A Namibia Defence Force commander, who was born and raised in Khorixas has held a motivational talk at the town to encourage the youth to excel in their endeavours. Grootfontein Air Force Base Commander, Machenzy Tjivera, a soldier who worked up the army ranks to become a pilot, said his success came through hard work. Tjivera encouraged the youth to study hard and become future leaders. The commander said his career saw him join the armed forces as a soldier and later, a professional helicopter pilot. Tjivera emphasised the plenty of opportunities awaiting learners under the current education system, which he said were more than those the Bantu Education, under Apartheid offered. He said life was not easy growing up at Khorixas but he appreciated the experience as a learner at THF !Gaeb Primary, Edward //Garoeb Primary, Anker and Braunfels Agriculture High School. Commander Tjivera and a team of seven specialists gave the learners an experience of a lifetime flying in a helicopter, and later engaged them on ways to pursue flying as a career. Environment and Tourism Deputy Minister Bernadette Jagger, who grew up with Tjivera, attended the motivational event held recently at the town.