Success story: A lifetime of learning

Spend five minutes with Kathy Buitendach and you'll soon realise that this woman is passionate about learning!

It is her thirst for knowledge that has driven her to business success, and this is something she's determined to pass on to her learners at BSW Business Solutions, one of the ICB's accredited theory training providers.

And it's working: since Kathy launched their first training course in September 2008, her learners have achieved a 100% pass rate, and an average mark of 81%!

Read on to find out how she does it...

Hooked on learning

Kathy didn't start out as a trainer. In fact, after matriculating in 1967 she qualified as a general nurse at the University of the Orange Free State and went to work as a midwife at what was then the Windhoek State Hospital. She left nursing in 1986 and got hooked on self-study, qualifying as an Associate Member of the ICB in 1991. But she didn't stop there. Kathy has gone on to attain diplomas in business, small business and project management, some via correspondence.

Triumph over tragedy

These courses led to Kathy joining her husband's company, Beitels Steel Works, a leading steel manufacturing enterprise. Sadly, tragedy struck in early 2008 when Kathy's husband passed away suddenly and the business had to cease trading in the steel industry.

Since then, however, Kathy has amazingly facilitated a complete transformation for the company, which now trades under the name BSW Business Solutions and offers training courses to adult learners on topics including bookkeeping, financial accounting, business literacy and office administration.

Kathy is driven to pass on her love of learning to the students who she trains at BSW Business Solutions. Her dedication, perseverance and hard work resulted in unrivalled pass rates for these learners - something she is extremely proud of.

Juggling learning and life - with great results

As an adult learner herself, Kathy knows all about juggling the challenges of education with the demands of caring for a family. She has lectured part-time lecturer for Damelin Namibia (until they ceased to operate) and is also a FASSET-registered assessor, qualified to conduct ETDP-SETA outcomes-based assessments.

In no time BSW Business Solutions became an accredited theory training provider for the ICB. Currently, all face-to-face courses offered at BSW Business Solutions are run twice a week after normal working hours to accommodate adult learners who may be employed full time or have family commitments.

Small classes - usually less than 20 students - mean individual attention is guaranteed. The courses usually last about 12 weeks and some can be completed by distance learning. All examinations are external and certificates are awarded by the ICB.

When you consider Kathy's own track record and qualifications, it's perhaps not surprising that BSW Business Solutions has achieved that remarkable 100% pass rate and average pass mark of 81%, since their first course launched in September 2008. Congratulations, Kathy!

For more information, contact Kathy Buitendach in Windhoek on +264 (0)61-231369 (tel), +264 (0) 81 124 0169 (cell) or email her on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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