Nam's own Oprah

Hilda Basson-Namunjebo has over the years become one of the popular women in Namibia. Some refer to her to her as the Ultimate Jack of all Traits for her effortless ability to excel at anything and everything, others call her the Iron Lady for her strong stance and things such as Tenderprenerus while the younger generation simply cal her Me Hilda for her warmth, humility and desire and desire guide and mould everyone that comes into contact. Tjil got a chance to talk to one of the busiest women in Namibia. WindhoekGordon Joseph Hilda Basson Namujebo embodies all the facets of the modern day woman. She isn't just a sister doing it for her; she is one doing it for an entire society. She is a wife, mother, businesswoman, television presenter and despite all these demanding roles, she still finds time to help others and manages to look stylish, all the time. Considered the Namibian version of Oprah, Me Hilda's opinion has always been valued by Namibians. The ability to express her eloquently and assertively is not the only similarity she shares with Queen of Talk Oprah, but like Oprah Hilda also had humble beginnings. She tells us that she was one of the first babies born in Katutura Hospital to a woman called Lena and father affection ally known as Oom Sakkie. Hilda's childhood was full of laughter and a full house. She was one of eight children (4 boys and 4 girls of who 2 has passed on) and lives in a two bedroom house with a huge extended family. Asked about her childhood she says “I grew up like in a home much like other homes in Katutura. Two bedrooms and way too many people but happy. My Dad worked for Thompsons Radio, a company which fixed transmitter radios while my mum worked as a housekeeper at times. My earliest memory includes being tagged along by my mum and big brother Jakes whose responsibility it was to look after me to my mum's place of work which was someone's house that needed cleaning. As a child, I loved singing and could sing for days on end. My parents were committed to us and though we were poor, I did not even realise it because my parents were hardworking and made sure we were in school and fed” she says. Hilda tells is she has always loved public affairs and debate so media came naturally to her when she was asked to audition for NBC's breakfast show after independence. Prior to NBC, she worked as a liaison officer at Department of Civic Affairs and Manpower. She recalls how the fearless Gwen Lister was one of the first people she interviewed. She describes Mrs Joan Guriras & the late Uncle Dan ( Tjongarero ) as another highlight in her early broadcasting days. On becoming one of the most successful business women in the country, she tells us she never aspired to get into business. “I didn't even know I could handle business so I am a bit surprised that I have been successful there.” She says. Asked how she deals with so many responsibilities, she says “I am a hard worker t and I despise the 8-5 mentality where people count hours to ensure that they don't go beyond a 40 hour week. I can honestly say I don't work for money! Money follows purpose and as long as I am true to my purpose, the money will be there” The women whom we all came to live also shared her valuable vision wisdom with us and say “Provision always follows vision so I work to fulfil my passion. My passion is in media so after all thus NBC remains close to my heart because I did not even need to get paid for working there. I breathe media so it is the most natural thing for me to do” she says. Hilda draws inspiration from Joyce Meyer who is a proponent of “does it afraid “. “I have learnt to face life even when I am afraid. Being married to Phillip also makes the biggest difference - my husband does not have the word “no” in his vocabulary so when I felt afraid and thought I am not doing this another day, he would simply tell me to get up tomorrow morning and to do it again. These days, I am less afraid because I know this is a part of God's plan for my life” Hilda is also considered as the mother of local entertainers, asked how she got involved in the entertainment industry she reveals “I got involved with the entertainment industry because once upon a time, I met a skinny 21 year old called Morocky aka The Dogg . To this day I don't know what drew me to this young man, but he has subsequently become a member of my family and I consider him my first born. So my involvement with music was because I wanted to help him to be a success. The others came because of him. When I managed Gazza, I asked Morocky for his permission and he gave me go-ahead to do so. For me the biggest challenge in the entertainment industry is the lack of vision. People don't plan for tomorrow and do not even care about financial independence - where do you find someone get drunk on stage, makes noise for 30 minutes and gets paid 20 000 ( tax free ) ? So my issue with the music industry has been the alcohol abuse, promiscuity and the total lack of responsibility” she says. Asked about her achievements, what the future holds, and what she's most proud of, she says “every time I look at what I have achieved, they seem insignificant in regard to where I am going. Other than Oxygen, I have some interests in the financial services sector, property and tourism. I am enormously grateful for the quality of life I enjoy - I have an amazing husband with wonderful children. We love our children to bits and we live to set excellent examples for them. We teach them actively and they understand the notion that “to whom much is given, much is required”. I don't really see myself as superwoman (anymore) and have a solid support system with an excellent PA, and a committed housekeeper, who has been with our family for 10 years. Thankfully my Mum is alive and she steps in when there is a need.