Dion_Gone too soon

The whisper of her mom to her departed daughter -- ChiChi, The Amazing Girl

The World Peace.

 Whisper on the morning of her birthday, 23rd May 2016.

Deep moments of a mom communicating piercing emotions to her still daughter but with a loud legacy. Critical responses through silence. Great feedback of a life lived uniquely.

Rest in peace Chi,

The promise of keeping the family bond alive in whatever situation.

Be strong, poovi hapo?

A refugee - on Africa Day?

Refugees???

On this day, Africa Day, I am tempted to reflect on the word Refugees.

Hano, how do you understand the word refugees, especially on this day? My intention is not to change the dictionary word or the real meaning of this word, but I am trying to bring a human touch to it, especially meant for my young cyber-links who might need this input.

Well for me, "refugees" are my fellow human beings who due to a circumstance beyond their control - find themselves in the neighbour or fellow African country's space.

I am hereby specifically referring to my fellow human beings who especially suffered the terrible effect of natural calamities, the man-made troubles like the war and related conflicts.Just pause a while and put yourself in the shoes of those fellow Africans, both young and old.

How do you actually look at the fellow Africans whom we refer to as refugees? Do we also recognize that anyone could be finding him herself in that situation one day? Therefore, we need to be mindful of our actions against our fellow Africans. We are one continental community and family, forming part of the large earth clan.

I guess we also remember well that some of our Namibian Heroes and Heroines were also in other Fellow Africans' countries as part of the struggle for freedom. And we also know that even some of our children were born in some African countries and overseas. Our leaders have been sheltered and educated in other African countries and overseas. Just imagine if that were you - how would you have wanted fellow Africans to receive and treat you - and actually to call you -- refugee??
Now, take a minute and think how you will like to treat a fellow African starting right now, after you read this post?

I am sure all of us will embrace fellow Africans, just the way we would like to be embraced. The world or title refugee is just a working title for me - which anyone including me can have one day -- therefore let's treat other fellow Africans as we would like to be treated.

Happy Africa Day.

Africa Day, 25 May 2016

Happy Africa Day.

I am an African. My African roots are deep in me. My diversity is pure. My culture speaks loud about inclusivity, unity and diversity, hospitality, humility, and democracy, peace and stability. I respect and recognize fellow Africans, my co-human kind - knowing that Africa is not an island and will never survive in isolation and that the World is a Global Village. I am an African on a the People's Continent and Planet - forming a web of living beings who need to hold hands in the spirit of Harambee - Pulling in One Direction.

I am a living Namibian, an African and World citizen - who might physically differ from the next person because of my uniqueness, but my physical blood is the same and flow exactly like that of my neighbour. My needs to live and survive - such as oxygen to inhale, shelter or roof over my head , entitlement to have a name, human rights, freedom of speech and movement - coupled with responsibility etc are similar to the next human being. Therefore, I am because you are.

The African spirit, uunhu as I will call it in one of the languages spoken in Namibia, Oshiwambo (Oshikwanya) which if roughly translated mean "the being or to be " or human being. That's who we are, how you and me are, and the next person. Your colour can be black, white or yellow, but we are all human.

We are one, and remain entangled in the "uunhu" or ubuntu-ness - therefore, we need to recognize that and appreciate our roots - join hands and develop our being setting - countries, continent and planet earth.

Happy Africa Day my fellow Africans whether you are on the content in diaspora or anywhere else.

Marking ChiChi, The Amazing Girl''s birth day and her first Anniversary or commemoration of her passing

I did not want to post this but may be it is helpful especially to the lovely friends of ChiChi as I seem not to be coping with the queries about Chi's birthday tomorrow.

Thank you so much for your calls and text messages regarding ChiChi, The Amazing Girl's birthday tomorrow, 23rd May and the support you have been pledging to the family.

For now, we are keeping the day tight to the family - as a remembrance moment, this also applies to the first anniversary/commemoration of her passing on the 28th of May, which is this coming Saturday.

