Zutari Namibia leader transforms communities through impactful projects

“On the day we handed over a rural clinic, the community sang songs of joy. That moment reminded me why I love this profession – we don’t just deliver projects, we change lives.”For Blanché Hanstein-Kaber, engineering is about much more than technical solutions. “It’s not just about shaping their technical skills. It’s about instilling ethics, professionalism and leadership. Engineering must always be about integrity,” she emphasised.Inspired by her parents’ careers in technical fields, Hanstein-Kaber found that engineering felt like a natural path. Her mother, recognised by the late founding president Dr Sam Nujoma as one of Namibia’s first qualified female Telecom electricians, left a lasting impression that shaped her ambitions. But what truly drew her in was the challenge, the problem-solving, the complexity and the potential to make a meaningful impact through civil engineering.Her academic foundation was laid at the then Polytechnic of Namibia, now the Namibia University of Science and Technology, where she formed part of the second intake of local engineering students. Breaking into the industry was not easy at first, but an internship with WML Consulting Engineers opened the door. In 2005, Africon – now Zutari Namibia – offered her not only her first job but also a bursary to further her studies.Over the years, Hanstein-Kaber has worked on projects that directly improved the lives of communities across Namibia. One of the proudest moments of her career came with the construction of a health clinic in the rural north for the Ministry of Health and Social Services. “To see healthcare become accessible in such a remote place, and to witness the community’s gratitude, reminded me why I chose this profession,” she said.Her role has since grown well beyond engineering. Today, as country manager of Zutari Namibia, Hanstein-Kaber balances technical involvement with the responsibility of steering one of Africa’s largest engineering and infrastructure advisory firms in the country. “I never thought I would be entrusted with such a role, but the company saw potential and invested in my growth as a leader,” she explained.Stepping into leadership, however, was not without challenges. Moving from a purely technical background into managing people and business operations was daunting. “I was comfortable in the technical space. Managing people and the business felt unfamiliar. But with training, mentorship and support, I grew into the role,” she reflected.For Hanstein-Kaber, true success lies not only in completed projects but in the legacy of knowledge and opportunities created for others. She is committed to giving young engineers the practical exposure they need through Work Integrated Learning. “It’s not just about shaping their technical skills. It’s about instilling ethics, professionalism and leadership. Engineering must always be about integrity,” she reiterated.When asked what advice she would give to aspiring professionals, her answer is clear: “Be authentic and pursue a career you are passionate about. Without passion, work becomes routine. But with passion, you’ll always give your best – and in the process, you’ll change lives.”

Zutari Namibia leader transforms communities through impactful projects

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-27

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Zutari ­Namibia ­leader ­transforms communities through impactful projects

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-27

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Zutari Namibia leader transforms communities through impactful projects

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