From security guard to building supervisor: a story of pulling your socks up

WINDHOEK, Sept. 26 – “If I can make it, anyone can!” said 27-year old Herman Katjinaani the man who has ascended from being a security guard to the echelon of Building Supervisor.

“My desire is to keep on learning and growing myself, and never be held back by my circumstances, nor what other people think or say about me.”

Herman began his journey at property developer, Broll Namibia in December 2011, when he was appointed as a security guard for the Carl List Mall on a 6-month contract.

Upon completion of his contract, he was offered permanent employment as a security guard, and served in this position until February 2013 when he was promoted to building supervisor for the Carl List Mall and Alexander Forbes House.

“Being a security guard is not easy. I fully understand the challenges that security guards face on a daily basis – apart from the challenging working hours, it can be life-threatening. I have also experienced that security guards are quite often looked down on – a factor that could leave you in a space of very low self-esteem, and feeling unworthy. I however refused to have my future be determined by this.”

Herman’s responsibilities were expanded in February 2014 when the Fruit ‘n Veg; Kaiserkrone and the Old Breweries complexes were added to his portfolio. Broll Namibia Managing Director, Marco Wenk said that the potential Herman displayed has been undeniable since day one, and his sense of responsibility made him shine.

“But it is his eagerness, willingness to learn and grow, and his overall can-do attitude that contributes to him standing out as a remarkable example of someone who wants to always achieve new heights. I am inspired by Herman. He leads by example and can most definitely be regarded as a role model for anyone.”

At the end of 2016, Herman was moved to supervise the latest addition to the Broll Namibia portfolio, 77 on Independence. Herman has always been committed to growing himself even before he joined the O&L Group.

“I remember when I was a security guard for G4S, I did part time studies at the Institute for Information Technology (IIT) where I enhanced my IT skills. I knew the security industry was just the beginning for me and that more was waiting for me out there. I am now a 2nd year part-time Business Administration student, studying towards my B-Tech degree at the Namibia University of Science & Technology (NUST).”

However, Herman says his journey was not a piece of cake, because when co-workers see another begin to rise up and achieve meaningful goals in life, there is no shortage of malice, and enemies in equal measure.

“Especially we the semi-skilled guys have the tendency of speaking against the next one who is on a journey of progress and growth. We do not like seeing others get ahead of us in life, and thus refrain from supporting one another. It was really challenging and quite demotivating at times when my own people didn’t give me the support I needed. But still, I refused to be held back by that. I was also highly inspired and encouraged by the O&L culture that has the tendency of driving its employees to further self-development and also creating platforms for that. This has certainly played a significant part in my journey of growth,” added Herman.

Herman’s boss and O&L Group Director: Human Capital, Berthold Mukuahima described Herman as someone who is a true reflection of, and inspiration to the O&L Value ‘we grow people’.

“The O&L Leadership and People Development portfolio has numerous platforms in place to support and encourage development, and growth of its employees. We are committed to growing our people. Herman simply took the opportunity granted to him, and made full use of it. I am proud of this young man who clearly has an even brighter road ahead of him,” said Mukuahima.

As the elder among his siblings, Herman currently supports his brothers and sisters with school fees and necessities. He also supports his mother financially, and provides for his daughter. For the next five years, he has set his goals for even further growth, and looks forward to climbing the ladder even higher going forward, particularly in the property development sector. “Hopefully one of these days I might be one of the lucky guys to take charge somewhere as a group manager in the O&L group.” – Ignatius Mutasa