Veterinary Association of Namibia
About
Committee Members
Committee Members
Dr Alexandra Marko - VAN President
President, NVC Representative, AFSCAN
I grew up in Otjiwarongo, where I used to hang out at the veterinary clinic on Friday afternoons and during school holidays from an early age. I completed high school in Windhoek and then graduated from Onderstepoort in 2012. I worked in rural practice for 5 months until I joined Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic in May 2013. I’ve come to love small animal medicine and surgery and hence am still working there to date.
I have just completed the RCVS Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice with focus on small animal emergency, critical care and anesthesiology.
I have a soft spot for cats and therefore feel honoured that my two cats are sharing their home with me…;)
Dr Jolandie van der Westhuizen - Vice-President
Vice-President, Industry, Rabies Representative
Jolandie v/d Westhuizen graduated from Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria in 2012. She headed the Pathology Section at Central Veterinary Laboratory, heading rabies, parasitology and clinical pathology for six years. During that time she was part of the OIE Laboratory Twinning project between the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Isle of Riems,Germany and the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), Windhoek, Namibia. headed the Pathology Section at Central Veterinary Laboratory, heading rabies, parasitology and clinical pathology for six years. During that time she was part of the OIE Laboratory Twinning project between the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Isle of Riems,Germany and the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), Windhoek, Namibia.
The project was to strengthen the Namibian Central Veterinary Laboratory in rabies diagnostics and control and she is co-author of 9 peer review articles that was published in that time. She has also opened a private veterinary practice mainly doing equine work and has a particular interest in modern equine dentistry.
She holds a certificate in Radiology of the horse and Ultrasonography of the horse and she is a 3* FEI Official Veterinarian as well as 3* Endurance Treatment Veterinarian . She is passionate about education, improving standards of clinical care and personal development.
Dr Vincent Sevenster - Treasurer
Treasurer, UNAM Representative
I was born in Pretoria but I have lived most of my life outside of South Africa. At an early age we moved to Gaborone, Botswana where I stayed for most of my life with a short move to Durban before returning to Botswana.
In Botswana I would frequently visit the Veterinarian either with my own animals or just to see what entailed a day in the life of a Veterinarian.
I had a love for medicine since I was young and from that my passion for Veterinary medicine grew.
I have lived in Windhoek since 2011 when I started the Pre-Vet course before moving over to the BVM course in 2014. I was fortunate enough to graduate in 2019 as part of the first Namibian trained Veterinarians. During my studies Small animal medicine and surgery always peaked my interest.
I have worked at Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic since January 2020, where small animal medicine and surgery are the main focus of the clinic.
I am quite interested in Orthopaedics and Diagnostic imaging. However the complex puzzle of Small animal medicine also interests me thoroughly.
I currently live in Windhoek with my wife Jolanda Sevenster and our 2 dogs and 2 cats.
Dr Elsje Boshoff - Secretary
Secretary, Editor of the Manga Newsletter, Website
I was born and raised in Windhoek, and every chance I got, every second I had, I would spend it on the farm, whether it was weekends or school holidays. This is where my interest in veterinary medicine started to grow.
In 2022, I graduated from the University of Namibia, and my great love for production animals took root. Working in the production animal industry allowed me to develop a great interest and passion for the farming industry.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my three dogs (“the children”), reading a book, or finding myself camping somewhere in our breathtaking country.
Dr Shalom Phiri
Welfare Representative
I grew up as the daughter of a veterinarian on a small farm called Tsumis in the southern part of Namibia, surrounded by animals of every shape and size. After school, my world existed outdoors—long walks around the kraals, the thrill of running from ostriches, and even conducting post-mortems on any birds I happened to find. Those early experiences quietly shaped a deep love for animals and a lasting respect for their health and wellbeing.
That passion led me to the University of Namibia’s School of Veterinary Medicine, where I graduated in 2022. I spent my first three years as a Shelter Veterinarian at SPCA Windhoek, an experience that profoundly influenced both my professional and personal growth. Working so closely with vulnerable animals taught me compassion, resilience, and a deeper understanding of animal behaviour.
