ED spotlight: Octavia Tsibes: From small-town beginnings to shaping Namibia's young voices

Octavia Tsibes, once a school reporter living in Otjiwarongo, now serves as the executive director of the Namibia Media Academy (NMA) in Windhoek. As the head of Namibia’s leading youth brand, including MyZone, Tsibes has built a career rooted in empowering young Namibians. Her work in media began in 2012, when she contributed stories to 'Skoleblad', the school section of Republikein newspaper.“Seeing my stories published in a national newspaper as a young student was both exciting and motivating,” she said. That early exposure, she added, laid the foundation for her career in journalism and youth development.After completing Grade 12, Tsibes joined Republikein as an intern, continuing her contributions to Skoleblad. By 2017, she was sourcing and compiling content for the section, an experience she described as “a dream come true”.Her dedication earned her a position as a junior journalist for MyZone, and by 2019 she had risen to head of MyZone and youth development.Reflecting on her youth, Tsibes said that growing up in Khorixas and later Otjiwarongo meant career opportunities were limited. “My parents always encouraged me to work hard, ask questions and remain humble,” she said. “I never imagined I would one day lead one of the biggest youth brands in Namibia – let alone in the SADC region.”Hard work pays offTsibes said her formal appointment as executive director of MyZone in 2024 marked the peak of her long-standing commitment to amplifying youthful voices.“It was the culmination of years of persistence and focus on youth development,” she said. She explained that while she initially pursued studies in accounting and auditing at the University of Namibia, her passion for communication and people-centred work prompted her to pivot towards business and media.She is currently completing a degree in business and marketing management at Stadio University to further strengthen her leadership foundation.Lead with grace and disciplineOn her leadership style, Tsibes said it is “charismatic, inspirational, and rooted in integrity.” She added, “You must blend in with your team if you want them to follow your lead. Be confident in what you do, and lead with grace.” Nicknamed “general mom” by her family, Tsibes embraces discipline and excellence as non-negotiable values. Her leadership philosophy is shaped by her father’s advice: “Nobody was born knowing this, so read, learn and follow the right principles.” She also draws inspiration from the late Myles Munroe, whose writings underpin her vision-driven approach.Shaping new voicesWorking with young people remains Tsibes’s foremost motivation. “They see life through a completely different lens, and their questions often challenge me to grow alongside them.” On weekends, she dedicates time to reading, watching videos and researching youth trends to remain connected to the evolving needs of her audience.Tsibes highlighted her mentorship work since 2018, saying that she has guided countless interns, many of whom are now excelling in their respective careers. She also led the Covid-19 educational booklet initiative in collaboration with the ministry of education, Unicef, MyZone and SanlamAllianz, describing it as “one of my proudest achievements”.Building-blocks for youthTsibes explained that one of her biggest challenges is keeping up with rapidly shifting youth trends. “Just when you think you’ve mastered a trend, they’ve already moved on to the next,” she said. To address this, she focuses on mentorship and holistic growth, ensuring each intern leaves with strong skills and a sense of potential. Looking ahead, she said she envisions opening a training academy for multimedia studies, expanding the MyZone internship programme to 30 interns per year, and moving beyond traditional media to offer diverse opportunities for Namibian youth. “Many talented youth lack the guidance or resources to reach their full potential,” Tsibes said. “Providing this support can empower them to make a meaningful impact in their communities.”Tsibes highlighted that the most rewarding moments in her career come from witnessing her mentees thrive and succeed.“Seeing individuals I have mentored make an impact in their respective fields is a genuine source of pride for me,” she said. Through her work, she continues to embody the mission of the Namibia Media Academy: equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to shape the future. Her story serves as a roadmap for how purpose, integrity, and leadership can transform lives.

ED spotlight: Octavia Tsibes: From small-town beginnings to shaping Namibia's young voices

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Republikein 2026-03-26

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ED spotlight: Octavia Tsibes: From small-town beginnings to shaping Namibia's young voices

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Republikein 2026-03-26

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