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From shack to shelter – together we achieve more

Recently, the FirstRand Namibia Foundation, Pupkewitz Foundation and Ohorongo Cement reaffirmed their commitment to support the Shack Dwellers’ Federation of Namibia (SDFN).

Co-operation between the partners commenced in late 2015, when the three corporates joined forces to support the SDFN. The goal was to devise more effective approaches to addressing one of the country’s most urgent housing requirements.

The cooperation has accelerated considerably over the years, with the joint venture so far assisting in the construction of more than 420 houses across the country. Houses have been built in Otavi, Ongwediva, Eenhana, Aranos, Katima Mulilo, Otjinene, Maltahöhe and Tsandi – to name a few towns. Contributions from the Shack Dwellers’ Federation of Namibia have been tremendous, leading to many houses being erected with partners’ funds since 2016. The number of houses constructed during the 2020/2021 financial year was 468 – funded with monies received from all partners and the government.

Rozina Jacobs, FNB Home Loans National Sales Manager, representing the FirstRand Namibia Foundation, said the partners remain committed to this worthy cause, because the government alone is not able to tackle the housing crisis our country is facing.
“The housing challenge in this country will not be rectified in the near future, but every step in the right direction and every house built will eventually lead to an end of the housing crisis and a positive outcome of providing a roof over the head of as many Namibian families as possible”, she said.

Rudolf Coetzee, representing Ohorongo Cement, said that they truly believed that the Shack Dweller’s Federation of Namibia and the Namibia Housing Action Group cemented themselves into solid organizations, relentless in their drive to provide community-driven houses for low-income families.

“We believe that, with combined resources, we can achieve more, and by partnering with FNB Namibia and the Pupkewitz Foundation we are doing exactly that – we make a difference where it is really needed. We herewith confirm our donation of cement to the value of N$ 500 000 for the 2022 financial year.”

Meryl Barry, CEO and principal trustee of the Pupkewitz Foundation, recalled how the corporates had partnered in response to disequilibrium in Namibian housing security and tenure nationwide. “The Pupkewitz Foundation is extremely proud of and compliments the co-ordinated efforts of the Namibia Housing Action Group (NHAG) and the Shack Dweller’s Federation of Namibia (SDFN), whose work has helped accomplish our goal as a social change organization. The common goal is to positively improve living conditions in the informal settlements nationwide.”

Heinrich Amushila, Co-Director of NHAG and SDFN, thanked Ohorongo Cement, FirstRand Namibia Foundation, and the Pupkewitz Foundation for adding value to the people’s development and complementing the government’s efforts.

“Not only were more houses constructed, but communities were empowered to manage finances and own their development. Many thanks to the boards of the three companies for their guidance and for approving the funding. Our appreciation goes to the management of the three companies and their employees who understand the implementation modalities on the ground. Since the partners came on board, we have managed to build more houses every year.”



Meryl Barry (Pupkewitz Foundation), Meme Edith Mbanga (SDFN), Rudolf Coetzee (Ohorongo) and Rozina Jacobs (FNB Namibia) reconfirm their partnership and their support to the Shack Dwellers’ Federation of Namibia


Ohorongo Cement, Pupkewitz Foundation & FNB Namibia with happy members of the Shack Dwellers’ Federation of Namibia during the sponsorship event held during February.


For more information, please call: 061 – 299 2222 or visit www.fnbnambia.com.na