Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Frederico Links
Published on 2024-03-08 12:09:06
Andreas Kagola, a 31-year-old aspiring entrepreneur from Ondangwa in the Oshana region, has faced challenges in pursuing his dreams due to a lack of financial resources. His journey began in 2010 when he visited relatives in Walvis Bay after completing his Grade 12 exams. Originally planning to take a vacation, Kagola ended up staying after learning about a job opportunity at Namsov Fishing Enterprises.
He joined Namsov as a casual general worker on various vessels from 2011 until 2018, when he was retrenched due to company quota cuts. Despite not earning much, Kagola managed to support his family and save for his education. His desire to attend university led him to apply to the University of Namibia for a logistics qualification in 2016, but he was accepted into business administration instead.
Balancing work and studies proved challenging, especially financially. Kagola faced setbacks when he was unable to secure loans from funding institutions and had to rely on his savings. The financial strain impacted his mental health, causing him to struggle with his studies. Despite difficulties, he persisted and re-registered for his first year in 2017, eventually passing. However, the loss of his job in 2018 halted his studies, as he could no longer afford to continue.
In 2021, Kagola began receiving a monthly stipend through a government scheme for unemployed fishermen but found it insufficient to meet his needs. To supplement his income, he took on occasional stevedoring and manual labor jobs. Nevertheless, finding consistent work remained a challenge, leading Kagola to continuously seek ways to support his family.
Despite the obstacles he faced, Kagola remained determined to pursue his dreams. In 2021, he enrolled in a maritime course at the Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute, completing it in 2023. Armed with his qualification as a class 6 deck officer, Kagola sought employment in the fishing industry, only to encounter the same response of no available jobs.
As he continues to navigate through financial hardships, Kagola also grapples with the desire to start a family. Despite being in a relationship since 2017, he acknowledges the financial barriers that prevent him from taking that step. Kagola remains hopeful about the future, emphasizing his determination not to give up on his dreams.
Through his resilience and perseverance, Kagola’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals impacted by the Fishrot scandal in the fishing industry. Despite facing setbacks, Kagola’s unwavering spirit and determination serve as a testament to his strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Read the original article on The Namibian
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