But, to mark her birthday tomorrow ,please feel free to toast to the following wherever you are as a way to honour her life and advance her legacy of breast cancer awareness creation accross Namibia and beyond.

You can therefore toast to:

1. The glass of juice or water, cup of tea
2.Some Green salad ( as part of healthy eating) - but she actually loved the traditional potato salad, macaroni cheese, marathon chicken, especially - when it comes to the chewing of bones, not necessarily meat, a bit of braaivleis and yeah ( lol).
3. A brief chat on how to prevent breast cancer cancer
4. A firm decision to go for mammogram or related test
5. A visit to a breast cancer or general cancer warrior
6. Pledging support to cancer warriors or their loved ones
7. Acquiring a flower - even from the garden, you do not need to buy it as the idea is not to spent money really.
8. Bake a muffin - or a cake if you can - but do not stress over it
9. Making a pledge to study hard especially the youth
10. Caring for your community - especially the needy
11. Taking part in issues affecting your community, youth and country
12. Or just a good loud laughter - close to that of ChiChi...
Actually a ChiChi-Laugh is easier and cheaper to imitate - that way, I am sure you have thought about the Amazing Girl and the principles she stood for.
And I am sure there are other ways you can mark her birthday by doing something that is good and changing the life of the next person. Just remember, breast cancer and other cancers are real and continue to take the lives of our loved ones. Today it is my family, and tomorrow it can be the next family, therefore, we have to take off where ChiChi left the struggle against breast cancer, especially its prevention where possible. And to support the cancer warriors at all times.
Happy Birthday ChiChi, The Amazing Girl.

It is my late daughter, Chi-Chi, The Amazing Girl tomorrow, , the 23rd May - She passed on last year on 28 May, five days after her birthday.

Yes, tomorrow, the 23rd of May is our Amazing Girl, late ChiChi's birthday. Below is her birthday cake of last year. We did not have time to eat it.

At her birthday party, organized by her friends at one of the restaurants in the City, she told her lovely friends that the cake must go home, to be eaten one day at home. But, that was not possible as she was not well, her breast cancer battle became fierce and five days after her birthday, on the 28th of May last year, she bid all of good bye.

I hope some of you still remember that she joined the friends for the birthday from her hospital bed (that girl was just amazing), one day after she underwent one major operation - but since she knew what was waiting for her, she had already informed one of the doctors during the consultation and preparations for the operation theater that she would not miss that birthday party with friends - as it was a significant day in her life and truely so she full filled that promise. I am sure she maintained her peace knowing that she had a chance to have the last day with her friends.

From our side, there is nothing key this time - we are just remembering the Amazing Girl as a family - her loud laughter - especially around the house- and mainly in her room when chatting with the two ChiChi-Brothers (Sir Clint and Kev), the Saturday and Sunday treats - by now for example, you would hear her greeting -- good afternoon mommy and daddy...i brought you some goodies.....and then you see her with the boys with some plalstic bags from town, she love bed linen, decors for her room and the bathrooms ...and flowers (I guess some of you remember that she even posted on her face book page that it will be better for her friends and fans to rather give her flowers now, than to take flowers to her grave)-- sweets and related snacks .. and then her TLC channel ....and just the general joy that her presence oozed. - and remember (sssshhhh, I must not say this loud as she - said she will watch over us - watch us from above-- she said we had to lay her to rest close to the parents home - implying that we have to care for her all the time - even when she is resting away from home... therefore, the honourable thing to do is to continue caring for her - at her resting place...


