2015-10-13Staff Report 2 Windhoek Nedbank expanded its national footprint this week with the opening of its first branch in Tsumeb on October 9, bringing the total branch network up to 30 branches across the country. This aligns with the bank’s strategy to aggressively grow its business nationally and to make the bank more accessible to clients from all walks of life. Nedbank’s expansion of its brick and mortar footprint over the past two years includes the establishment of eight new branches and expanding service delivery to five new towns, with Tsumeb being the latest addition. Tsumeb was identified as the next Nedbank branch location because of the size and activity of its economy from a retail and wholesale perspective. Residents present at the launch were overjoyed with the introduction of a leading client service bank in Namibia to the town. “Tsumeb has always been an integral role player in the economic growth of our country, having not only spawned significant wealth and enterprise, but also contributing immensely to the leadership base of Namibia,” the managing director of Nedbank Namibia, Lionel Matthews, said at the inauguration of the new branch at Omeg Platz, Hage Geingob Drive in Tsumeb. Matthews added that the bank is upgrading its technology. “At the moment Nedbank has some of the brightest minds on the continent working to prime our banking platform for enhanced efficiencies,” he said. “As with any major technological upgrade, this process has not been without its own challenges, but we are making great progress in customising the operating system to meet the highest possible banking convenience standards. We will be spending every ounce of our energy for the rest of 2015 to further stabilise our operating system, so that we may kick off the new year in high gear.” Nedbank also offered a sponsorship of N$100 000 to Tsumeb Municipality as a contribution to social upliftment projects at the town. The opening of Nedbank’s Tsumeb branch was well attended, with notable guests, including the Mayor of Tsumeb, Cllr Dangi Linekela Shetekela, the CEO of Tsumeb municipality, Alpheus Benjamin, as well as other councillors, local business leaders and members of the public. In his official address Mayor Shetekela said the Tsumeb Town Council has adopted a policy of economic diversification and the recent growth in various economic sectors is an indication that the town is growing exponentially. “We welcome the presence of Nedbank and look forward to assisting you to establish the Nedbank brand here and also beyond our borders,” Mayor Shetekela said. Mox Shilongo is the manager of the newly established branch. 2015-10-13Staff Report 2
