14 Aug 2025
Ndapewa Ntinda-Mwapopi, the only female Vessel Manager at Debmarine
Namibia, shares her inspiring journey of leadership, technical expertise, and
resilience in the maritime industry.
Raised in Oniimwandi village in the Oshikoto Region, Ndapewa’s early
life was shaped by strong Christian values and her mother’s unwavering
commitment to education. With her father working in Oranjemund, her mother
raised six children, instilling discipline and ambition. Ndapewa’s curiosity
led her to write matric exams at 16, setting the tone for a determined academic
path through Onamulunga Combined School and Oshigambo High School.
Naturally drawn to leadership, she thrived in group settings, asking
questions, solving problems, and bringing people together, traits that now
define her professional style. Her Chemical Engineering degree from the
University of the Witwatersrand laid the foundation for her technical career,
equipping her with skills in process design, safety, and operational
efficiency.
After graduation, she gained experience in sustainability and
performance management, eventually joining Debmarine Namibia, where she has
served for 13 years. Starting as a Mineral Processing Engineer, she supported
various vessels and transitioned into leadership in 2024 as Acting Vessel
Manager on MV Mafuta, later taking permanent charge of MV SS Nujoma.
As Vessel Manager, Ndapewa oversees the SSN sampling vessel, ensuring
safe, efficient operations and budget adherence. She coordinates engineering
availability, vessel utilisation, and sampling rates, while also prioritising
crew welfare and compliance with safety and environmental policies. Staying
abreast of technological advancements is key to her role.
Balancing offshore work with family life is challenging, but she manages
through planning, communication, and support at home. Reliable Wi-Fi at sea
helps her stay connected, and she’s intentional about being present, whether at
work or with her children. Her career serves as a powerful example to her kids
of what’s possible with dedication.
In her first six months as Vessel Manager, Ndapewa faced challenges in
stakeholder engagement and team management. She adapted by seeking feedback,
learning from peers, and refining her leadership approach to foster trust and
accountability. These experiences strengthened her collaborative relationships
and leadership confidence.
One standout moment was achieving six consecutive days of 24-hour
operations with excellent sampling rates and zero safety incidents, a testament
to team alignment and commitment.
Looking ahead, Ndapewa aspires to uphold safety, efficiency, and budget
discipline aboard MV SS Nujoma. She aims to foster a culture of excellence and
empathy, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered. Her leadership
is rooted in integrity and consistency, driving both performance and long-term
sustainability.
Her greatest inspiration remains her mother, whose resilience and
dedication ensured all six children earned university degrees. That legacy
fuels Ndapewa’s approach to life and leadership.
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