Most of the gifts from the last birthday party are still intact --recently I was reading some of the messages from her friends and looked at those beautiful gifts....nicely arranged in her bedroom as she left them, we just move them for cleaning and put them back... Her room and how she packed her clothes in the wardrobes remain the same...all was left in its place -- as if she knew - and yes she knew although some of us still thought she would bounce back as we remain filled with hope, may be because we walked the breast cancer journey very tight with her and witnessed every low and high moment - and even though it was tough at times, she would always bounce back. And as a firm believer that nothing is permanent, we took it well that one day, and just one day - that day would come - and Chi also knew it, that is why she was at peace even the last moment....
I must still thank you to you all on this page and those not able to read this now - for your unwavering support since then --we have remained so strong and healthy - just because of your love and care...


And now we can in advance in unison say ----

Happy Birthday Amazing Girl.... World Peace - and Remain Strong, Poovii hapo?

To mark her birthday, you can also have a small thing wherever you are, a toast to a cup of tea or coffee, Juice glass or water - will go a long way - or some type of green salad - (healthy eating) what is important is that fact that your mark her birthday in her abstencia, and you know what, those who knew her closely, a loud laugh - is equally essential - that loud Chi-Laugh....

Rest in Peace - Chi, The Amazing Girl...from Oom Ben (Chi's dad as she would call her - as in Uncle Ben), Sir Clint and Kev - the brothers and the author of this post - Menee - her mom) and of course of behalf of her friends and fans and supporters.

Do you feel that at times change is pushing you out of your position or job at the work place? Change can be painful at times - but that pain has the ability, no, actually the possibility to turn into professional gain.

At times, a person finds himself or herself feeling as if he or she is being pushed to the edge, at the work place.

That person at times feels if is the the colleague in the form of a supervisor who seems to be pushing him or her to the limit is against him or her.

But, at times if genuinely done, that person who seems to be pushing the colleague beyond the usual borders - is just ensuring that he or she gets out of his or her usual comfort zone, out of the usual business-making to business-unusual.

And the person - pushing the other to the highest level of potential, (again in a genuine way) is preparing you for your own future - he or she is making you to be counted among the Stars of mental liberalization and independence.

But for the person who is being directed to high performance might not immediately see the intended purpose - and might forever think this particular wants him or her out of the job or position. This is not strange, it's human nature to feel that way - and start to protect your turf or area ...and that will last until you reckon - that indeed - nothing is permanent apart from change.... and if you realize that change is indeed permanent, you will have to adjust yourself to change and be ready for the task of changing times.

Some change actions especially at the work place can be critical and - severe --but again, if such change is genuine - and a person sees the direction at which that change is formulated -- both the changer or the change effector, (implementor) the changed and the institution where the change takes place end up being winners - benefiting from the action of change.

I can however admit that it is not always that easier, for both the changing and the changer --but what is true is - change is beautiful and can have so much in store for the effected. Yes, there are also other sides of change, but since I opt to always see the positive side, whatever that might be is temporary...
So, next time you find yourself feeling as if you are not wanted at the work place - think out of the box --and look beyond the window bars ---I guess you know the story of two prisoners whom we are told that they were looking at the window from their cell...one apparently told the other that he saw only the bars at the window, but the other saw the stars, the light, the sky, the tree and more beyond the bars ...

Pause, and think carefully -- broaden your horizon and - see yourself part of the bigger picture -- and once you see that, you will surely see yourself part of the change --- I deliberately opted to go for the positive side of chance ---- because I know that in every situation - how tight it might be, there is an opportunity somewhere -- just like some would say, if one door is closed, the narrow door, the wider door is waiting for you.

Therefore, do not despair, get out of your comfort zone and fly high. you have all the abilities -- stretch them - do not just leave those to laze --- but make use of them ...

Are you ready for the task? I am - and I am not saying it is easy -- it will be tough - but I know, at the end of the tough journey, I will be happy that I was part of the team that traveled that journey and effected that much needed change.

Let's just remember those who were there to take us through the change, how tough it might have been --- you needed to hurt those muscles - and those ego's in order to come out on the other side...
Lolest ---- be the change you want to see my cyber link...again, this post is meant for the young friends who might need to hear from some of us -- I also went through some change actions -- some of which I looked at with raised eye-brows at times, but of which some I appreciate the fact that I had to go through.