I have since moved to Lüderitz and opened my own private veterinary clinic. Part of this decision came from my roots—once a small-town girl, always a small-town girl—but more importantly, from seeing firsthand how limited access to veterinary care can be in the far southern regions of our country. My heart lies in bridging these gaps, and my dream is to take animal healthcare beyond city limits, reaching remote and underserved communities, including those affected by natural disasters.
Dr Clemens Lichtenberg
Animal Health Forum Representative
After being born in the drought of 1995 I spent my childhood growing up in Gobabis and on the family farm in the Omaheke. After graduating high school in 2013 I followed in my father’s footsteps and started my veterinary studies at the Onderstepoort Campus of the University of Pretoria.
After graduating from Onderstepoort in 2019 I went on to complete my compulsory community service working as a state veterinarian in the Brits area in North-West, South Africa. During this time, I started to work for EmbrioPlus in my free time and over weekends. I subsequently joined EmbrioPlus as a full-time veterinarian in 2021. Under the mentorship of Dr. M. de la Rey and Dr. R. Treadwell I gained experience in the field of bovine assisted reproductive techniques(Semen collection and freezing, Embryo collection and transfer etc).
In 2023 I returned to Namibia, after and interesting and memorable time in South Africa, to join my father at his mixed animal practice in Gobabis. With me I brought my wife Carla whom I had met at EmbrioPlus where she had worked as an embryologist in their IVF laboratory.
We have since settled in well in Gobabis and welcomed our daughter Maike in April 2025. Working for a mixed practice provides me with a varied caseload, thus there is never a dull moment. Though I enjoy working with both companion and production animals alike I particularly enjoy spending time out on farms working mostly with cattle, implementing basic herd health protocols.
I joined the executive committee of the Veterinary association of Namibia in 2024 and have been privileged to work with a group a very committed and driven individuals and feel honored to serve such an amazing profession.
Dr Hubertus Otto
Animal Health Forum Representative
Born in Grootfontein and raised in Windhoek, I pursued my passion for veterinary medicine at the University of Namibia, graduating from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. As a registered veterinarian with the Namibian Veterinary Council , I hold an additional professional category in wildlife. I embarked on my professional journey immediately after graduating by opening the Okahandja Veterinary Clinic. My areas of interest include production animals, equine medicine and wildlife. I find joy in exploring Namibia`s breathtaking landscapes. Whether embarking on 4X4 camping adventures with family and friends, discovering the country`s natural wonders, or escaping to the coast for fishing and quad biking, I embrace every opportunity to experience the outdoors.
Dr Kristen Rajzman
WVA Representative
I was born in South Africa and lived there for a short period of my childhood. Nevertheless, it was there where my love for all creatures, great and small began.
My family and I moved to Namibia in 2005 and quickly fell in love with this rich in nature country. I went to school at the coast and graduated at the University of Namibia in 2023. I am registered as an unconditional veterinarian with an additional professional category – wildlife by the Namibian Veterinary Council.
I started working at Windhoek Animal Hospital , in June 2025, as a mixed practicing Vet.
I enjoy treating all animals, surgery is my passion and I love working in the field.
Dr Samantha Zealand
WSAVA Representative, SAVA Representative
I’m a small-animal vet from Windhoek with a big passion for welfare work and making good veterinary care accessible. I run Zealand Veterinary Consultants, a mixed-animal practice in Elisenhiem where no two days are ever the same and plans are more of a suggestion than a rule. I also work closely with the SPCA Windhoek, which keeps me grounded in the real welfare challenges our animals face. When I’m not in the clinic, I’m usually with my dogs or hanging out with friends—most of whom are in the medical field—so our “downtime” conversations are delightfully brain-draining. I’m also known for colourful hair, piercings, and tattoos, proudly representing the fact that Namibian vets don’t all look the same (and that professionalism comes in many forms). At heart, I believe every animal deserves kindness.
Dr Mark Jahnke
SAVA Representative
I was born and raised in Lüderitz where I spent most of my childhood surrounded by dogs. Later, having moved to Swakopmund for school I found a deep fascination for the sciences of Biology and Physics. That, together with mild exposure to Wildlife and SPCA volunteer work, my trajectory was set. Graduating UNAM in 2023, I spent some time working at a small animal practice in Walvis Bay before seeking warmer climates in Otjiwarongo where I am still active today.
