A Namibian in Zambia

Justicia Shipena





Vibrant Ndapewa Uukongo started her university journey by doing a premedical foundation course at the Lusaka Apex Medical University in Zambia. In 2016, she moved to physiotherapy.

Speaking to The Zone, Uukongo said when she was in high school, she met an amazing friend Claire from Kenya whose dad was a physiotherapist. At that time, Uukongo knew nothing about physiotherapy, but what was interesting for her was the fact that her friend’s dad was the only physiotherapist working for the State in the //Karas Region.

“He sometimes had to go as far as the Hardap Region to work there as well. So, I figured that there was a gap in the health industry that needs to be filled and I decided then that I will go for physiotherapy,” she said.

Enrolling into the university, she did not face any challenges as she applied through the health ministry for a scholarship programme.

She emphasised that the process was quite smooth and thanks the ministry for granting her this “life-changing” opportunity.

“The application process to the university is quite smooth. If you meet all the requirements, it shouldn’t be a hassle at all.”

She added that one needs a permit to study in Zambia and feels the process of applying for one can be a little challenging if you don’t have someone who is familiar with the process helping you.

Some of the things she likes about the university are the academic excellence, the sense of community and the support from the lecturers, even those who don’t lecturer you, and said everyone cares about your well-being.

“Your lecturers know you by name, genuinely take an interest in your life, get a good grasp of you as a person and how to help you. I love all of this and more about my university because it just makes your time at the university so easy, memorable and you don’t have to drag yourself to go to class every day,” she said.

According to Uukongo, at Apex they learn from the best and study amongst the best. Her biggest highlight thus far would be watching her clinical supervisor treat conjoined twins who were separated at the university teaching hospital in Lusaka.

“The surgery was performed by a group of surgeons including my third-year neurology lecturer.”

Her message to her peers and those planning to study outside the borders of Namibia is to take the leap of faith and go for it.

“There are so many good universities beyond Namibian borders that offer great programmes. However, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into, do your research before moving to a different country, make sure the university is approved by the Namibia Qualifications Authority and also find out if the course is approved by qualification bodies in the host country,” she added.

Uukongo is a firm believer in ‘everything happens for a reason’, hence she would not want to change anything about her university journey thus far.

She further said any hiccups and obstacles she has faced along the way have turned her into the person she is today.

After graduation, she plans on returning home to work for the health ministry at one of the state hospitals.

Living in Lusaka for quite a while now, Uukongo has grown fond the city and said it has become a home away from home to her. She added that it is a lovely city with friendly and helpful people.

“I always say I am Namibian by chance, Zambian by choice. The city is peaceful and safe to live in. Ever heard of those stories where you forget your phone on a bench in the mall and come back to still find it there? Well, sometimes it can be like that in Lusaka.”

She said Lusaka has a large market where one can purchase anything at an affordable price.

“I love shopping from the thrift market and I buy most of my clothes there,” she said.

Her favourite spots in the city are East Park Mall and Fallsway Sports Arena.

Facts about Uukongo:

· She was born at Oluteyi, Ongandjera, and grew up at Keetmanshoop.

· She is a self-taught photographer.

· She loves Australia.

· She is a habit freak.