Have you contributed to the growth of a colleague at the work place, if yes, in what way, if no, why?

Hano, when one thinks about the importance of growing the next person, what does that mean - to grow another person, at work, in life, at home etc?

Have you contributed to the growth of your colleague at all? What does that actually mean when we say you must help to grow the next person - especially at work, in friendship circles or just in life. Here, I am not talking about growing a family, children etc, but your contribution to a colleague or friend, my input, influence and basically contribution to the growth of my colleagues.

If you and I pause now, and think about colleagues you have assisted to grow, will you mention at least one or two? How did you contribute to their growth, in which way? How does that make you feel that you at least, in your limited way contributed to the growth of the next person professionally?
If you have not done that yet, how can you do that?There is so much satisfaction in growing the next person. We might not immediately see or realize that, but once you recognized that, you will know.
To me, growing the next person, professionally or in whatever away has so much impact and gives satisfaction to both the grower and the growing or the grown.


Remember, the author of this post is also growing, every day and will appreciate anyone contributing to her growth....I have realized what growing the next person means, as I was also grown.
Now, let's learn to share - in terms of growing our own people, those in our lives - next to us, at work, at home - and in your direction. I am sure you will feel full filled once you try that ......

If you grow another person, you will surely grow further as this action has ripple effects and can be reciprocal in many ways....the person you have grown might not be the one who will immediately reward you but those close to you - or close to that person who appreciate the growth of that person will give your positive feedback.

We all have the capacity to grown other people, we just need to open up and be a bit generous with our skills to grow others.. remember, you reap what you grow or plant -- therefore, grow now to have the fruit tomorrow -- positive growing has positive fruit....

Your Secretary today - can be your leader or your boss tomorrow - therefore, let's remember to treat one another fairly as there are equal opportunities in life - and nothing is permanent, apart from change,....

 I posted the next paragraph on my face book page three years back. And face-book administrators being so interesting and knows how to keep its clients engaged, it reminded me of the same post. To me, it is still so relevant and that is why I am re-posting it.


"We have to always respect the next person and treat him or her with dignity - just as we would like to be treated. Also, your secretary today can be your boss tomorrow. Or the person you despise, demonize and undermine today can be your boss, PS, Deputy Minister, Minister, PM or even your President tomorrow. Therefore, we have to be mindful of what we are doing because of our being, stand, position, authority, power, wealth, links, associations, education we have or posses today - because no one knows what tomorrow holds for you or the next person. Remember, nothing is permanent, only change is permanent."


Life is so valuable....and every person, irrespective of that person's situation now stands an equal chance to become a new person in various capacities, at leadership level, and in any respect. Each person is naturally and humanely rich and has so much to offer. The challenge sometimes is that, we are not close to a particular person to fully understand the values he or she can contribute or how that particular person can be assisted or guided, or actually how that person can assist and guide you.

It's like knowing your child today - as a child, but tomorrow, that child can be your leader, your CEO, your Director, your Minister, your President, your Board Chairperson, your Boss. Therefore, the person we might disrespect today or disregard because of our standing might be your Guide tomorrow, in so many ways.

And I have always learnt to make it a point not to unfairly treat a fellow human being today or tomorrow - and if in anyway I might have come across that way, it was never my intention and i will always regret that.

Let's always make it a point to be fair towards the next person, even your child - sister, brother, mother, father, friend, colleagues, employee or even employer or just any other person -- that is because life is interesting and changes continuously. You do not want to carry a burden of unnecessary regret because you have been knowingly tripping other human beings for self-gain - and trying to down - rate and down grade others -- life is so funny -- tomorrow, you could be sitting in exactly a similar situation ----

We have love that transcends all understandings, why not use that when situations might get tough? If we clinch to love, I am sure we will not go wrong...again, the person you might under-rate today has the capacity to be your leader tomorrow ....and that starts with your own child, just remember, you would not want to be treated unfairly either, and if that is the case, why do you do that to the next person....enjoy the rest of the Sunday.

