Achieving BIG dreams across Borders

Gaironeeza Maclobo (25), hailing from Narraville, Walvis Bay, continues to dream big and achieve big. This former learner from Duneside High School recently graduated with her Master&#039;s in Strategic Brand Leadership and has settled, for now, in South Africa. Gaironeeza, who is no stranger to the limelight, represented her school and country at the International Junior Olympiad in 2015 in New York, USA.“In 2017, I relocated to Stellenbosch for university, spending the next five years there. During my time at Stellenbosch University (SU), I achieved notable accomplishments such as representing SU in multiple USSA tournaments and proudly representing my country at the 2021 COSAFA Cup.”After completing her Honours degree, she moved to Gauteng to kickstart her career, initially working as a marketing intern for a few months. “In 2022, I had the privilege of winning the SASOL Women’s League with the University of Pretoria (Tuks). Currently based in Johannesburg, I work as a Marketing Manager and recently graduated with a Master&#039;s in Strategic Brand Leadership.”INSPIRATIONGaironeeza initially began her tertiary education journey at Stellenbosch University, graduating with a BCom degree in Financial Management, Marketing Management, and Industrial Psychology.“I furthered my studies with an Honours in Industrial Psychology, during which I began to sense a gap in my creative expression. This realization led me to pursue a master’s degree in Branding, seeking to enhance my ability to express creativity in my academic and professional journeys.”TRANSITIONHailing from Narraville and moving to Stellenbosch presented its challenges. As the eldest of three siblings, she grew up surrounded by much of her extended family.“During my childhood, I spent most days with my grandparents and cousins. Being away from family and adjusting to living alone for the first time, particularly managing cooking responsibilities, posed initial difficulties. However, I quickly found my rhythm. “My days were filled with classes and football, which grounded me during this period of change. After completing my Honours degree, “I made the decision to relocate to Gauteng, primarily drawn by its promising job market. Johannesburg offers its own blend of advantages and challenges, but it has been smooth sailing so far.”CULTURAL ADJUSTMENTSIn addition to being thousands of kilometres away from her hometown, she also had to make significant cultural adjustments.“The biggest adjustment for me has been acclimating to the high level of political sensitivity among South Africans. Politics permeate nearly every conversation here, which contrasts sharply with my upbringing, where political discussions were infrequent and less emotionally charged. “Additionally, I quickly learned that not everyone speaks Afrikaans here – a seemingly minor detail that had a profound impact, making me realize its significance and how much I came to miss it later on.”CAREER THUS FARGaironeeza is currently working as the Marketing Manager for a SaaS (software as a service) company. Previously, she held the role of Head of Social Media at a digital marketing firm.“My career began at a marketing firm in the beauty and cosmetics industry, where I had the privilege of collaborating with global brands such as Hermès, Coach, and Dermalogica, among others. “Working with these esteemed brands early in my career significantly contributed to my professional growth and success. Throughout my career journey, LinkedIn and online application platforms have been valuable tools for finding opportunities.”Maclobo added that achieving one of her goals since university, to become the Marketing Lead at a company, gives her a great sense of pride.“Achieving it at the age of 25 brings me great satisfaction. Also, earning my master&#039;s degree is another accomplishment that I am particularly proud of.”CHALLENGESAside from moving and the political talk, Gaironeeza also had to navigate the job market in South Africa.“The start of my career was relatively challenging, particularly given South Africa&#039;s high unemployment rate. However, this period taught me the importance of persistence. “Job hunting, especially as a new entrant, can be exhausting, with many companies seeking 3 to 5 years of experience even for entry-level roles. Nonetheless, once I landed my first opportunity, I embraced it fully and haven’t looked back since.”INFLUENCES“I view marketing as a means of creative expression, where authenticity is paramount for truly being yourself. This principle is fundamental to me and reflects the values instilled during my upbringing in Namibia. “My grandfather has profoundly shaped my approach and interactions with others. His influence has been pivotal in my life. From spending significant time with him during my formative years, I learned the importance of kindness and respect toward others. While I strive to embody these qualities daily, I recognize the complexities of maintaining them, especially in professional settings. “My experiences at Duneside High School have also greatly influenced my perspective on marketing and leadership. I had the privilege of learning from exceptional teachers whose ongoing support continues to inspire and motivate me today.”WORK-LIFE BALANCEGaironeeza says that she has always embraced the idea that life requires balance.“Since my school days, I&#039;ve juggled academics, sports, and cultural activities. Even in university, I seamlessly integrated my studies with my passion for football. “Now, managing a full-time job alongside my personal life feels natural, thanks to my background as a student-athlete. During weekdays, I prioritize ending work by 17:00 on at least three days, and I avoid working on weekends whenever possible. Balancing these boundaries can be challenging since work is ongoing, but I remain committed to this schedule.”GOALSThe next aspiration for Gaironeeza is to become a Chief Marketing Officer and also get her PhD.“I dedicate myself daily to advancing towards this goal, aiming to achieve it in the coming years.“I do intend to return to Namibia. My longstanding aspiration is to establish a sports academy in Walvis Bay – a space where young people can engage in their passion for sports. This endeavour represents a significant long-term goal of mine.”SUPPORT“Throughout my journey, my grandparents, Ernist and Mina Maclobo, have been my biggest role models. While their careers differed from mine, their influence on my life and career has been profound. “They instilled in me the importance of faith and self-discovery, shaping many of my beliefs and values. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had their guidance.”“My late grandmother, Zulfa, was also a significant supporter in my life. Despite our communication mostly being through WhatsApp while I was away, she always expressed how proud she was of me, and we shared many joyful moments together.”“It’s difficult not to mention my entire family, from my parents and brothers to cousins, aunts, and uncles. They have been unwavering in their support, serving as my pillars through challenges and triumphs alike. “Each of them has contributed uniquely to my growth – some teaching me the value of hard work, others nurturing me from birth, and many being my lifelong friends. I owe who I am today to all of you.”ADVICEAsked what her advice would be for her younger self, Gaironeeza stated, “Trust yourself.”“Believe that the decisions you make are what’s best for you, as you know yourself better than anyone else. “Additionally, celebrate your successes, no matter their size. I still find this challenging because I often move straight to the next goal without pausing to acknowledge achievements. It’s important to slow down, reflect, and appreciate what you have accomplished along the way.” – leandrea@erongo.com.na

Achieving BIG dreams across Borders

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Republikein 2025-01-10

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Achieving BIG dreams across Borders

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