Movers & Shakers

Driven by the strong desire to equip herself with a skill set slightly outside the bounds of ordinary legal advisory and practice, Alexanderie Basson applied for her current position at AB InBev Namibia. Basson is a lawyer by profession, with an LLB from the Stellenbosch University. Having had an interest in tax, she completed an advanced diploma in international tax with the Institute for Finance and the Thomas Jefferson Law School, and in 2020, she was employed as a legal and corporate affairs manager at AB InBev Namibia.

Besides the opportunity to work with various Namibians who want to make a difference in the country, Basson said her job is special because it empowers her to continue nurturing legal skills she previously acquired and equally drive the company’s regulatory communities, smart drinking and stakeholder agenda.



Her journey

Basson’s career began with compliance at Letshego Namibia followed by KPMG where she worked as a tax consultant trainee. Thereafter, she went into law practice by joining Engling Stritter and Partners, specifically focusing on corporate and commercial law. Prior to joining AB InBev Namibia, she was a legal advisor for Letshego Namibia.

Basson said she believes that her job is sustainable as it is very dynamic and ever-changing.

“Being a lawyer involves continuous analysis of ever-changing legislation and circumstances to guide the business in making decisions. This requires you to continue delivering value for your stakeholders, which change over time, but will continue to remain essential for any business,” she said.

Her current role is a huge learning opportunity, which she believes grows her roots within an industry she loves, Basson said.

Recalling some of her accomplishments, she lists having been admitted as a legal practitioner and recently being voted in to serve as an office-bearer (chair) for the Self-Regulating Alcohol Industry Forum after only being in this industry for a little more than two years as “amazing to witness”.

Basson has varying days at work depending on the day of the week. “Usually, I get in and work through emails. I spend most of the mornings in meetings or on the phone to ensure that I manage and execute projects in line with my annual strategy.”

During the afternoons, she spends time drafting and planning for the next day. “In between all my daily roles and responsibilities, there is a lot of running around, so I dress very casually to work,” she said.

Basson encouraged emerging professionals in the law field who intend to enter the corporate world to remember that law is versatile.

“I believe we are quick to limit ourselves to the traditional practices of law without realising that we have a vast skill set and are able to deliver across multiple functions within an organisation,” she said.