The 2026 Katuka Mentorship Programme officially began with a powerful three-day orientation from 4 to 6 February, bringing together this year’s mentors and mentees to lay a strong foundation for the journey ahead.
Supported by Bank Windhoek, Katuka continues to create a trusted space where entrepreneurs and professional women are paired with experienced mentors who generously share their insight, wisdom and lived experience. At its core, the programme is about meaningful connection — women supporting women to grow in confidence, clarity and leadership.
Since its establishment in 2001, Katuka has welcomed 573 entrepreneurs and businesswomen who have successfully completed the programme. In 2026, 55 mentors and mentees have committed themselves to this transformative journey.
Grounded in Purpose and Shared Responsibility
Closing the orientation, Programme Director Desere reflected on what the group had achieved together over the three days.
“As we come to the close of our three-day workshop, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have achieved together as we officially kick off the Katuka Mentorship Programme for 2026,” she said.
She highlighted the intentional structure of the programme’s opening: the first day grounding mentees in purpose and possibility; the second day strengthening mentors in their role as guides and accountability partners; and the final day bringing both groups together to set clear goals and expectations for the year ahead.
“The foundation of this programme is meaningful connection,” she noted. “A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you. That spirit has been evident throughout this workshop.”
Desere emphasised that the success of the programme depends on commitment, consistency and mutual accountability. Mentorship, she reminded participants, is not a once-off interaction, but a sustained relationship built on trust, time and shared responsibility. She encouraged both mentors and mentees to remain fully engaged and to honour the goals they have set together.
Preparing Women for a Changing Namibia
Addressing the cohort during the orientation, Bronwyn Moody, Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorship at Bank Windhoek, spoke about Namibia’s evolving economic landscape, particularly in light of offshore oil discoveries. She challenged the women to consider not whether the country will change, but whether they will be ready to lead within that change.
Bank Windhoek reaffirmed its belief that education, skills development and initiatives such as Katuka create meaningful pathways for women. The bank’s continued sponsorship reflects its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
In her closing remarks, Desere extended sincere appreciation to Bank Windhoek for its ongoing support, noting that the programme’s impact would not be possible without partners who believe in the power of mentorship.
Voices of Commitment and Growth
Mentee Suama Shivolo shared her intention to apply the knowledge gained to grow her personal business and strengthen her leadership capacity within her corporate role. She expressed a desire to use the platform to empower other women and encourage them to broaden their perspectives.
First-time mentor Reverend Milankie van der Walt described her participation as an opportunity for mutual growth. She committed to guiding her mentees without imposing her own path, instead supporting them in discovering their own direction and leadership voice.
To mentors, Desere expressed gratitude for the time, experience and wisdom they are investing. To mentees, she acknowledged their openness, courage and ambition.
“This is just the beginning — but it is a strong one,” she concluded. “Let us carry forward the energy of these three days and make 2026 a truly transformative chapter for the Katuka Mentorship Programme.”
With clarity of purpose, shared accountability and committed partnerships, the 2026 Katuka journey begins with confidence and momentum.