Meet The Team

Meet Shuushe Nduvundika, a vibrant and resilient spirit who has woven her tale of ambition as a Hospitality Apprentice. She immerses herself in every department as part of the Hospitality Apprenticeship Program while studying at the Okakarara Vocational Training Centre. Inspired by her mother's indomitable spirit, Shuushe carries her legacy into the hospitality field, prioritizing personal growth over monetary gains.

She has a hidden talent for public speaking, which transforms the dining experience into a warm and engaging encounter.

Shuushe finds motivation in breaking tasks into manageable parts, fostering focus and efficiency. Her proudest achievement is leading a team that significantly contributed to the business' success, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment.

Within the Gondwana family, she draws inspiration from Natasha, the Assistant Manager at Kalahari Anib Lodge, who guides her through the nuances of the hospitality industry. The Gondwana value of "Respect, not tolerance" resonates deeply with her, as she believes in treating everyone with consideration and acknowledging their inherent worth. 

Her journey has not been without challenges; growing up, she faced a scarcity of water for an extended period, which strengthened her resilience. Overcoming fear and poverty has shaped her into a determined individual who approaches each day with optimism. 

On a lighter note, Shuushe reveals her unique sense of humour and dreams of distant horizons, with the United States of America calling as the home of entertainment and inspiration. In life’s essentials, she identifies water, love, and the internet as indispensable, while her current aspirations centre around personal growth within the hospitality industry. 

Reflecting on her journey, Shuushe imparts a valuable lesson to her younger self: the importance of listening, understanding diverse perspectives, setting boundaries, and communicating. These principles guide her through challenges and triumphs alike. 

For Israel Thele, home is where the flowing water streams are, where he can swim and catch catfish—the cherished memories from his home village in Oshuuli Uukwambi, nestled between Oshakati and Okahao in northern Namibia. His journey with Gondwana Collection Namibia began in 2008. He started in housekeeping, progressed to barman at Etosha Safari Camp, and is now an Assistant Lodge Manager at Palmwag Lodge and Camp.

Inspired by Eileen Van Wyk, his former collection manager, Israel found the motivation to pursue his career with passion and dedication. Her belief in him and his abilities has been a driving force behind his success.

Israel's proudest accomplishments are his personal growth and the progress he has made in his career. His journey with Gondwana Collection Namibia has not only been about professional growth but also about self-discovery and development. Passionate about working with people and taking on new challenges, he finds fulfilment in his role. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, finding joy and relaxation in the tranquillity of his garden.

His daily inspiration comes from his love for his job and his role as the provider for his family. He believes in the importance of doing what you love and loving what you do, as it is the key to happiness and fulfilment. The Gondwana Guideline that stands out for him is “Have a story to tell,” as stories allow us to connect with one another.

If given the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world, Israel would choose Mozambique. He is intrigued by the meeting of tropical landscapes and the ocean, and he dreams of experiencing the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the country firsthand.

At Gondwana Collection Namibia, Israel's story is not just his own; it's a reflection of the company's values of growth, empowerment, and hospitality. Through initiatives like the employee feature stories, Gondwana empowers its employees and aligns with its core values of having a story to tell

Meet Veronika, a young and vibrant woman from Oshakati East, Onawa, who is now working as a waitress at Etosha King Nehale. For Veronika, the charm of her hometown lies in its proximity to the city, making it both tranquil and accessible. However, her journey has extended beyond the boundaries of Oshakati, reaching into the heart of one of Gondwana’s accommodations, where she has found her calling.

Veronika's story with Gondwana Collection Namibia began when she attended a hospitality course at the Ombambi Vocational Training Centre. It was here that she was introduced to the company by Miss Kamambo, her then supervisor at the vocational training centre. In 2016, she started her job attachment as part of her hospitality course at Hakusembe River Lodge.

Fast forward nine years, and Veronika is still part of the Gondwana family. As a waitress, her responsibilities go beyond serving guests. Her role is to ensure that everything is impeccably prepared for guests and to make them feel at home away from home. Beyond that, for her it is also important to upsell while engaging with guests.

When asked about her inspirations, she mentions Miss Kamambo from Ombambi Vocational Training Centre, Gondwana employees Mr. Edson Kaura from Etosha Safari Camp, and Miss Maria Mvula from Namib Desert Lodge as those who have inspired her to continuously pursue her career. For someone starting their career, Veronika's advice is simple yet profound: never stop learning, be a team player, and focus on results. She is passionate about fairness and takes her work seriously.

Her proudest accomplishments are not just work-related; she finds pride in learning new things through different situations. What inspires her every morning is the knowledge that with God, everything is possible.

Among Gondwana Collection Namibia's values, "Diversity makes us stronger" and "You can only be successful if you make others successful" stand out to Veronika. She believes that helping others succeed can be one's greatest success.

Her journey hasn't been without its challenges. Growing up without parents, she worked hard to get an education and eventually found her way to Gondwana Collection Namibia, where she can provide for her family. If given the opportunity, Veronika dreams of travelling to Germany.

Looking back, she would tell her younger self to be more open and honest, to express her feelings without fear, and to listen to others.

Meet Lorenzo Fikunawa, who is a Junior Tour Consultant from the Gondwana Destination Management Company a vibrant Gondwanian whose unique blend of talents and experiences enriches our workplace. A part-time music producer and DJ, Lorenzo also showcases his culinary skills as an amazing chef at home, surprising many with his creativity outside of work.

If given the chance to dine with any fictional character, Lorenzo would choose Huey Freeman from 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘴, as he feels a connection to this character that reflects his younger self. He also has a passion for learning languages, demonstrating his love for diversity and communication.