President, NVC Representative, AFSCANI grew up in Otjiwarongo, where I used to hang out at the veterinary clinic on Friday afternoons and during school holidays from an early age. I completed high school in Windhoek and then graduated from Onderstepoort in 2012. I worked in rural practice for 5 months until I joined Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic in May 2013. I’ve come to love small animal medicine and surgery and hence am still working there to date.
I have just completed the RCVS Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice with focus on small animal emergency, critical care and anesthesiology.
I have a soft spot for cats and therefore feel honoured that my two cats are sharing their home with me…;)
Dr Jolandie van der Westhuizen - Vice-President
Vice-President, Industry, Rabies RepresentativeJolandie v/d Westhuizen graduated from Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria in 2012. She headed the Pathology Section at Central Veterinary Laboratory, heading rabies, parasitology and clinical pathology for six years. During that time she was part of the OIE Laboratory Twinning project between the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Isle of Riems,Germany and the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), Windhoek, Namibia. headed the Pathology Section at Central Veterinary Laboratory, heading rabies, parasitology and clinical pathology for six years. During that time she was part of the OIE Laboratory Twinning project between the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Isle of Riems,Germany and the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), Windhoek, Namibia.
The project was to strengthen the Namibian Central Veterinary Laboratory in rabies diagnostics and control and she is co-author of 9 peer review articles that was published in that time. She has also opened a private veterinary practice mainly doing equine work and has a particular interest in modern equine dentistry.
She holds a certificate in Radiology of the horse and Ultrasonography of the horse and she is a 3* FEI Official Veterinarian as well as 3* Endurance Treatment Veterinarian . She is passionate about education, improving standards of clinical care and personal development.
Dr Vincent Sevenster - Treasurer
Treasurer, UNAM RepresentativeI was born in Pretoria but I have lived most of my life outside of South Africa. At an early age we moved to Gaborone, Botswana where I stayed for most of my life with a short move to Durban before returning to Botswana.
In Botswana I would frequently visit the Veterinarian either with my own animals or just to see what entailed a day in the life of a Veterinarian.
I had a love for medicine since I was young and from that my passion for Veterinary medicine grew.
I have lived in Windhoek since 2011 when I started the Pre-Vet course before moving over to the BVM course in 2014. I was fortunate enough to graduate in 2019 as part of the first Namibian trained Veterinarians. During my studies Small animal medicine and surgery always peaked my interest.
I have worked at Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic since January 2020, where small animal medicine and surgery are the main focus of the clinic.
I am quite interested in Orthopaedics and Diagnostic imaging. However the complex puzzle of Small animal medicine also interests me thoroughly.
I currently live in Windhoek with my wife Jolanda Sevenster and our 2 dogs and 2 cats.
Dr Elsje Boshoff - Secretary
Secretary, Editor of the Manga Newsletter, WebsiteI was born and raised in Windhoek, and every chance I got, every second I had, I would spend it on the farm, whether it was weekends or school holidays. This is where my interest in veterinary medicine started to grow.
In 2022, I graduated from the University of Namibia, and my great love for production animals took root. Working in the production animal industry allowed me to develop a great interest and passion for the farming industry.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my three dogs (“the children”), reading a book, or finding myself camping somewhere in our breathtaking country.
Dr Shalom Phiri
Welfare RepresentativeI grew up as the daughter of a veterinarian on a small farm called Tsumis in the southern part of Namibia, surrounded by animals of every shape and size. After school, my world existed outdoors—long walks around the kraals, the thrill of running from ostriches, and even conducting post-mortems on any birds I happened to find. Those early experiences quietly shaped a deep love for animals and a lasting respect for their health and wellbeing.
That passion led me to the University of Namibia’s School of Veterinary Medicine, where I graduated in 2022. I spent my first three years as a Shelter Veterinarian at SPCA Windhoek, an experience that profoundly influenced both my professional and personal growth. Working so closely with vulnerable animals taught me compassion, resilience, and a deeper understanding of animal behaviour.
