Dedicated to developing drivers

Tarring the road to successful and diligent driving skills has been at the heart of Windhoek-based driving institute and academy, Etameko. The business offers both learner’s licence and driver’s licence in the hope of grooming prospective clients to be mindful and responsible drivers. With Windhoek being home to 39.33% of the country’s driving population according to Roads Authority statistics, the need to invest in the development of responsible drivers was identified by Grootfontein-born businessman and doctorate graduate Sem Taukuheke David, commonly referred to as Doctor.

“The establishment of Etameko is an idea that emanated for a long time prior to its establishment. We wanted to establish an institute that deals with safety issues, therefore we have a three-legged branches. First, we offer driving licence classes as well learner’s licence classes and the advanced and/or defensive driving lessons,” explains CEO Sem David, who owns three other established businesses employing more than 25 people.

The business is a year old and comprises of a team of driving instructors, administrators and marketers that ensure the business runs smoothly. “I had never imagined myself working for a driving institute or academy. It’s just not one of the things you think are likely to happen but I love it here ever since I started eleven months ago,” says company chief administrator Ellen Nghililewanga.

Furthermore, the company that was initially established in the hope of lowering the staggering accident rates on Namibian roads through the imbuing of skills that will solidify the foundation for proper driving for prospective drivers hopes to expand and will soon be launching training courses for driving instructors.

“The fundamentals of road safety lie in the hands of the instructors that lay the foundation for prospective drivers. Once we can make sure that that important element is accounted for and ensure we are aware of what is taught by driving instructing, we will be one step closer to reducing the drastic number of car accidents that take place on our Namibia roads provided that we continue to liaise with the necessary key stakeholders such as Natis and the Namibian Roads Authority,” David said in an interview with Careers Hub.

Learner’s licence lessons take place over three consecutive days, where students are lectured on road rules and advised on what to expect and look out for when purchasing a vehicle. The institute has managed to maintain a 99% driver’s licence pass rate since its establishment. “We have managed to maintain this pass rate by a means of being thorough and making sure our learners are prepared because we do a series of mock tests,” explained David.

“After having gone for my learner’s licence test the first time around, I decided to enrol at Etameko for my second try and it is a decision I do not regret because not only did I obtain my learner’s licence on the first try, but the lecturing environment is so relaxed and interactive that one wants to know more about the road. It is quite different from passively studying to take the test because the things that I learned really stuck with me and made a more conscious driver,” said Natasha Ekandjo, a former learner at the driving academy.

The company’s long-term goals include the development of a driving track for learners to practically test the various elements of driving that they are taught theoretically in addition to developing accredited short courses that will improve the safety of Namibian roads.