Leading with humility

Earlier this year, former journalist and editor Festus Nakatana took up the corporate affairs manager role at the locally listed Capricorn Group. Nakatana's move to the banking sector followed more than 15 years in the media industry, which included serving as editor of Namibia Media Holdings' English-language title, Namibian Sun.

Nakatana became one of the youngest editors of a daily publication in the country when he was appointed as Namibian Sun editor in 2014.

He had earlier served as news editor and sports editor, respectively.

Until December last year, he was managing editor of the state-owned New Era Publication Corporation.

Forging new path

Nakatana now looks ahead to helping the Capricorn Group achieve its long-term and short-term goals.

The Capricorn Group is a proudly Namibian financial services entity listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange, with diversified operations and business interests in Namibia and Botswana.

"From a career development point of view, joining the corporate world is an idea that I have long explored," said Nakatana, saying that transitioning into his new role has been an exciting journey thus far.

He said he is excited about the positive environment and the professionalism and culture of the Capricorn Group.

As part of his new role, Nakatana is tasked with proactively managing the group’s reputation risk and developing and maintaining an effective investor relations programme. He will also drive strategic stakeholder relationships with shareholders, analysts, investors, and the government.

Humble road

From his time in the newsroom, the soft-spoken Nakatana added that he had had the honour of working with many brilliant people. "They have all shaped me in one way or another," he said.

"Working with so many amazing people is a blessing, and I find that pleasurable."

Nakatana also hopes that understanding the role of media will improve, as there is a lack of understanding among many Namibians.

"I am glad the access to information law is finally promulgated, and I sincerely hope that this open information will go a long way in improving how journalists operate."

One of the journalists that Nakatana worked with, Jemima Beukes, at the Namibian Sun, said she admired his work ethic as he was always willing to go the extra mile to do a job.

"I especially admired his drive and the fact that he deemed no job beneath him even though he was the editor," said Beukes. She describes him as someone who protects his journalists, which Beukes considers a "major issue" in the country.

Nakatana attests to the importance of always remaining humble. Nakatana advises anyone wanting to rise to the top in their career: "Growth requires sacrifice, and sometimes it takes longer to make it. No one should question the scale of your ambitions. At the end of the day, no challenge is insurmountable."