate,” she says firmly. “When I go for something, I prepare myself. My qualifications, discipline, experience and track record put me where I am. I regard myself as a performer.”Ouma of WisdomHer leadership, however, is not detached. She refers to younger citizens as “my sons and daughters”, and communities across the region call her “Ouma” — a name that began during her tenure in Rehoboth when she was sent to stabilise the town council in 2018.“The people said, ‘You must be an Ouma of wisdom,’” she recalls. “I worked day and night with them and left that institution with systems in place. To me, service is not about entitlement. It’s about doing the work.”The “Ouma” title also carries moral weight.“If things are not right, I become a monster,” she says bluntly. “I will not tolerate negligence or laziness. When people write to government offices, their letters must be acknowledged that very day. I don’t sleep if things are not right.”A Scholar with PurposeNow in her early sixties, /Goagoses continues to study. After earning two master’s degrees — one in education and another in business administration — she is pursuing a PhD at an international university in Paris, focusing on resource distribution and inequality within Namibia. Her research examines why Daures remains one of the country’s poorest constituencies despite being rich in mineral potential.“We don’t have clear empirical formulas for distributing resources equitably,” she says. “I want my research to influence policy — to ensure fair development.”For /Goagoses, the motivation is not academic prestige but relevance.“We are living in a rapidly changing environment,” she says. “If you are not evolving professionally, you will be left behind. I want to be relevant and make a difference.”Her leadership philosophy reflects that technocratic discipline.“I don’t celebrate challenges,” she says. “We cannot have the same challenges for 30 years. Water scarcity, unemployment, disunity — these can be overcome if we unite.”She plans to convene Erongo’s major sectors — mining, fishing, business and public service — around a single vision.“We will declare Erongo a region with one vision: inclusive development,” she says. “We already contribute the most to Namibia’s GDP. We can double that if we work together as one big family.”Faith, Discipline and ServiceAt the heart of her message lies a deep personal faith.“From my tender age, I knew there exists a Helper above,” she says. “You must discover why God created you, remain focused, and avoid the enemies of development — laziness, alcohol, drugs. Discipline and dedication will take you far.”To young Namibians who feel trapped by humble beginnings, she offers herself as proof.“I am a living example,” she says. “A girl from the dusty towns of Okombahe and Uis, now a governor and PhD candidate. It is possible. Everyone can do it.”Her words are as much command as counsel — the teacher, the mother and the leader all speaking in one voice.“I don’t sleep when things are not right,” she repeats, a quiet warning to complacency. Then, softening, she adds: “But I love my people. I serve them without a title. I am their servant.”

Erongo’s “Ouma” leads with discipline and duty

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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Erongo’s “Ouma” leads with discipline and duty

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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