Celebrating a decade of work at the MVA Fund
The inspirational Mitch de Waldt
Mitch De Waldt's unique perspective, stemming from personal experience and professional expertise, informs his approach to his work.
Mitch de Waldt's path in the healthcare sector as a hospital case manager at the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund embodies resilience, compassion and a commitment to inclusivity. With over ten years of dedicated service, Mitch has left an indelible mark on the field, driven by a deep-seated belief in equality and the power of change.
De Waldt's journey began with a life-altering event in 2009.
“I was in a motor vehicle accident in which I sustained a spinal cord injury with a diagnosis of paraplegia, meaning the loss of sensation and movement in the lower limbs.”
Undeterred by this setback, De Waldt took steps to acquire training and pursue a career in which he could make a meaningful impact on other people’s lives.
“I received training in Sweden on rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries and obtained a certificate in a postgraduate course in neuro-rehabilitation.”
Armed with a bachelor's degree in disability management, De Waldt joined the MVA Fund, where he currently serves as a hospital case manager in the claims department.
“I am a humble, eager-to-learn person. I am an advocate for inclusion in all aspects, and I believe in equality and that the only thing constant in life is change.”
His unique perspective, stemming from personal experience and professional expertise, informs his approach to his work. His ability to empathise with both patients and service providers has been instrumental in his success as a case manager, enabling him to navigate challenges and advocate effectively on behalf of those he serves.
Personal goal-setting
Outside of his professional life, he finds solace in spending time with his wife and dogs, indulging in weekend farming, and advocating for disability sports in Namibia. “I am involved in disability sports in Namibia and strive to implement as many different sport codes as possible to give people with disabilities options,” he said.
His dedication to promoting diverse sporting opportunities reflects his broader commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting healthy lifestyles among individuals with disabilities.
Looking to the future
During his tenure at the MVA Fund, De Waldt's impact has been profound.
He played a pivotal role in the establishment of Spinalis, a spinal cord injury rehabilitation ward at Central Hospital Windhoek, where he served as a rehabilitation coach for a decade.
During this time, De Waldt received a scholarship from the MVA Fund, enabling him to pursue a bachelor's degree in disability management, which he obtained in 2023.
In January of this year, De Waldt embarked on a new chapter in his career, assuming the role of hospital case manager at the Windhoek service center. In this capacity, he oversees a range of responsibilities, including monitoring budgets, facilitating patient transfers and engaging with clients, families, and hospital staff to ensure adherence to MVA Fund processes.
As De Waldt looks to the future, he remains committed to upholding the values of togetherness, compassion and excellence in all aspects of his work. His unwavering dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others serves as an inspiration to colleagues and clients alike, underscoring the transformative impact of his decade-long journey in the healthcare sector.
He hopes to continue to make a meaningful impact on people's lives through his career.