Samuel Shinedima
Bank Windhoek, a member of the Capricorn Group, recently made a theatre production titled “40 Years of Bank Windhoek” to showcase the bank’s 40-year journey.
According to the bank, the financial institution started its operations in Windhoek when it took over a few Volkskas branches in 1982 and has grown to become the second-biggest bank in the country and the largest lender in terms of advances and loans.
“When we thought of doing a production, we wanted to contextualise each decade and show how Bank Windhoek grew and how we related to money as technology advanced. The eighties were a time of global political change and technological advancement, and amidst all of that was the optimism of local entrepreneurs to establish a Namibian commercial bank that would serve Namibia and her people, despite the uncertainties at the time,” said Bank Windhoek’s Head of Strategic Communication, Hayley Allen.
She added: “What better way to start the next Bank Windhoek decade than with the celebration of Namibian Independence. It also coincides with the year that Bank Windhoek found traction in the market when they merged with Boland Bank and Trust Bank”.
While the commercial bank positions itself as full supporter of art, the entity indicated that the production goes on to document how the Bank capitalised on the advancement of technology and became the first local bank to develop and implement its banking system. Further, it also captures how Bank Windhoek became the first to bring cell phone banking and internet banking to the market, and how, over the last 10 years, solidified its position as a leader in digital banking channels and green and sustainable financing.
“We positioned the production as a trip down memory lane, and it was good to see how people related to the journey,” said Allen.
According to Allen, Bank Windhoek is known for its support of the Arts, and the production reinforced its commitment to storytelling.
The “40 years of Bank Windhoek” production was brought to life by ten local actors, directed by award-winning director Mikiros Garoes with technical support from local staging, lighting and sound specialist, dBAudio.
“We have been celebrating with staff and customers for the entire year, and we are proud to have concluded such a milestone with our own home-grown production,” said Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, Jacquiline Pack.
