Health and food safety officer: Michael Mabuku

Michael Mabuku, who goes by the nickname 'Dimes', has forged a varied professional path that combines his passion for food safety and health with his proficiency in emergency response. He is currently employed at Wecke & Voigts Group, which includes well-known retail locations including Westlane Spar and Maerua Superspar, as a health and food safety officer.

He is responsible for enforcing stringent adherence of food to regulatory standards. In order to maintain the highest standards across all stores, his duties entail performing thorough cleanliness inspections, food safety audits and occupational safety audits.

Mabuku started his career in the emergency services field, working for the City of Windhoek Fire Brigade for more than four years as a fireman and basic life support practitioner. He trained as a paramedic at the University of Namibia before that. He developed a strong dedication to public safety as a result of this experience, which also equipped him for the demanding responsibilities of his current position. In addition to his career pursuits, he is a passionate basketball player and coach for the Khomas Basketball Association.

His passion for the sport dates back to his teenage years, when he excelled at a competitive level before transitioning to coaching. For Mabuku, coaching offers a strategic thrill.

He attributes his success to a mix of talent, hard work, discipline and determination, values he shares with colleagues and players. Proactive in adapting to industry changes, he exemplifies dedication to bridging emergency response, health compliance and science with unwavering commitment.

When asked about what skills are needed in the health and food safety profession, he said: "Talent first, but the rest is hard work, discipline and determination because they will get you places where talent fails to reach".