Again, the message in this post is usually aimed at those who might need that contribution, especially the young ones - as we must care for those who need our input and guidance... it is not aimed a particular individual or so - it is basically a thought I got which could mean something to one or two of my young face book friends on this platform.

Unique you - you remain special - different from the other person - and that is what makes you so perferct in your own way

I sometimes share with some friends and colleagues that Life is so valuable - and that there is so much one must appreciate, just for being you.

You - me - that person, and the other - we are so unique - in almost every way - even identical twins have different features and blessings.

Now, do we value our uniqueness? Do we acknowledge the fact that we are unique makes you, me, the other person special? Your different attributes will always add value to the other person's unique sets of skills, experience, knowledge, values etc.

The way you are, you look, you seem - is what differentiates you from the next beautiful colleague. Each one of us is beautiful in his or her own way - we are not the same and will not be the same ever.
Your strengths - can be a blessing to the next person, whether it is your colleague, your employee, your employer, your mom, your child, sister, brother, father, mother, friend, uncle or grandma or grand pa. And that is also true when it comes to the next person - his or your strength can add value to you.

Therefore, I am posting this message aimed at especially to some of my young cyber friends to celebrate their special being - their existence means so much to their set - up - family, friends cycle, community - country and the world. You just need to first grasp that fact and you will see how much better you will feel ---

You are special, you are unique, you are beautiful - nobody is like you and nobody will be like you - you are who you are....

Now that you read this message, please feel good about yourself, appreciate your person -- and love your being -- nobody other than you will know your value ---you are the Master of your existence.
So be cool - you are amazing --- and have so much support by many of us....love is irreplaceable - love yourself, and love your neighbour as you love yourself.

Performance Contracts, at work or at home.... How do you see them?

As human beings, some of us will immediately see the negative aspect of it.

I was happy last night when I heard the Minister of State Owned Enterprises actually also reinforcing that I have always believed that the performance contract is aimed at systematically monitoring potential challenging areas with the aim at addressing them.

 The exercise is not aimed at punishing a person, but to immediately spot areas that need focus and redress. May be some might have managed this matter differently, but if we all from the word go deal with it in the same way - we can achieve so much. And remember, the performance contracts are not only useful at the work place alone but also at home - it is a good way of attending to priority areas in a structured manner.


Now, as of today, especially for my young cyber friends - let's embrace the performance contracts - because they list the key performance areas or target you need to focus on during a particular period. And during your day to day operations, your focus must be on those key points, and those those that are not working well, you discuss those with your colleagues and immediate supervisor, again, with the aim to take corrective measures, not to punish the person.

You have to however take action of those areas that seems challenging - do not wait to long as the aim is to tackle those over a particular period. If we approach this matter with a positive mind and enthusiasm, we shall surely reap the goods.

Therefore, if someone tells you that performance contracts are aimed a tripping you, then that person might not have understood the positive part of this matter and might only focus on the negative part.
Yes, and as my colleague Kazembire Zemburuka (now studying abroad) reminded me just now, there is great reward in performance success. The fact that you focus on priority areas - implementing the said action over a particular period.. if you succeed, you actually get rewarded in so many ways. For me personally, the most critical reward is the professional and emotional reward ---as that gives everlasting satisfaction -- you will always know and remember that this and that happened because of your contribution - and team work - or that you were part of that positive impact or change --or you were part of the team that pioneered as a specific revolution.

Yes, there is also another reward, the physical aspect. That is great too - but to me personally, it was always secondary --- although that forms part of the overall package of reward - such as getting a bonus - or given a performance certificate, offered a trip to a dream place or land etc....the key one is your contribution to making your work place the best work to work for -- your contribution to positive change...

Now, just try it and you will better understand what I mean.