By Hilja Shikongo

Ester Hipondoka has officially stepped into Namibia’s literary scene with the release of her debut novel, ‘Inga Shi Pola’, a compelling and deeply rooted story that speaks of the struggles and silent hopes of many young 
Namibians navigating life in the city.
 

Inspired by her time as a university student, Hipondoka says she began writing the book after noticing how many students around her appeared neglected, hungry and emotionally strained. 
 

“Most students were starving and did not look well cared for,” Hipondoka observed. These experiences, combined with inspiration drawn from other female writers, planted the seed that grew into ‘Inga Shi Pola’.
 

At the heart of the novel is the story of Ndinelago, a young girl who leaves her village in the North to pursue her education in Windhoek, the so-called "city of lights". But instead of finding comfort and support, she is subjected to maltreatment at the hands of her aunt, who had promised to look after her.
 

Despite the emotional and physical hardship, Ndinelago refuses to give up. Her commitment to her studies remains unwavering until a friend eventually stepped in to rescue her from the toxic environment. Though fiction, Ndinelago’s journey reflects a harsh reality faced by many students in urban centres, loneliness, exploitation and survival under family pressure.
The novel also tells the parallel story of Ndinelago’s mother, who ran away from home and left her child behind. Through this layered narrative, Hipondoka opens a dialogue around generational struggles and the resilience of women in the face of adversity.
‘Inga Shi Pola’ is more than just a novel, it is a guide and a warning. Hipondoka says she hopes to encourage readers, especially the youth, not to give in to bad choices such as prostitution, selling illegal substances, or seeking support from "sugar daddies" as a way out of hardship. Instead, she urges them to hold on, work hard and trust in God.
 

The author emphasizes, “Whatever situation a person may find themselves in, they should never give up, because the difficult times will eventually cease. There is light at the end of the tunnel.” Beyond the powerful message, the book has been hailed for its “rich language and creative application of literary devices, like intensive forms, metaphors, idioms and vivid adjectives", making it a valuable resource for schools and universities, particularly for students studying Oshiwambo as a major or second language.
In a time where “Bantu languages, especially the standard usage of Oshiwambo, are depreciating,” Hipondoka’s work brings a refreshing and necessary return to linguistic depth. 
 

The novel challenges readers to reconnect with their cultural heritage, to “dig deep into our roots and assess our understanding of where we come from and remember our cultural norms and values.” For young readers dreaming of academic success, for guardians tasked with hosting students and for lovers of Namibian literature, ‘Inga Shi Pola’ is a must-read story of survival, cultural pride and the unbreakable spirit of a girl who refused to give up.