By Elzanne McCulloch
When Mc Ellen Afrikaner speaks about aviation, his words are not merely spoken; they soar. Passionate, articulate, and deeply committed to service, FlyNamibia’s Cabin Services Manager is a man who believes in the power of human connection… 30,000 feet in the air.
My mom sent me a Whatsapp a few months ago that sparked the dire urge for me to sit down with Mc Ellen and unpack his love for customer service. “Mc Ellen Afrikaner is the best, friendliest cabin crew I have ever experienced,” it read. It wasn’t the first time I had heard the words, and having myself had the same thought after many flights hosted by him, it was time to find the why, the purpose, that drives this kind and passionate man.
“My passion for service comes from my upbringing,” he shares. “I had a beautiful upbringing. I was raised in an environment where respect and humility were fundamental. My elders, church members, and my community instilled in me the importance of valuing and respecting others. That shaped who I am today.”
Afrikaner’s journey is a testament to the idea that excellence is cultivated over time, shaped by experiences, mentors, and an unwavering dedication to making a difference.
Afrikaner recalls his first-ever flight, one he took as a passenger, heading to Johannesburg for training. “I didn’t eat the whole day before because I thought I’d throw up when the plane took off,” he laughs. But it wasn’t just the flight that intrigued him; it was the crew. “The way they served us, their pride, their smiles, it stuck with me. I knew then that I wanted to be that person for someone else.”
His first flight as a crew member was even more transformative. “I had to put everything I learned into practice. And when my first passenger disembarked and said, ‘Thank you, you were amazing,’ it sparked something in me. It made me want to do more and more.” Not only did he want to successfully apply his newfound knowledge, he also wanted to recreate the feeling he experienced at the hands of his first flight’s cabin crew for everyone who crossed his path as passenger.
For Afrikaner, customer service is not about routine gestures but about crafting an experience that passengers remember long after they land. “Imagine being the missing piece in someone’s journey, the reason they step off a flight feeling lighter. That is what drives me.” He recalls a passenger, a mother who seldom got to see her son, who told him her flight with FlyNamibia was the first time she had felt truly at ease in the air. “That is why we go the extra mile, no, not just a mile, a thousand miles,” he says with conviction.
But excellence does not come by accident; it is a discipline, a standard. “The uniform we wear is not just fabric; it represents a legacy of service. And the standard that was set by those before us. We don’t just uphold it; we go above and beyond it.”
Afrikaner credits much of his growth to the guidance and mentorship of two influential figures in his aviation career: Captain Simon Neveling and cabin instructor Didi Olivier. “Captain Simon has a character that taught me to embrace my own strengths, to carry myself with confidence, and to never underestimate the power of a warm and professional presence,” he shares. “Didi Olivier, on the other hand, had a military-style approach to training that left a lasting impression on me. Her intensity and discipline during my initial training pushed me beyond my limits, and I remember reciting aircraft registrations in my sleep. But through her, I learned that excellence is not negotiable – it is earned. She created an aviator in me.” Afrikaner reflects on how these mentors shaped his leadership style, instilling in him a balance of discipline and genuine care for those he trains. “Their lessons are embedded in everything I do today.”
As a certified cabin crew instructor, Afrikaner is determined to shape future aviation professionals. “I was taught to be an example, and that is what I pass down to my trainees. I tell them, ‘I don’t want you to be as good as me, I want you to be better than me.’”
He sees service excellence as a ripple effect that extends beyond aviation. “If we raise the standard in our industry, that standard will filter into supermarkets, restaurants, everywhere. Namibia can become a country known for outstanding service, and I want to be part of that.”
FlyNamibia’s tagline, We rise by lifting others, resonates deeply with Afrikaner. “When I was promoted, I asked, ‘Am I even qualified for this?’ And my manager said, ‘That’s the wrong question. You’re more than qualified.’ FlyNamibia saw something in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. Now, it’s my job to do the same for others.” During our conversation he jokingly asks me not to tell his superiors that he is actually happiest in the sky, being a flight attendant, and not at a desk in head office. However, knowledge and passion, such as his, deserve to be multiplied and spread as far and wide as possible, which is what makes him the perfect person for his job.
He acknowledges that safety is often overlooked by people when they think of cabin crew. “People think we’re here to serve coffee and tea, but our primary role is safety. We train, we sweat, we prepare, for those moments we hope never come. We’re there for your safety first and foremost, the drinks cart is an added bonus.”
For all his technical expertise, Afrikaner believes that life’s greatest lessons are taught in the cabin. “Never judge. Every passenger is a book, and you have to take the time to read their story. One conversation can change your perspective, open doors, and teach you something invaluable.”
And if there is one mantra he lives by, it is simple: Smile. “A smile opens doors. It creates opportunities. It makes people feel seen. And when people feel seen, they trust you, they remember you. That’s the magic of this job.”
As FlyNamibia continues to grow, so too does Afrikaner’s vision. “This airline gave me an opportunity, and I am grateful beyond words. The future is bright, not just for me, but for everyone who steps on board.”
Mc Ellen Afrikaner is more than a flight attendant or cabin crew trainer. He is a storyteller, a mentor, and above all, a believer in the power of human connection, proving that true excellence in the skies is not just about flying, it is about uplifting.
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.
