On Friday, 8 August, Nedbank Namibia handed over 300 donated items and a cash amount worth N$30 000 to the One Economy Foundation, as part of their Box Donation Drive campaign. The handover took place at the One Economy Foundation BeFree Campus in Katutura, and it is aimed at supporting victors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV-F) across the country.
The campaign, spearheaded by Nedbank Namibia’s Human Capital Team as part of its wellness initiatives, reflects Nedbank’s commitment to social responsibility and holistic wellness. Through the campaign, employees from Nedbank Namibia’s offices across the country donated essential items including clothing, toiletries, non-perishable food, and educational materials to aid victors of GBV-F on their journey to healing and empowerment.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Nedbank Namibia Executive for Human Capital, Bianca Muller said:
‘It is both an honour and a solemn privilege to stand before you today on behalf of Nedbank Namibia, as we gather for a cause that speaks to the very heart of our humanity. These items were not purchased from departmental budgets – they were donated by our employees from across the country. This is a true reflection of our ethos: being money experts who do good.’
One Economy Foundation Director for Health and Wellness, Dr Veronica Theron, spoke on the importance of collaboration by stating:
‘Your continued support is deeply gratifying to the One Economy Foundation, and we want to have this partnership to be mutually beneficial. Looking forward to having greater collaborations in the future.’
Over 300 items were collected through the campaign, showcasing the generosity and empathy of Nedbank staff. In addition to the physical donations, Nedbank also contributed a cash amount of N$30,000, further supporting the One Economy Foundation’s mission to uplift and empower communities affected by GBV-F.
This initiative builds on a longstanding relationship between Nedbank Namibia and the One Economy Foundation. Between 2021 and 2023, Nedbank contributed over N$100 000 towards the construction of the One Economy Foundation’s BeFree Campus, a safe and empowering space for youth and victors of violence. The handover event, held at the BeFree Campus, marked a full-circle moment for the bank and its partners.
The Donation Box Drive is more than a charitable gesture, it is a call to action. GBV-F continues to cast a long and painful shadow across Namibia, affecting women, children, and men from all walks of life.
Both Nedbank Namibia and the One Economy Foundation share a deep commitment to fostering holistic wellness and empowerment. Nedbank’s wellness initiatives include mental health awareness campaigns, wellness days, and the Nedbank Wellness On-Site facility situated at the Nedbank Campus in the capital city’s Central Business District, which provides weekly access to medical professionals including a nurse, doctor, and psychologist for employees.
Similarly, the One Economy Foundation integrates wellness into its support structures for beneficiaries facing social challenges, creating a synergy between the two organisations that is rooted in shared values of care, dignity, and empowerment.
Beyond wellness, Nedbank Namibia continues to invest in community development through employee volunteerism, bursary allocations, and on-the-job training via its internship programme. These efforts reflect the bank’s belief that true empowerment begins with well-being and opportunity.
Nedbank Namibia calls on other corporates, organisations, and individuals to join the movement. Together, we can build a Namibia where safety is a right, not a privilege, and where every survivor finds not just support, but solidarity.