On Thursday, 21 November, the Katuka Mentorship Programme culminated its 2024 cycle with an inspiring certificate handover ceremony at the Kubata Conference Centre. It was an evening of heartfelt reflection, celebration, and anticipation for the future, as mentors, mentees, and stakeholders gathered to honour the year’s achievements.
Empowering Women, Building Futures
Speaking at the event, I shared how the Katuka Mentorship Programme empowers and encourages entrepreneurial, professional, and businesswomen to achieve their goals and unlock their potential. This year, out of 150 applications, 45 pairs of mentors and mentees embarked on this transformative journey. While a few participants could not continue, 43 participants completed the programme, each walking away with invaluable insights and growth.
Mentees gained insider perspectives on career navigation, honed their skills, and built lasting professional networks. Mentors, in turn, fostered self-empowerment and skill-building, providing a nurturing environment for growth. “Mentorship ignites a spark in others, develops leadership skills, and is a powerful way to give back to one’s community,” I shared during the ceremony.
Testimonies of Growth and Resilience
The event highlighted the programme’s impact through heartfelt testimonials.
Angeline Shaningwa, a mentee and Estate Agent at Yellow Square Properties, shared how her mentor, Helena Ilovu, guided her through self-doubt and fear of failure. “Focusing on my goals took time and effort. I was afraid of making mistakes, but I learned to embrace them as opportunities for growth. Helena believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” she said with gratitude.
For long-standing mentor Simonee Shihepo-Mulamata, the programme’s influence is deeply personal. Starting as a mentee in 2012, she reflected, “It gave me confidence and self-esteem. Becoming a mentor allowed me to grow further and learn from my mentees. This journey teaches you to run your race and not compare yourself to others.” She emphasized the need for mentorship, describing it as a path to leadership and innovation, saying, “Mentoring teaches you to come to the table without a box.”
The Role of Sponsors and Legacy Building
Bronwyn Moody, Head of Stakeholder Engagement, CSR, and Sponsorship at Bank Windhoek, underscored the importance of partnerships in empowering women. As the programme’s main sponsor, she highlighted its role in fostering trust, creating impact, and empowering women to drive economic productivity. “We’ve witnessed so many women embark on self-discovery and empowerment through Katuka,” she said. “To date, nearly 500 entrepreneurs and businesswomen have completed the programme.”
The programme’s patron, Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi, delivered a stirring address on legacy building. She encouraged participants to think about their lasting impact and embrace lifelong learning. “Growth is not a competition with others but with ourselves,” she said, adding, “Your background doesn’t matter; if you’re committed to mentorship, you can make it work. Put in the effort and leave a legacy.” She concluded by announcing her intention to join as a mentor in 2025.
Looking Ahead
The Katuka Mentorship Programme continues to thrive as a beacon of transformation and empowerment. As the mentees of 2024 prepare to forge ahead, their stories remind us of the profound impact mentorship has—not only in shaping careers but in building confident, capable leaders.
Congratulations to the class of 2024! Your journey inspires us all, and we look forward to the incredible legacies you will create.