Lorenzo's journey with Gondwana Collection Namibia began during his second year at university when he researched tourism companies and discovered that Gondwana’s values aligned with his own.

He officially joined as an intern at Canyon Village in July 2022, starting as a waiter/barman before moving on to another role within the company.

One of the defining moments in his career was winning the Most Go2 Bookings Award, which he considers one of the top highlights at Gondwana. This achievement not only reflects his hard work but also underscores the supportive culture at Gondwana that celebrates individual successes.

Navigating the dynamics of being the only man in an office has taught Lorenzo patience and resilience. Embracing a multifaceted role, as he often serves as a consultant, handyman, and resident comedian, ensuring laughter and positivity are integral parts of the team culture.

Lorenzo appreciates the sense of togetherness and inclusivity at Gondwana Collection, treating every guest with respect and kindness. He finds joy in projects that involve consultants in sales and fam trips, believing they enhance understanding of both the business and its products.

After a busy week at work, he unwinds by immersing himself in music, often seen with earphones plugged in. Each morning brings new challenges that inspire him to rise with enthusiasm, driven by his passion for what he does.

Among Gondwana Collection’s values, diversity stands out most prominently for Lorenzo. He believes it strengthens our team and fosters collaboration among colleagues from varied backgrounds. Being the youngest older brother has also shaped who he is today—proof to resilience, responsibility, and nurturing relationships within family dynamics.

Lorenzo Fikunawa’s journey is one of passion, growth, and unwavering commitment to personal development and team success. His unique contributions enrich our workplace culture at Gondwana—and we look forward to seeing what he will achieve next!

Born in Ondangwa, Simon Katondoka, is a determined and passionate guy, who finds relaxation in the peacefulness of farming. For Simon, home is more than simply a place; it is where his heart resides, where his roots are deep, and where he finds strength. Simon has been a valued team member of the Gondwana Collection Namibia family for over a decade, currently he is at the Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp.

His journey began a decade ago when he stumbled upon the company while walking to the nearby Epacha Game Lodge, closer to Etosha Safari Lodge. Since then, he has been a member of the team, dedicating himself to various roles and responsibilities.

As the Assistant Lodge Manager at Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp, Simon sees himself as a team leader, a mentor, and a friend to his colleagues. Sharing knowledge and providing continuous training are not just part of his job; they are his passion. Inspired by Simon Andreas his namesake; a previous employee of Gondwana Collection Namibia, he drew a deeper sense of work ethic and love for his craft through their engagements over the years.

For him this has not only been about professional growth but also personal development. His proudest accomplishment is creating job opportunities for the unemployed, making a positive impact in his community. He attributes his kind and helpful nature to the experiences he has been through in his personal life.

In his free time, Simon enjoys playing football, but his true passion lies in learning more about the tourism industry. Inspired by Gondwana Collection Namibia's value of “Give back to nature, what belongs to nature.”

For Simon, every day is a new opportunity to make a difference. He finds inspiration in his faith, knowing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. If given the chance to travel anywhere in the world, Simon would choose Angola to learn the Portuguese language.

He has excelled in his job and served as a role model for others due to his work ethic and love for what he does. His path from a village to a leadership position in the tourism business greatly inspires him to pursue greater things in life: especially those just starting their careers off in the tourism industry

Found at the breathtaking Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp, Arthur Tjimbahi brings a touch of hometown charm to the heart of Gondwana Collection Namibia. Nature's symphony and the serene surroundings of his hometown have woven themselves into the very fabric of his being.

Arthur's path to Gondwana was paved with digital breadcrumbs – a coincidental encounter through Facebook posts and the familiar sight of Namibia2Go vehicles. Who knew that a scroll through social media could lead to such an extraordinary adventure?

With two years under his belt, Arthur has become the heartbeat of Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp's maintenance magic. Time has flown by in a whirlwind of fixing, tinkering, and ensuring that every corner of the lodge gleams with perfection.

Behind the scenes, Arthur wears many hats – from assistant mechanic to lodge whisperer. His hands are a pair of thousands that keep our wheels turning and our lodges sparkling, ensuring that every guest's experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

In his pursuit of a career filled with purpose, Arthur found inspiration in the unwavering support of his brother, Martin. Their shared passion for fixing things and making a difference laid the foundation for Arthur's journey. Today, as Arthur pours his heart and soul into his role as Maintenance Assistant, he carries the spirit of his brother with him every step of the way, a constant reminder of the power of influence and the bonds that shape our destinies.

At Gondwana, Arthur embodies the ethos of "It's not a job, it's a calling." With passion as his compass, he navigates each day with purpose and dedication.

"Don't work for salaries; work straight from the heart. It's not just a job – it's a calling!" – Arthur

When he's not busy tending to Gondwana's needs, Arthur finds solace in nature walks and the thrill of a soccer match. A perfect balance of tranquillity and excitement.

When asked if he could jet-set anywhere in the world, Brazil was his top pick. Describing it as a land of vibrant cultures and endless discoveries. He couldn’t contain his excitement as he envisioned himself wandering through the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro! For Arthur, the thrill of travel and the joy of embracing life to the fullest are non-negotiables, citing that “Adventure is not just a destination – it's a way of life”.

True to the nature of all that get to experience the ‘Gondwana way of life’, Arthur looking back at his journeys shares sage advice for those just embarking on their career journeys to always do things from the heart and breed a culture of passion adding that there's no limits in life! A reminder to us all to seize every moment and embrace the journey with open arms.