Ongwediva
Standard Bank celebrated 100 years of doing business in the country at a gala dinner held at Ongwediva over the weekend.
Long-serving clients in the north were also presented with certificates of appreciation.
Outapi businessman Mauno Haindongo was presented with a certificate for being the longest-banking northern client, of 65 years, followed by businessman Frans Indongo who has been with the bank for 60 years.
Also awarded were clients who have been with the bank for 40 years.
The Namibian journalist Oswald Shivute was awarded for banking with Standard Bank for 45 years.
To date, Standard bank has 50 branches and 180 automated teller machines (ATMs) countrywide since it set up shop in 1978.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Oshana Region Clemence Kashuupulwa applauded the bank for its contribution to the development of the northern region.
Kashuupulwa singled out the N$2 million for the construction of the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre gate.
According to Kashuupulwa, the facelift of the entrance has attracted visitors and investors to the trade fair.
The bank also invested N$1.5 towards the renovation of the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and committed itself to provide shelter at the Tukwathela project for expectant mothers in Outapi.
Kashuupulwa implored other corporate institutions to emulate Standard Bank in ploughing back into the community to assist government to address the needs of the less fortunate people in society.
The governor further applauded the bank for growing businesses through its various products and services as well as empowering people financially.
Kashuupulwa appealed to Namibians to support Standard Bank’s buy a brick initiative to address the housing shortage in the country,saying that the government cannot do it alone.
Guests at the gala dinner were also asked to pledge towards the buy a build project.
The governor pledged N$1 000 for the purchase of 200 bricks. Standard Bank’s Chief Executive Vetumbuavi Mungunda pledged N$5 000 for the purchase of 1 000 bricks, while the Northern Regional Manager Ismael Hakaye pledged N$500 for the purchase of 100 bricks.