Old Mutual Namibia businesswoman and USB MBA alumnus scoops prestigious award

Nangula Kauluma, Managing Director of the Old Mutual Short-Term Insurance business in Namibia, was announced as the overall winner of the Namibian Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2017 at a gala banquet on Wednesday 18 October. She also won the corporate and private sector category.

These prestigious awards, organised by the Namibia Economist, celebrate the achievements of remarkable women and recognise the strides made by female leaders in various categories, including small business, community and government.

Kauluma, who grew up in Windhoek, has a degree in political science from Spelman College, Atlanta and an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School. She gained extensive experience in sales, marketing and brand management at Air Namibia, Pfizer and the Namibia Tourism Board before joining Old Mutual 11 years ago as a corporate communications consultant.

Kauluma made the most of the many career development opportunities offered by Old Mutual and has held leadership roles in several business units, both in South Africa and Namibia. She has also played a key role in the strategic development and management of the Old Mutual brand across Africa, and been a strong driver of customer centricity and sustainability in business processes and practices.

She says she is “absolutely honoured” to receive this award. “I’m very grateful for the recognition of the toil, sacrifice, passion, resilience and determination that has gone into growing my career over 25 years,” she says. “From waiting on tables to helping to shape the business world for future female Namibian leaders, it’s been a long but rewarding road.”

Old Mutual Namibia CEO, Kosmas Egumbo, has high praise for the pivotal role Kauluma plays in leading the business.

“As Old Mutual we have been a part of the fabric of Namibian society for many years, and none of the great work that we do would be possible without our people. Leaders like Nangula deserve to be celebrated. Furthermore it is essential that we pay tribute to all the women who lead the growth of our businesses and our economy,” he says.

Desèré Lundon-Muller, partner and marketing manager at Namibia Economist, says, “We are proud to honour those who form the core of economic growth and contribute to the wellbeing of society.”