Dancing in the rain

Mariselle StofbergAmanda van der Merwe believes that life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain.The greatest fear of this newly appointed head of legal advisory services at Bank Windhoek would be to be seen as absolute in an ever-changing world, and this drives Van der Merwe to always take any opportunity she is presented with to be the change she wishes to see in the world. Van der Merwe is a born and bred Namibian who matriculated at Windhoek High School. She completed her BComm and LLB degrees at the University of Stellenbosch, her diploma in direct tax through the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a certificate in risk management through the University of Cape Town (UCT). “During my professional career, I was privileged to have various opportunities that shaped me into the professional I am today,” she says.Besides working at a private legal practice, Van der Merwe also worked at an audit firm, a banking institution's financial department, acted as a legal advisor at a large telecommunication company, and as a senior legal advisor at Capricorn Group. “This experience allowed me to obtain a holistic view of business and the legal requirements that goes with it.”Van der Merwe’s department advises the various business units within Bank Windhoek on day-to-day legal queries, new projects, and products as well as structured finance deals. “We aim to reduce the risk associated with our products and other transactions the bank enters into.”Van der Merwe is further involved in managing Capricorn Group’s Intellectual Property portfolio.“From a professional point of view, the biggest challenge is to remain relevant and up to date on legal and topical aspects to be seen as business partner to your customers, whether they are internal or external,” she adds.Van der Merwe appreciates the fact that she can add value to the Namibian economy as a professional woman and can make an impact on her children’s lives to shape them to become future productive members of the Namibian society.Practising integrity, professionalism, and leadership in her work inspires Van der Merwe.“The world is not perfect; being able to be in the position to change things or set things right potentially is what drives me. I believe in integrity and being professional by working hard, leading by example and inspiring other team members. “Helping others to recognise their potential and strengths gives me a great boost when they become ready to take on more challenging roles, taking responsibility and deliver quality solutions.“Building a career and a passion for what you do is not always easy; it takes hard work and dedication to reach the ever-changing end goal. I am grateful that Bank Windhoek allows me to fulfil these ideals.”If she had the opportunity to change something, it would be to increase public and private funding for childhood cancer research.“My advice to young people would be to take on any opportunities that is presented to you, even if it outside your comfort zone, to continuously learn, be proactive and take responsibility for your career.”

Dancing in the rain

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Republikein 2026-04-08

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Dancing in the rain

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Republikein 2026-04-08

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