MEET ME, ODETTE SMIT, UPF NAMIBIA
Hi Odette! Tell me more about you! Hi, my name is Odette Smit, and I’m 38 years old. I was born and raised in Walvis Bay and graduated from Walvis Bay High School in 2005. I spent two years in the United States, living in Boston, Massachusetts, where I worked as an au pair and had the opportunity to further my art studies at Wellesley College.
After returning to Namibia in 2014, I began my career in logistics as a runner and clearing agent. In 2015, I joined Interlogix Namibia as a clearing agent and was promoted to manager in 2018. I now have over a decade of experience in Clearing and Forwarding, Warehousing, and Project Management, with six years in a management role. I’m proud to have earned my FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding in 2024.
In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends and continue to nurture my passion for art.
What is your background for choosing the industry? Being from Walvis Bay—a major logistics hub—it felt like a natural step to enter the logistics industry. The dynamic environment, the opportunity to meet people from around the world, and the challenge of coordinating large consignments all drew me in. There’s something incredibly rewarding about ensuring everything runs smoothly and seeing a successful delivery through from start to finish. I take great pride in providing my clients with the highest level of service and professionalism. Knowing that I’ve helped deliver their goods without any issues is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the job.
What is your role at the office? I was recently appointed as the Operations Manager at UPF Namibia. In this role, I work closely with our Branch Manager, Jacques Oosthuizen, to support both sales and operational functions. My day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing the full logistics process—from the initial quotation stage through to the final delivery of goods. I ensure that each step runs smoothly and efficiently, coordinating between departments, managing timelines, and maintaining high service standards to meet our clients’ expectations.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ? In five years, I see myself continuing to grow within the industry—ideally still with UPF Namibia. With God’s grace, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the company’s ongoing success. We have ambitious plans for UPF Namibia, and I am committed to helping the organization grow and uphold the exceptional standards established by Thomas Vestergaard and the team.