I have since moved to Lüderitz and opened my own private veterinary clinic. Part of this decision came from my roots—once a small-town girl, always a small-town girl—but more importantly, from seeing firsthand how limited access to veterinary care can be in the far southern regions of our country. My heart lies in bridging these gaps, and my dream is to take animal healthcare beyond city limits, reaching remote and underserved communities, including those affected by natural disasters.
Dr Clemens Lichtenberg
Animal Health Forum Representative After being born in the drought of 1995 I spent my childhood growing up in Gobabis and on the family farm in the Omaheke. After graduating high school in 2013 I followed in my father’s footsteps and started my veterinary studies at the Onderstepoort Campus of the University of Pretoria.
After graduating from Onderstepoort in 2019 I went on to complete my compulsory community service working as a state veterinarian in the Brits area in North-West, South Africa. During this time, I started to work for EmbrioPlus in my free time and over weekends. I subsequently joined EmbrioPlus as a full-time veterinarian in 2021. Under the mentorship of Dr. M. de la Rey and Dr. R. Treadwell I gained experience in the field of bovine assisted reproductive techniques(Semen collection and freezing, Embryo collection and transfer etc).
In 2023 I returned to Namibia, after and interesting and memorable time in South Africa, to join my father at his mixed animal practice in Gobabis. With me I brought my wife Carla whom I had met at EmbrioPlus where she had worked as an embryologist in their IVF laboratory.
We have since settled in well in Gobabis and welcomed our daughter Maike in April 2025. Working for a mixed practice provides me with a varied caseload, thus there is never a dull moment. Though I enjoy working with both companion and production animals alike I particularly enjoy spending time out on farms working mostly with cattle, implementing basic herd health protocols.
I joined the executive committee of the Veterinary association of Namibia in 2024 and have been privileged to work with a group a very committed and driven individuals and feel honored to serve such an amazing profession.
Dr Hubertus Otto
Animal Health Forum Representative Born in Grootfontein and raised in Windhoek, I pursued my passion for veterinary medicine at the University of Namibia, graduating from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. As a registered veterinarian with the Namibian Veterinary Council , I hold an additional professional category in wildlife. I embarked on my professional journey immediately after graduating by opening the Okahandja Veterinary Clinic. My areas of interest include production animals, equine medicine and wildlife. I find joy in exploring Namibia`s breathtaking landscapes. Whether embarking on 4X4 camping adventures with family and friends, discovering the country`s natural wonders, or escaping to the coast for fishing and quad biking, I embrace every opportunity to experience the outdoors.
Dr Kristen Rajzman
WVA Representative I was born in South Africa and lived there for a short period of my childhood. Nevertheless, it was there where my love for all creatures, great and small began.
My family and I moved to Namibia in 2005 and quickly fell in love with this rich in nature country. I went to school at the coast and graduated at the University of Namibia in 2023. I am registered as an unconditional veterinarian with an additional professional category – wildlife by the Namibian Veterinary Council.
I started working at Windhoek Animal Hospital , in June 2025, as a mixed practicing Vet.
I enjoy treating all animals, surgery is my passion and I love working in the field.
Dr Samantha Zealand
WSAVA Representative, SAVA Representative I’m a small-animal vet from Windhoek with a big passion for welfare work and making good veterinary care accessible. I run Zealand Veterinary Consultants, a mixed-animal practice in Elisenhiem where no two days are ever the same and plans are more of a suggestion than a rule. I also work closely with the SPCA Windhoek, which keeps me grounded in the real welfare challenges our animals face. When I’m not in the clinic, I’m usually with my dogs or hanging out with friends—most of whom are in the medical field—so our “downtime” conversations are delightfully brain-draining. I’m also known for colourful hair, piercings, and tattoos, proudly representing the fact that Namibian vets don’t all look the same (and that professionalism comes in many forms). At heart, I believe every animal deserves kindness.
Dr Mark Jahnke
SAVA Representative I was born and raised in Lüderitz where I spent most of my childhood surrounded by dogs. Later, having moved to Swakopmund for school I found a deep fascination for the sciences of Biology and Physics. That, together with mild exposure to Wildlife and SPCA volunteer work, my trajectory was set. Graduating UNAM in 2023, I spent some time working at a small animal practice in Walvis Bay before seeking warmer climates in Otjiwarongo where I am still active today.
