Fearlessly chasing your dreams

MARISELLE STOFBERG

Whether it is by faith, fate or destiny, Titus Shivute is exactly where he was meant to be in life. This educational officer of the Blood Transfusion Services Namibia (NamBTS) in Windhoek is pursuing a career that truly makes him happy. His choice of career was largely determined by two major events in his life.

Shivute was born at the Onandjokwe Hospital at Oniipa and started his education at Heroes Private School. When he was a bit older he and his older brothers moved to Windhoek to live with his father and were later joined by his mother.

The year 2006 played a great part in his choices later in life. He lost his father to cancer and this tragedy greatly influenced his view of life.

“I just thought I never wanted other kids to go through what I did, and that is why I am so devoted to the work that NamBTS does,” he says.

Shivute wanted to become a part of an organisation that creates change and has the potential to really make a difference.

While growing up he attended Hochland High School in Windhoek. In grade 11 he was elected as a member of the school’s learners’ representative council (LRC).

“At the time I still hadn’t really figured out what I wanted to do with my life. I was given the portfolio of public relations and at that stage I didn’t really know what that meant. I dreamt of becoming a pilot, but soon realised where my passion was.”

He started to read more about public relations and what it entails and vividly remembers a specific moment that would play a huge role in his career.

“I was required to make an announcement at the assembly at school to announce all the portfolios and as I stepped up, took the microphone and I started speaking, I realised that this was something I was actually good at and liked doing.”

After matriculating he applied to the Polytechnic of Namibia, now the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), in Windhoek in 2011 and studied towards a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. Two years after graduation he enrolled for an honours degree and in October this year he will be the proud recipient of this degree. Shivute also holds a certificate in digital marketing from the Red and Yellow School of Business in South Africa.

As part of his undergraduate course requirements, Shivute had to complete a three-month internship, but that was easier said than done. Each day he would go to class and when he was finished for the day he started walking across Windhoek to hand in his CV in the hope of finding a company that would take him on as intern.

“I walked kilometres to no avail and then a NamBTS car drove past me. I decided to try my luck and hand in my CV there and was fortunate enough to get the call that they were in need of someone to assist them in the public relations department.”

Shivute has now been at NamBTS for over five years. His duties include educating the youth, clinic planning for the northern and coastal regions, social media and media liaison.

Shivute’s story is proof that things happen for a reason and that you don’t have to sit on the sidelines, because you have the power to be the change you so wish to see in life.

“As you read this you are in a position to make a change. Somewhere there is a patient and a family in a hospital praying for someone to donate blood. You can save someone’s life and that is such an amazing thing to be able to do.”