Cleanest smile in town

hands Selvia Mbariani lemons, she not only makes the best lemonade in town, but she does it with the biggest smile possible.

Mbariani’s loveable nature and pure soul continues to inspire her colleagues daily, and she strives to find ways in which she can help to make the lives of those around her easier and happier.

Mbariani is a cleaner at Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) - a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and is responsible for the cleaning of the Brauhaus. This is where the brewers brew the beer.

“To me, it’s more than just cleaning. It is who I am. A clean environment is a happy environment, and imagine being able to do something that makes you this happy every day,” Mbariani says.

The bright side

She believes in always looking for the bright side in life, and has a way of always smiling, despite challenges and struggles she has faced throughout her life.

“Where you come from and what has happened to you in life does not define you. What matters is where you are going. What matters is hard work, determination and a positive outlook on life,” she says.

She started working at NBL in 2014, and has enjoyed the opportunities the company has created for her to grow and become the best version of herself.

“I love my management, working environment, my colleagues and my work. I enjoy greeting and interacting with my peers and really love a good joke. Life is too short to take everything so seriously,” she adds.

Mbariani was born at Okakarara in 1982, where she grew up on a farm with nine siblings. She has always loved the farm, and riding horses and donkey carts and working with cattle and goats are some of her fondest memories.

“One day I hope to own and run my own farm with my family and become a successful female farmer. I believe, just like the O&L Group believes: Nothing is Impossible. You just need to be honest with yourself about where you are, where you want to be and what you need to do in order to make those dreams a reality,” Mbariani adds.

Power of faith

Her religion plays an important role in her life and a verse she always lives by is Jeremiah 1:19. “My God will always be there to guide me and take care of me. I just need to always keep the faith and trust in Him.”

Mbariani values the experience, skills and knowledge she has been able to obtain whilst working at NBL.

“I continue to learn so much every day. With these two hands of mine I get to work and make a living. Sometimes things don’t work out as you wanted, but I get to create a future for myself and my son. I didn’t complete high school, but I am proof that with the right mindset and perseverance, your life is what you make of it.”

Mbariani believes that balance is a critical part of success. “I try to always balance my personal life, my family and my work. You need to change the way you look at success. It’s not the one or the other. You can have it all if you plan, work hard and continue to find that balance in your life.”

She encourages the youth to grab the opportunities you are given with both hands. “Make the most of every day. Stay focused, but don't forget to smile and live a life worth living.”