Sisedi Investment Group, the first black and female-owned asset management company in Namibia, marked a significant milestone on Saturday, 15 June 2024 with the Mentor and Mentee Matching – Speed Mentoring event in Windhoek. This initiative follows the successful launch of the Sisedi Mentorship Programme in October 2024, aimed at empowering female Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) registered students.
The Sisedi Mentorship Programme, a key component of the company’s CSR pillars—Women Empowerment, Job Creation, and Mentorship is designed to equip Namibia’s female youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the financial sector. The programme offers comprehensive guidance that goes beyond traditional education, combining theoretical support with practical skill-sharing.
“At Sisedi Investment Group, we believe in creating opportunities that empower our young women and reshape the financial landscape of Namibia,” said Hertha !Gontes, CEO of Sisedi Investment Group. “Our mentorship programme is more than just academic support; it is about practical, real-world guidance that prepares our mentees to make significant contributions to the investment sector.”
The event saw the participation of 15 mentees, selected from over 50 applications, paired with 15 qualified Namibian finance professionals from various sectors. The purpose of the matchmaking was to best align the mentees and mentors through a series of speed mentoring and discussions ensuring a well-suited and productive mentorship relationship. As of 2024, Namibia has only 34 CFA holders. The mentorship programme aims to increase this number, offering valuable opportunities for Namibia’s youth to secure their place in the financial industry.
“CFA has a comprehensive curriculum and practical implementation of the investment management concept. There are no other qualifications that come close second in depth and coverage, and hence its continued appeal to upcoming and investment professionals,” said Estelle Tjipuka, author and executive coach, who facilitated the event.
Nerina Visser (CFA) who is a current mentor for CFA Society South Africa and former Chairperson says one of her most rewarding roles she has played is being a mentor. “I have been a mentor to young CFA charterholders and aspiring charterholder candidates for more than 10 years. Mentorship is not about trying to solve problems for your mentees. It is really about being their guide on a journey of self-discovery.”
Ndafika Munyama, a mentee of the programme said: “This programme is a game-changer for me. The opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals in the field is invaluable. I am looking forward to growing both professionally and personally through this mentorship.”