By Elzanne McCulloch
Most little girls dream of being princesses, gymnasts, or doctors. Nerine Uys always knew she wanted to be a businesswoman. While other children played dress-up, she was setting up her own imaginary shops, complete with hand-drawn menus and a makeshift checkout counter. She didn’t just dream of running businesses – she built them, even if it was just with seashells and childhood imagination.
That mindset never left her. It’s what shaped her career, her leadership style, and, ultimately, her approach to running FlyNamibia.
Nerine’s career didn’t start in aviation. She finished her degree in Management Accounting and entered the financial sector, but within six months, she knew it wasn’t for her. The rigid structure didn’t fit her personality. She needed to build, not just execute.
Her first real opportunity to shape something came as a merchandise planner in the retail industry. It was a perfect fit – fast-paced, dynamic, and strategic. She thrived in the corporate culture of PEPKOR, a company known for fostering leadership. It was there that she realised the power of workplace culture and the impact it had on employees. When she moved on to her next challenge, she carried that lesson with her.
But even in retail, she found herself frustrated by structured formulas. “They give you the recipe, and they say, ‘Execute the recipe.’ But I wanted to create the recipe.” So she did. She built the Windhoek City Market, an event that quickly gained traction, proving what she already knew – people want spaces to meet, innovate, and grow. People want connection.
That same philosophy of creating, not following is what guides her today.
When Nerine joined FlyNamibia, she knew nothing about aviation. She stepped into the role of Scheduled Operations Manager, surrounded by pilots, engineers, and executives who had lived and breathed the industry for years.
“The deep end is the quickest way to learn,” she says.
She approached the business holistically, diving into operations, understanding logistics, and absorbing as much as she could from the team around her. But knowledge alone wasn’t enough – she had to prove herself in a male- dominated industry.
“I quickly learned that I had to stand my ground,” she reflects. “I had to believe in my foundational knowledge, that I knew how to run a business, listen to the situation, and adapt accordingly.”
Her leadership style became an evolution of her experiences. A combination of confidence, adaptability, and deep, individual understanding of the situation and the people within it. Where traditional corporate leadership might be rigid and top-down, Nerine’s approach is people-first, built on support, collaboration, and the belief that great businesses are not just managed – they are nurtured.
When Nerine took the helm at FlyNamibia, she wasn’t just stepping into a corporate role. She was becoming the de facto face of an airline that represents more than flights – it represents connectivity, opportunity, and national growth. The title was daunting, not because of the responsibility, but because of what it represented. It was the title, not the task at hand, that she met with somewhat trepidation. She had full confidence that she could run an airline in her sleep. By this point, she breathes FlyNamibia. But could she measure up to what the title demanded?
“FlyNamibia under her leadership is more than an airline – it’s a place of opportunity, of belonging, of national pride.”
Her mentors, particularly André Compion and Ambassador Tonata Itenge-Emvula, played a crucial role in shaping her leadership. André’s extensive knowledge of and experience in aviation and people-first approach gave her the confidence to trust her instincts. “He listens,” she says simply. “And that’s what makes the difference.” She spent the last few years in her role as GM: Commercial, learning everything she would need to know to take the yoke from him.
Ambassador Itenge-Emvula, FlyNamibia Board Chair, on the other hand, gave her something even more powerful – unwavering support. When Nerine’s appointment was officially announced, she felt an immediate wave of self-doubt. But then she opened her inbox. An email from Tonata read:
“This isn’t just your achievement, but you represent every woman in Namibia. Each time you feel like giving up, know that there are thousands of women cheering you on!”
That was the moment she knew she wasn’t alone. And that was the moment she fully stepped into her new role.
Under Nerine’s leadership, FlyNamibia is more than just an airline – it’s a place of opportunity.
“The airline is about people,” she says. “The passengers, yes, but also the team inside. If my team is happy, the airline is happy.”
She believes in open-door leadership, where every employee feels supported. Integrity, growth, and passion aren’t just corporate buzzwords to her – they’re the values shaping the future of FlyNamibia. She wants every pilot, ground crew member, and administrator to know that they are part of something bigger. That they belong.
FlyNamibia’s key strategic goal for the year is to elevate others by focusing on partnerships and collaborations with Namibians and Namibian businesses. Through these initiatives, the airline aims to celebrate and strengthen national pride, reinforcing its role as a driver of growth within the country. By working together with local industries, FlyNamibia is not only expanding its own reach but also creating a ripple effect that supports economic and professional development across Namibia.
And in turn, that culture of support ripples outward – to passengers, to tourism, to the business community. We rise by lifting others isn’t just a tagline. It’s a philosophy.
What excites her most about the future? The potential. The opportunity. The ability to make a lasting impact. Not just within the airline, but within Namibia as a whole.
“Things change. We just need to be able to adapt and accept,” she says.
When people look back at her leadership years from now, she hopes they say one thing: “She was a leader. She listened. She made it possible for others.”
Because at the end of the day, that’s who she has always been – not someone who follows the recipe, but someone who creates it.
As Namibia transitions into a new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude to outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba for his dedicated service during this time of change. Serving as Namibia’s president following the passing of the late Dr. Hage Geingob, President Mbumba has been a steady hand guiding the nation through a period of transition.
In a significant step toward improving airport security and awareness, SIGNA Aviation Training ATO, in collaboration with the Office of the Inspector General of the Namibian Police (NAMPOL), hosted an important training event focused on Human Trafficking Awareness and Illegal Wildlife Trade.
In a significant step towards enhancing border efficiency and streamlining immigration processes, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHAISS) has officially launched the online application for visa on arrival.
As the first light of dawn stretched over the Lüderitz Waterfront, we gathered at the jetty, greeted by the crisp morning air and the promise of adventure. The crew of Penguin Catamaran Tours welcomed us aboard with warm smiles, their enthusiasm setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable journey.
