A driving force at the British High Commission
Enjoying his daily expeditions
The British High Commissioner's chauffeur shares his career story and advancement.
Willem Afrikaner has worked at the British High Commission since 2005, when he started as a junior driver. He went on to become the High Commissioner's chauffeur. “My work environment is more like my hometown. I feel like we are family," he said.
Afrikaner was born in Windhoek. He was raised by his uncle, who took him in after his mother's death.
He finished high school, but could not further his studies due to financial constraints, he said. He then started working with the American embassy under the Peace Corps, and then for the Netherlands embassy until 2002, when their offices closed in Namibia.
Responsibilities
“I am a chauffeur, and I provide transport services for authorised passengers at the British High Commission to and from assigned destinations in a safe, efficient and courteous manner, strictly adhering to road traffic rules, security regulations and other policies."
Additionally, he is responsible for driving all senior officials from the United Kingdom (UK) and has driven British royalty and many high-profile ministers from the UK.
Afrikaner said he appreciates every aspect of his job, especially the fact that it is not office-bound, allowing him to drive around the country and occasionally even beyond Namibia's borders.
“I have the opportunity to meet people from various cultures and see their way of life," he said.
Training opportunities are available at the British High Commission, and skill advancement is highly encouraged. As of late, he has been improving his IT skills.
Challenges
Afrikaner said he is no stranger to challenges. The most difficult task he encounters is having to adjust to a new ambassador every three to four years, get to know them, and discover their working style. He, however, carries the spirit of adaptability, which helps eases these transitions.
He takes the time to get to know the new ambassadors and tries his best to make them feel at home in Namibia as soon as possible to get the ball rolling, he added.
He hopes to one day see the UK with his own eyes rather than through the eyes of those to whom he has rendered services.
"I have developed a great attachment to the UK and want to see it in person."