Certain Friends in Uncertain Times
A sunny Wednesday, 7 October played host to the official handover of the donation from Old Mutual Namibia and Buffalo Financial Services cc to the University of Namibia. UNAM Vice Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu, praised the initiative by the two institutions, lauding how these uncertain times have restricted collaboration and philanthropy. The leitmotif of his remarks, was that UNAM Cares is not only about philanthropy, but about empowering communities to be self-sustainable. #Engagements that will benefit from the cash received are more impactful than charity.
Speaking on behalf of both donors, Old Mutual Namibia and Buffalo Financial Services, the Marketing Manager for Old Mutual, Ms Ashante Manetti, explained that in the 100 years of doing business in Namibia, Old Mutual has been a responsible corporate citizen, who cares about the community within which they operate. “We choose to believe that we are certain friends in uncertain times”, she remarked.
UNAM Cares is the University of Namibia’s Corporate Social Responsibility wing, and is committed to helping communities by focusing on five main pillars: Humanitarian Aid, Education, Health, Innovation and the Environment.
UNAM Cares Lead and Senior Lecturer in the Social Work Department, Dr Rachel Freeman extended heartfelt gratitude to the two companies for their support. She told the guests about the work UNAM Cares has been involved in over the course of the year, listing work in Health, with specific reference to the fight against Hepatitis-E earlier in the year, and now, COVID-19. She also mentioned work to support homeless people, who were badly affected during the height of recent lockdowns.
Other attendants at the event were Mrs. Anel Wasserfall from Old Mutual; Mr. Jacob Freeman, Buffalo Financial Services, Mrs. Dinah Tjahere, Old Mutual and Ms Akalemwa Mukubonda also from Old Mutual.
