Corporates join hands in housing initiative
179: From left to right: Clara Bohitile (FNB Foundation), Madame Monica Geingos, First Lady of Namibia and Patron of the SDFN, Meryl Barry (Pupkewitz Foundation), Edith Mbanga (SDFN National Facilitator), Hon. Sophia Shaningwa (Minister of Urban & Rural Development), Hon. Otto Iipinge (Governor Otjozondjupa), Hon. Kornelia Shilunga (Deputy Minister Mines & Energy) and Hans-Wilhelm Schȕtte (MD Ohorongo Cement)
“The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia is a powerful agent of change and has empowered thousands of Namibian households with land and affordable housing. “We would like to acknowledge them today as true heroes and heroines who proved there comes a time in human suffering, when one is forced to make a choice to submit or to fight, their tenacity and relentless courage is what brought us here today” said Meryl Barry, CEO and Principal Trustee of the Pupkewitz Foundation
Recently the FNB Namibia Foundation, Ohorongo Cement and the Pupkewitz Foundation committed their support of the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN). Clara Bohitile, Chair of the Foundation said, “There are numerous reasons why we, as the FNB Foundation have committed an amount of N$ 1 million in cash to this great initiative. We are all aware of the huge housing backlog in this country. A house should be a necessity for everyone to ensure a warm and caring environment for children and the guarantee that you are protected against the elements at all times.”
Housing affordability has deteriorated significantly in recent years and Namibia is currently facing multiple major housing challenges. The national housing backlog is estimated to be in excess of 100,000 units, and is increasing by 3 700 units on average per annum.
Empathy for fellow Namibians and supporting Government initiatives were the driving factors that motivated Ohorongo Cement, The FNB Namibia Foundation and The Pupkewitz Foundation to join hands in the fight against poverty eradication, by supporting the Shack Dwellers Federation Namibia (SDFN)/Namibia Housing Action Group (NHAG).
The core competencies of the three private partners are not purely Corporate Social Investment (CSI) driven, as it forms merely a smaller part of its investment and business existence.
Instead of trying to run independent in-house initiatives, the three partners decided to work hand in hand with reputable organizations like NSDFN/NHAG, who clearly have a winning recipe when looking at their results & outcomes to date.
“There lies great power in joining forces and when we work together, we can affect bigger change, while at the same time, supporting Government initiatives. Initiatives like these creates solidarity,” said Hans-Wilhelm Schütte, Managing Director of Ohorongo Cement.
