The Katuka Mentorship Programme marked an important milestone on 19 November with its annual certificate ceremony — a moment to celebrate the women who successfully completed the 2025 programme and to officially welcome the new 2026 cohort into the Katuka community.
Founded in 2001, Katuka was created with a clear vision: to uplift women through meaningful, intentional mentorship relationships. For over 24 years, the programme has provided a trusted space where women learn, grow, and support one another through shared experience and guidance. To date, Katuka has empowered 573 women, including 48 women who completed the 2025 programme.
Interest in the programme continues to grow. This year, Katuka received 84 mentee applications and 34 mentor applications. After a careful selection and matching process, 55 mentors and mentees were confirmed for the 2026 cohort — each pairing built on alignment, commitment, and shared purpose.
Founder and Programme Director Desèré Lundon-Muller reflected on what continues to make Katuka special after more than two decades:
“What makes Katuka special is not the structure or the timetable. It is the heart. It is the willingness of experienced women to open their doors to others, and the courage of younger women to stretch themselves, to learn, to ask questions, and to rise.”
Addressing the 2025 mentees, Lundon-Muller acknowledged their growth and dedication throughout the year.
“I had the privilege of training you and walking this journey with you. I saw your progress, your breakthroughs, and those moments when things finally clicked. Each of you showed commitment and a real hunger to grow. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves.”
She also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the mentors whose generosity anchors the programme.
“You gave your time, your wisdom, and your hearts. You don’t just guide — you ignite belief. Thank you for being the pillars of Katuka.”
Mentee Maria Ndazapo, Chief Operations Officer at Netvend Metering Solutions, shared how a series of thoughtful questions from her mentor prompted deep self-reflection. Through the process, she realised that workplace challenges are often rooted not in individuals, but in systems, emotions, or ingrained mindsets.
“Instead of fighting, I learned to work with people toward a common goal and create an environment that allows progress,” she reflected.
Long-standing mentor Abena Tambrescu, who has served Katuka for seven years, shared why she continues to give back to the programme.
“I have never regretted being part of Katuka. Watching women step into their purpose, confront their fears, and grow professionally, personally, and emotionally reminds me why this work matters. Each success story gives me the courage to keep showing up.”
Representing the programme’s main sponsor, Bronwyn Moody, Head of Stakeholder Engagement, CRS and Sponsorships at Bank Windhoek, described Katuka as a powerful journey of self-discovery and empowerment guided by experienced mentors.
“For us, the programme is about building trust, understanding leadership, and enabling women to make a meaningful impact as Namibian women in business,” she said.
She added that empowering women contributes directly to economic productivity and stronger communities, reinforcing Bank Windhoek’s long-standing commitment to women’s development.
In closing, Lundon-Muller expressed sincere gratitude to Katuka’s Patron, Honourable Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi, Minister of Agriculture, for her guidance and unwavering support of women’s empowerment. She also thanked Bank Windhoek for its continued sponsorship, along with Katuka’s trainers, partners, mentors, and the wider Katuka community for making the 2025 programme a success.
As Katuka welcomes its 2026 cohort, the programme continues its mission — nurturing confidence, capability, and connection — one mentorship at a time.