Hella lays herself bare

WindhoekGordon Joseph

Helena 'Hella' Nghifindaka knows all about heartache and survival. The mother of one tells us that she is that type of person who always seems to stand out and therefore it makes it easier for her to either be loved or hated. She describes herself as a kind, loving person who can be fierce when provoked. "I have lived and loved and sometimes people have taken advantage of my kind spirit. Bonita, my daughter, is the apple of my eye," she says.
Hella was raised in Oranjemund and still calls the coastal town home. Growing up she wanted to be a police officer. Later on she wanted to work in a bank and actually did this a few years ago.
And although it's a painful part of her life that she would rather put behind her, Hella opens up to tjill about her relationship with Mushe. "People think that I didn't let go, because I was so obsessed over him, but they forget that it was also my name and brand as Hella Investments at stake. I don't like to give up and I sure as hell don't start a race which I cannot finish," she says.
Hella says she has emerged stronger since the public break-up and mudslinging.
"I am not a person to cry over spilt milk. I pick myself up, dust off my heels and move on the best way I can. Things happen for a reason anyway. I'm just glad that when it was time to part professionally... I went back to my normal life with loving friends and family members who appreciate and value me as a human being," she says.
Asked what the relationship between herself and Mushe is now, she says should settle a furniture account of hers, which is in arrears.
Recently, when she returned from South Africa, the two of them spent the day together, "swimming and laughing at all the crazy stuff the media comes up with".
He had also invited me to the christening of his newly-born son. I think it was over the independence weekend, but unfortunately I had taken my daughter out on an excursion at Okomitundu Guest Farm and I did not attend," she says.
Asked whether she is a drama queen, she says: "Those who are important to me know the real Hella. I would just like to warn readers not to judge a person's character or persona based on sensationalised tabloid stories," she says.
Hella who is a passionate about charity work is also the owner of Hella Investments, which started as an event management company and later expanded to artist management, although she has suspended that for now.
"I do loads of charity work and each year I at least pay for one orphaned child's school fees. Last year I was rather disappointed with my girl, as she ended up pregnant and had to drop out, but that won't discourage me from helping those whom I can assist," she says in a soft tone.
Hella says she is single now and ready to mingle, although she is very picky. She tells tjil that Brazil remains her favourite holiday destination. She also revealed a close friendship with the late Minister of Education, Dr Abraham Iyambo.
"He would always ring me up to cheer me up, when read some of the unfavourable junk about me and those are the type of people who have my back, no matter what happens," she says.