Standard Bank, as one of the oldest banks in Namibia, has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid in the socio-economic development of all the countries’ citizens.
As such, the bank prides itself in contributing 1% of its profit after tax to various Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, investing in areas such as education, health, poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship development and environmental issues.
This week, Standard Bank’s Acting Head Marketing, Sigrid Tjijorokisa and Standard
Bank’s Chairperson of the CSI Board Dr Ndapewa Hamunime, launched the Bank’s CSI
Report highlighting all the strides the bank has taken in that area in the last year.
During the launch, Tjijorokisa reiterated that the Bank aims to create meaningful and lasting mutual benefits for the communities it serves and is passionate about contributing to the improvement of the socio-economic circumstances of the communities in which the Bank operates.
She added that the Bank’s nature was that of care and compassion, underpinning notion that no one must be left behind.
Dr Hamunime said she was pleased to see that the bank had such a great impact on the lives of the less privileged.
“International author Phillip Kotler once said “A good company offers excellent products and services. A great company offers excellent products and services but also strives to make the world a better place.” Reaching out to the socially disadvantaged, empowering the less fortunate and enabling people to help others is what CSI is all about…For us at Standard Bank, CSI has always been the lens through which our business ensures long-term value creation and sustainability. It talks to not only improving the lives of our communities but that of our shareholders and instils the culture of volunteerism amongst our employees,” Dr Hamunime explained.
She stressed that that businesses cannot be successful when the society around them fails, so CSI is not just a particular programme, but it is what businesses do every day to maximize positive impact and minimize negative impact in society.
“What is still on everyone’s lips today is our flagship CSI community fundraising initiative, Buy-A-Brick, which has turned out to be a noble success by providing decent homes to the value of N$1.4 million dollars to the Shack Dwellers Federation members in Rehoboth in 2016 and just recently another N$2-million set to provide inhabitants of Windhoek’s Havana & Okahandja Park informal settlements as well as in the towns of Berseba and Otjinene in the //Karas and Omaheke regions respectively,” Dr Hamunime said.
Standard Bank has made a profound impact on the lives of Namibians who are in need of financial upliftment, decent housing, improved healthcare and economic empowerment over the years. The Bank upholds the highest standards of corporate governance, showing commitment to sustainable development and quest for advancing the country’s national developmental objectives outlined in the Harambee Prosperity Plan and the National Development Plan 5.
Dr Hamunime stressed that the 40 page CSI Report was the Bank’s way of moving Namibian communities forward “because after all Namibia is our home, we drive her growth.”
She used the platform to launch the bank latest CSI initiative, the Circle of Friends Project, in collaboration with the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), under the stewardship of CAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Rolf Hansen.
The newly formed Circle of Hope was formed by the recently opened Family Support Centre. Along with the Patient Financial assistance program, The Circle of Hope is aimed at providing psychosocial support programmes which will aid cancer patients and their families.
“We value the unwavering support and dedication in the fight against cancer that we have received from Standard Bank. The Circle of Hope will aid in providing training for volunteers to support newly diagnosed patients and their families; improve the quality of life of patents and their families; provide support to caregivers, survivors and volunteers; reduce cancer mortality and to promote public awareness on cancer,” Hansen explained.
Hansen further explained that although only a minority of patients are at risk of psychopathology morbidity, subclinical levels of distress have a negative impact on them and their families so psychosocial interventions are necessary.
“I am sure that Standard Bank’s commitment truly ignites hope and will definitely impact the lives of Namibians,” Hansen conceded.
Standard Bank’s Acting Head of Marketing, Sigrid Tjijorokisa and Standard Bank’s Chairperson of the CSI Board Dr Ndapewa Hamunime launching the bank’s CSI Report in Windhoek on the 1st of August 2017.