3 minute read
ROYAL HUSTLERS
Success according to Victoria Muranda
Not many of us can proudly say we speak seven languages. Victoria Muranda, Manager of Corporate Communications at NAMFISA, can proudly say so. She speaks KhoekhoeGowab, English, Afrikaans, Oshiwambo, Otjiherero and Portuguese - a true testament to her growing up in post-colonial integrated Namibia.
Victoria is a Royal Hustler who has worked at some of the most notable organisations in Namibia before she took up her current position which she fills with passion and flair.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED…
Victoria was born and raised in Windhoek and calls herself a “typical Katutura girl”. Her early childhood began in the Gemeente 17 and Donkerhoek locations in Katutura. She then completedprimary school at a Catholic Mission School in Grootfontein and went on to high school at Döbra.
“I ended up at UNAM where I became one of the first graduates from the media study group. We started UNAM Radio and used to call ourselves “The Voice of The Future”, she reminisces.
GETTING INTO THE MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS FIELD...
“I always wanted to be in the communications field but more on the entertainment side. Those who went to school with me know that for every talent show I was on stage, I was either dancing, singing or doing both. I would MC at the same time. I was your typical entertainer but I also loved writing and telling stories, so naturally God made provision for my gifts and here I am in communications and PR. No, it wasn’t any easy As, not that I really worked hard either. I was your average B and C student but at every school prize-giving I had to receive something on stage. Usually not for the academic subjects, best mathematics or whatever. My prizes were for ‘best progress in mathematics’ or ’debater of the year’ – you know, things like that.”
VICTORIA, THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR…
While most people have side hustles to earn some extra money, Victoria has always looked at them as an opportunity to help others. “Since childhood I have always been that type of person who would give to people who need it more. So if I had something to sell, I would sell it and give the money to a friend who needed it more. So I would hustle for other people because that’s how I grew up”, she says.
VICTORIA DEFINES SUCCESS AS ..
“The ability to better the lives of others.”
Even though many would see her current pursuit of an MBA as a mark of success, she is by no means satisfied with academic achievement as the only sign of “success”.
She rather considers her positive influence on others as her definition of success. “I always try to find a way to inspire people, to motivate them. I always ask how I can help to make their lives better,” she says. “That’s what keeps me going every day. That’s my purpose.”
KEEPING POSITIVE AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC...
“I’ve seen that Namibians have opened up their hearts to assist those who are less fortunate during this pandemic. People are putting money and resources together for those who are less fortunate. I also did my bit by spending a lot of my free time hustling for those who really need it.”
Victoria sees the unity shown during this time as a positive move on the part of Namibians and encourages individuals to continue standing together as a nation.
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE OF NAMIBIA AND FOR HER LIFE BEYOND COVID-19
An eternal optimist, Victoria is hopeful for the future of Namibia beyond COVID-19. “I’ve been looking at the positives and there have been quite a lot of benefits for me during the lockdown. Being at home, building relationships, a bit of soul searching, finding myself, finding the way for my vision and purpose. It’s been a good time. I’m excited to be Namibian to the extent that when my foreign friends ask me how Namibia is doing, I tell myself I’m Namibian, I’m doing fine and Namibia is doing fine.”
This article is based on an interview with Victoria on 99FM. Tune in to The Royal Hustlers on 99 FM every Monday to Friday at 07h35. (Stream us here) https://99fm.com.na/ external-radio-live-stream/
