In a bold demonstration of commitment to community development and sustainable impact, Nedbank Namibia launched the 2025 Nedbank Team Challenge. This is an annual employee volunteerism initiative that empowers bank employees to actively support non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Namibia.
The initiative, which kicked off in September, saw four selected employee teams take on projects in social welfare, environmental and waste management, education, and agriculture sectors. Each team was provided seed funding from the bank to initiate their projects, with additional support available to ensure long-term success and meaningful outcomes.
By integrating volunteerism into corporate culture, organisations not only contribute to community development but also cultivate leadership, empathy, and innovation among their workforce.
Nedbank Namibia Head of Marketing and Communications, Gernot de Klerk, said: ‘As money experts who do good, we believe in going beyond financial services to uplift the communities we serve. The Nedbank Team Challenge is a powerful way to harness the passion and creativity of our employees, while reinforcing our role as an industry leader in sustainable development.’
The initiative is rooted in Nedbank Namibia’s ethos and reflects the bank’s strategic focus on corporate social investment. By encouraging employees to collaborate on real-world challenges, the Nedbank Team Challenge strengthens team morale, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and builds a culture of empathy and innovation. Each project was planned carefully to ensure the impact goes beyond short-term relief to create lasting change.
The teams selected for this year’s Nedbank Team Challenge, include the Groundbreakers, which is based in Windhoek and is collaborating with a local NGO to construct an urban vegetable garden to curb malnutrition in the community. The second team, Ngandu, based in Rundu, are collaborating with a recycling centre to turn waste into profitable products.
The third and fourth teams, the Unstoppables, and the Tura Saviours, are based in Windhoek and are collaborating with a local education centre and orphanage, respectively.
“Staff volunteerism plays a crucial role in enhancing organisational effectiveness and social impact. Research shows that when employees are encouraged to participate in volunteer initiatives, it leads to increased job satisfaction and stronger team cohesion. Volunteerism fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, which can translate into higher productivity and retention rates.
Moreover, it strengthens an organisation’s reputation and aligns corporate values with broader societal goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” Nedbank stated.