Last Friday was a day to remember for Total Namibia, marking two milestone events in one day that will significantly change the course of the future operations of this large petroleum company.

An emotional farewell function for the outgoing MD, Seggy Kistasamy, that night witnessed guests, staff and VIP's shedding a tear from the corner of their eye, as the charismatic Kistasamy shared some of the highlights of his three year journey as head of Total in Namibia.

He poured out his love for this country and the people who he met along the way, as he shared emotions and a spiritual sentiment that left everyone truly touched.

Streering clear from corporate speeches, he put together a video presentation from the heart, which documented his successful career achievements which has taken Total Namibia to the next level, and under his reign a force to be reckoned with in Southern Africa. .

With Paris, France being his next destination, Kistasamy was clearly leaving with mixed emotions as he handed over the reins to the incoming MD, Chris Hoffmann, who headed Lesotho, and said that he has very ambitions objectives for Namibia.

"The only constant in this life is change - and if we don't open a new chapter we will remain static," Kistasamy said. "But never give up on being Namibian no matter how they want to change you."

One of the VIP's of the evening, Dr Jerry Gule (GM of HR & Transformation in Total SA), sung Kistasamy's praises as being a man with exceptional vision and leadership, saying that there is no question that Kistasamy has put Total Namibia on the map.

"Total Namibia is in the main house and is the key to growth in Africa, and Kistasamy can be proud of what he has done to raise the bar in this country."

This was also evident early that day, when the newly renovated Pioneers Park Service Station was officially opened by Total, flaunting the environmentally friendly global T-Air concept, which is the first of its kind in Windhoek.

This followed in the wake of the inauguration of the N$10-million Ondangwa "Kings" Total Service Station in December, which was one of the visionary strategies of Kistasamy that has turned Total Namibia around , which includes plans for 28 Total filling stations throughout the country to be re-branded with the new global image.