Young leader, Big ambitions

Fisabo Mapalo, the current junior mayor of Walvis Bay, still has big ambitions beyond her term as junior mayor. The new junior town council is set to be inaugurated in October.

Mapalo says that becoming junior mayor was not the initial path she chose for herself.

"My English teacher, Mr. Bock; my geography teacher, Mr. Rence; my aunt, lawyer Ms. Cloete; and my love for politics and people all played a significant role in inspiring me to pursue this position. Although I was reluctant to apply for an executive role at first, their encouragement pushed me to take the leap. Being junior mayor is more than just a title – it’s a responsibility. Every word I speak and every action I take is a reflection of the council and the youth I represent. It means upholding integrity, standing firm in my values, and exemplifying what true leadership should look like.”

CLEAR GOALS

From the moment she stepped into the role, she set clear goals for herself.

“I wanted to embrace the challenges that came with the position, plan events well in advance, and ensure we completed the designated number of projects each month. Discipline within the council was crucial, as was helping the vulnerable and making sure the voices of the youth were heard. I'm proud to say I succeeded in many of these areas. Events were well-organized, the council maintained discipline, and, most importantly, the youth’s voices were heard, which led to the upcoming establishment of a youth centre. The councillors exhibited discipline and maturity, which gave me immense pride in our accomplishments.”

“One of my proudest moments as junior mayor was receiving recognition from the senior mayor himself, who noted that our Junior City Council (JCC) was more effective than the senior council. Additionally, seeing my HR and Treasurer appointed to the National Association of Namibian Students Organization (NANSO) was a highlight of my tenure.”

LEADERSHIP

Mapalo adds that she has learned leadership is a constantly evolving process.

"Initially, I was more of an autocratic leader. However, over time, I transformed into a leader who encouraged collaboration, growth, and empowerment within the council. But it wasn’t without its challenges. One of the most difficult aspects of my role was dealing with disrespect and belittlement from council members. I addressed this by implementing strict measures and becoming less familiar and friendly with those I led – a necessary step in maintaining respect and order.”

This young leader notes that among the many initiatives she spearheaded with the council, the Twaloloka drive stands out as a project close to her heart.

“With the support of Mrs. Kandari and Foschini, we gave back to the community in October 2023. Another significant project was the Youth Climate Action Fund, which empowered young people of various ages to participate in environmental initiatives. Our annual Day of Unity, held in December 2023, was another remarkable success, fostering togetherness and collaboration among the youth.”

“I believe my time as junior mayor has positively impacted the city of Walvis Bay. Through my leadership, I’ve demonstrated that young people are capable of making responsible decisions, guiding the youth, and giving a voice to those who feel unheard. Personally, the role has influenced my growth tremendously. It taught me to navigate challenges with resilience, brought clarity to my vision for the future, and deepened my understanding of how the Junior City Council and the Walvis Bay Municipality function.”

SKILLS

"Through this experience, I’ve developed invaluable skills such as punctuality, resilience, multitasking, and the ability to write speeches under pressure. Most importantly, I’ve learned that no matter how you feel—whether scared, sad, or frustrated—you should always push through and never give up."

“Balancing school and leadership was no easy feat, but with a well-structured weekly timetable, I managed to stay on track and complete my responsibilities. For future junior mayors, my advice is simple: plan early, embrace every learning curve, and stay humble. A bad day doesn’t equate to a bad term; it’s just a lesson in disguise.”

FUTURE

Mapalo has big ambitions for her future.

“I aim to establish a National Junior City Council Association for Namibia to help young leaders across the country. I want to twin Walvis Bay with different cities globally, fostering international collaboration. Personally, I aim to complete high school, pursue a degree in Political Science and Public Relations, and ultimately, become the first female president of Namibia. Alongside these goals, I dream of building my parents their dream home. Reflecting on my journey as the junior mayor of Walvis Bay, the most rewarding aspect has been working alongside various departments of the municipality, learning the intricacies of land allocation, and collaborating with the mayor’s office. I plan to remain involved in youth-led projects and leadership roles that align with my interests as I move forward in life.”

“As I prepare to pass on the mantle, I hope to leave behind a legacy of hard work, faith in God, and resilient leadership. I want to be remembered as someone who faced challenges head-on, trusted in a higher purpose, and led with strength and determination. Through this, I aim to inspire others to persevere, believe in themselves, and approach leadership with resilience and dedication.”