Windhoek appoints Isack Hamata as head of public participation
The City of Windhoek has appointed Isack Hamata as its new head of public participation, effective 1 June, a role that ensures residents are included in the city’s decision-making processes.
Hamata holds a master of arts in corporate communication, a master of science in business management, a postgraduate diploma in business studies, and degrees in marketing, public management, and public administration. He has also completed several short courses in leadership, stakeholder engagement, crisis communication, and dispute resolution.
He told Careers that communication has always been of particular interest to him.
“Of particular interest to me from my very first year of tertiary studies was communication science," he told Careers.
He said retired Bank of Namibia governor Dr Johannes !Gawaxab was his communication science lecturer in his first year.
"That module contained a large component dedicated to stakeholder and audience engagement as well as communicating with diverse groups across various platforms,” said Hamata.
His career journey spans journalism, corporate communications, government, finance, telecommunications and sports. He also served as the CEO of the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa), a role that strengthened his skills in stakeholder engagement and strategic communication.
“What inspired me to apply for and eventually step into this role is the profound impact of structured, meaningful dialogue,” he said.
Hamata said his leadership style is collaborative and consultative.
“I would describe my style as collaborative, consultative, and strategically aligned. I am a firm believer in collective intellect. Within my team, I encourage open debate and initiative,” he said.
As advice to young Namibians who aspire to leadership roles, Hamata concluded that they should seek continuous learning and remain diligent in their work.
“My advice is simple: commit to continuous learning and build a foundation of integrity. Equip yourself academically, remain curious, and never view any task as too small,” he said.
