Katuka celebrates 2025 graduates, welcomes new cohort
On Thursday, 20 November 2025, the Katuka Mentorship Programme hosted its annual awards ceremony in Windhoek. The event celebrated the achievements of the 2025 mentees and
mentors, while also welcoming the incoming 2026 cohort, reaffirming the Programme’s commitment to empowering Namibian women in business and leadership.
Bank Windhoek, the main sponsor of the Katuka Mentorship Programme, has supported the initiative for the past six years, helping to empower over 573 women since its inception in 2001.
Speaking at the event, Bronwyn Moody, head of strategic partnerships and corporate social Responsibility at Bank Windhoek, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment as a
catalyst for economic productivity and societal resilience. She added that empowering women is a strategic approach to achieving sustainable development and progress for all.
Moody informed the gathering that the Programme is about building trust between mentor and mentee and understanding what each needs to move forward and make an impact as Namibian women in business.
“Moments like these manifest that Bank Windhoek is a genuine relationship bank, a conduit for young women and their dreams to deliver genuine value for Namibians and
their future,” she said.
Deseré Lundon-Muller, founder and programme director, delivered a heartfelt welcome address, reflecting on the Programme’s journey and its impact. “What makes Katuka special is
not the structure or the timetable. It is the heart. It is the willingness of experienced women to open their doors to others. It is the courage of younger women to stretch themselves, to learn,
to ask questions, to rise,” said Lundon-Muller, who acknowledged the unwavering support of Bank Windhoek, as well as the guidance of the patron, Dr. Inge Zaamwani, minister
of agriculture.
This year, the Programme received 84 mentee applications and 34 mentor applications, with 55 pairs selected for the 2026 cycle. The orientation for the new cohort will begin in February,
followed by additional training sessions in April and August 2026. The ceremony featured inspiring speeches from 2025 mentee Maria Ndazapo and mentor Abena Tambrescu. Both
speakers exemplified the dedication and transformative power of mentorship.
As certificates were handed out to the 2025 graduates, attendees were reminded that the journey does not end with this milestone. “Tonight is not the end. It is the opening chapter of
something bigger. Your success will not come from luck; it will come from preparation, confidence and your willingness to take opportunities when they appear,” Lundon-Muller
said.
Founded in 2001, the Katuka Mentorship Programme has empowered hundreds of Namibian women through mentorship, fostering leadership, confidence, and professional growth. The
programme continues to expand its reach, shaping the next generation of women leaders in Namibia.
mentors, while also welcoming the incoming 2026 cohort, reaffirming the Programme’s commitment to empowering Namibian women in business and leadership.
Bank Windhoek, the main sponsor of the Katuka Mentorship Programme, has supported the initiative for the past six years, helping to empower over 573 women since its inception in 2001.
Speaking at the event, Bronwyn Moody, head of strategic partnerships and corporate social Responsibility at Bank Windhoek, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment as a
catalyst for economic productivity and societal resilience. She added that empowering women is a strategic approach to achieving sustainable development and progress for all.
Moody informed the gathering that the Programme is about building trust between mentor and mentee and understanding what each needs to move forward and make an impact as Namibian women in business.
“Moments like these manifest that Bank Windhoek is a genuine relationship bank, a conduit for young women and their dreams to deliver genuine value for Namibians and
their future,” she said.
Deseré Lundon-Muller, founder and programme director, delivered a heartfelt welcome address, reflecting on the Programme’s journey and its impact. “What makes Katuka special is
not the structure or the timetable. It is the heart. It is the willingness of experienced women to open their doors to others. It is the courage of younger women to stretch themselves, to learn,
to ask questions, to rise,” said Lundon-Muller, who acknowledged the unwavering support of Bank Windhoek, as well as the guidance of the patron, Dr. Inge Zaamwani, minister
of agriculture.
This year, the Programme received 84 mentee applications and 34 mentor applications, with 55 pairs selected for the 2026 cycle. The orientation for the new cohort will begin in February,
followed by additional training sessions in April and August 2026. The ceremony featured inspiring speeches from 2025 mentee Maria Ndazapo and mentor Abena Tambrescu. Both
speakers exemplified the dedication and transformative power of mentorship.
As certificates were handed out to the 2025 graduates, attendees were reminded that the journey does not end with this milestone. “Tonight is not the end. It is the opening chapter of
something bigger. Your success will not come from luck; it will come from preparation, confidence and your willingness to take opportunities when they appear,” Lundon-Muller
said.
Founded in 2001, the Katuka Mentorship Programme has empowered hundreds of Namibian women through mentorship, fostering leadership, confidence, and professional growth. The
programme continues to expand its reach, shaping the next generation of women leaders in Namibia.
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