…. How a borrowed book ignited a passion for political science and leadership.
By Feni Hiveluah
Inspired by a book she read in grade 9, Johanna Frans dreamed of using political science to change her nation, but the road to her degree was paved with trauma and a two-year recovery period.
After surviving a first year spent living in an Otjomuise bar, she found the light of a support system that helped her reclaim her academic focus. Now an honors graduate, Frans is a beacon of hope for anyone feeling lost in the struggle.
Q: You were a top achiever in high school. What was your original dream back then, and what motivated you to pursue a degree in Political Science?
“It all started in Grade 9. My dream was to study political science after I borrowed a book from my Life Science teacher titled Truth is Truth by Job Amupanda, who now holds a PhD in Political Science. Reading that book opened my mind and inspired me to believe that education and leadership could be used to change communities and nations. Moving to Windhoek for tertiary studies and only having a bar as accommodation, a place I eventually called “home” was one of the biggest shifts in my life. In fact, I believe it was the second major shift I had to adjust to, the first being the passing of my father.”
Q: Moving to Windhoek only to find yourself living in a bar in 8ste Laan must have been a massive culture shock. Can you describe the mental shift you had to make just to survive those first few weeks?
“Living in a bar brought emotional pain and mental breakdowns. I felt neglected by my own blood family, and I started questioning my value to them. However, despite that pain, I never allowed it to change how valuable I saw myself, my dreams, my future community, and my country at large.”
Q: You mentioned being approached by men offering better accommodation in exchange for your body. In moments of extreme hardship, what was the specific principle that kept you from giving in?
“Men clearly saw that I was vulnerable. They knew that the only place I could secure for accommodation was a bar they visited daily. Because of that, some approached me with proposals, promising me better accommodation in exchange for my body. But there was a principle my mother and maternal grandmother had always taught me: never chase mirages in life, because you will never truly catch them. Life will always place shiny temporary things before us during difficult times, but we should never lose ourselves for temporary rewards while destroying a promising future in the process.”
Q: Your body eventually reacted to the trauma, leading to your collapse during exams. Looking back at that version of yourself in the hospital, what do you wish you could tell her now?
“Looking back at how far I have come, I wish I could tell her to stay strong and be courageous, because she would surely overcome and there was a great reward waiting ahead of her.”
Q: You took a two-year gap after failing your first year. While some might see that as a setback, you used it to rebuild. What did that healing process look like for you?
“My two-year gap became more than just time away from school, it became a healing period. For the first time in my life, I paused and deeply reflected on myself, my studies, my future, my family, and the kind of citizen I wanted to become for my community and my country. During that time, I also babysat my little sister’s daughter while she attended school. Through that experience, I learned that sometimes love requires sacrifice, and that giving your time to support loved ones is also part of growth and responsibility.”
Q: Returning to the city where you experienced such trauma requires immense courage. How was your mindset different
when you came back ready to fight for your future?
“When I returned to Windhoek in 2023, returning to my “Windhoek home,” which was still the bar, did not upset me anymore. By then, I was mentally prepared and ready to fight for my education, pass my studies, take my degree home, and share my story with students facing hardships of their own. I wanted them to know that if I overcame, they could overcome too, as long as they did not give up”
Q: You mentioned that meeting Job Amupanda changed everything. How did having that support system finally allow you to focus on your academics?
“Job Amupanda came into my life like light entering darkness. At a time when I did not know how I would escape from living in a bar into an environment suitable for studying, he assisted me in getting accommodation in a hostel at the University of Namibia. That support changed everything for me.”
Q:Graduating with an Upper Second Class (70–79%) is a major feat after your initial struggles. What was your secret to staying focused during your time at Unam?
“It was the result of nothing but hard work and dedication. At first, I struggled to adjust again to studying the way I used to in high school and to regain the focus I once had. But after about three to five months away from the bar environment, I slowly found my rhythm again and returned to the focused student I had always been. What I have experienced is proof that student life comes with many challenges. But my graduation is also proof that people can overcome the difficulties of life if they remain brave, true, and loyal to their purpose.”
Q: You are now taking your degree back home. What is the first thing you want to say to a young girl in your community who might be facing similar hardships?
“To every young child, girls and boys from my community, Namibia, Africa, and the world at large, I want to say this: you can achieve anything good if you are determined to fight for what is rightfully yours. Challenges are not the end of your journey; they are part of shaping your success. My educational journey is living proof of that. Today, I recognize myself as a shining star for my village, Olukuma. I even gave myself the nickname “OLUKUMA-STARSHINE” because I want to illuminate light for others, inspire them, guide them, and allow others to borrow hope from my story.In life, if you truly want to achieve your dreams, you must remain authentic to yourself.”
Q: You’ve offered to let others borrow your hope. Beyond the degree, what does being authentic mean to you today as a graduate?
“Authenticity will naturally reflect outwardly without you even having to announce it. Do not compromise your principles just to feel accepted or gain temporary comfort, because the consequences of compromise can last a lifetime. If being true to yourself means being different from others, then be different as long as you know that what you are doing is right. In the end, your efforts and your integrity will speak for themselves, and God will come through for you as long as you continue trying your best to live a good life for His glory.”
