The inspiring journey of Brave Chibaka
In 2016, at just 14 years old, Brave Chibaka enrolled at the University of Namibia’s José Eduardo Dos Santos Campus to pursue an honours degree in Civil Engineering. This wonder kid’s academic exploits culminated in earning his sought-after degree, graduating in May 2021 and becoming UNAM’s youngest ever graduate.
This is a journey back to his varsity days and a look at what he is up to today in Malawi, working as a Highway Design Engineer at one of the top consulting firms in the country.
The corridors of UNAM have witnessed countless students pass through, each with their own unique stories and aspirations. One such story is that of Brave Chibaka, whose journey from being the youngest student at UNAM to a successful civil engineer is nothing short of inspiring.
Being the youngest, studying in Namibia and football
Reflecting on his time at UNAM, Brave recalls a pivotal moment during the 2018 award ceremony. “I didn’t win any awards that year, and many people asked me why. It made me realise the high expectations placed on me,” he shares. This moment became a driving force for him, transforming the pressure into motivation to excel. His determination paid off as he soon became recognised as a top performer at the university.
Being the youngest student at UNAM came with its own set of challenges. Brave was often in the spotlight and found himself at a different stage of personal growth compared to his peers. “My friends treated me as a peer, which was great, but we were at different stages of personal growth,” he explains. Finding a friend who was closer to his stage of life helped him navigate this unique situation and provided the support he needed.
Living and studying in Namibia had a profound impact on Brave’s personal and academic growth. While he reached academic heights he hadn’t anticipated, his personal growth was somewhat inhibited due to limited social interactions outside of school. Football became his primary outlet, but the cultural diversity of Namibia left a lasting impression on him. “The diverse food, low crime rate, and various languages were some of the aspects that influenced me,” Brave notes.
Academically, Brave’s achievements were remarkable. Initially relieved that university marks weren’t displayed publicly, he soon realised the importance of striving for excellence. “I made it a point to attend every class and actively participate, rather than trying to figure everything out on my own later” he shares. This change in habits, along with the support of like-minded friends, created an environment that fostered his success.
Life after graduation
Since graduating, Brave has been making significant strides in his professional life. He secured a position at Pamodzi Consulting Limited, one of the top consulting firms in Malawi, where he applies his civil engineering degree extensively. His work includes conducting environmental and impact assessments, economic feasibility studies, traffic studies, geotechnical investigations, and pavement and geometric design. “Working on numerous projects in the capital city allows me to witness the tangible changes around me, which is incredibly fulfilling,” Brave says.
Looking ahead, Brave is still committed to pursuing a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. While his initial plan was to continue his studies after two years of work, life had other plans. He now aims to start his Master’s in September 2025, either internationally or in Malawi.
To current and future UNAM students, Brave offers sage advice: “Life is about so much more than titles, positions, or grades. What truly matters is finding happiness in what you do. Follow your true calling and not something that was imposed on you.” For those pursuing engineering, he emphasises the importance of a genuine passion for learning and understanding the concepts being taught.
Brave Chibaka’s journey from UNAM to the professional world is proof to the power of perseverance, passion, and staying the course. His story serves as an inspiration to all students, showing that with the right mindset and support, one can overcome challenges and achieve great success.
