Namibian Sun

Serving what may be considered a lifetime in the banking sector, Nedbank’s very own Hendrik Matthee or better known as ‘Bertus’ calls it a day, after nearly 40 years with Nedbank.

Building a career from the ground up, he leaves behind a profession filled with many highlights and compliments, but most importantly a legacy of service excellence and a commitment to a cause greater than himself.

The personal narrative he created in the back of his mind has defined his 40-year walk, it’s propelled him forward and kept his eye on the prize, he says, “Ask not what your company can do for you, but what you can do for your company”.

This can-do attitude coupled with his sincere passion for banking has been key to his long service excellence and consistent success. From humble beginnings as a processing waste clerk in 1979 to Retail and business banking executive today, Bertus is a celebrated expert in the banking sector.

This veteran professional has been around the banking block witnessing the evolution of the banking sector first hand. From the very early and rigid “brick and mortar” approach to the rapidly changing technological advancements that have revolutionised banking forever. Inspired by his mother to join the banking sector, Bertus’s initial fascination to banking was sparked by the industry’s work security, fringe benefits, competitive salary, along with the challenges, strong sales focus and service orientation.

Working for Nedbank Namibia he defines success as delivering more than what is required of you. His expertise is drawn from the numerous positions he has held at Nedbank Namibia, from manager administration, heading of organisation, manager of operations, branch manager in Walvis Bay to senior manager in retail banking to retail and business executive banking before his retirement.

Matthee’s continuous growth and development in the bank over the past four decades has not been a stint of good luck, it has required his consistent delivery, self-advancement and learning. His advice to the Millennial starting out in the banking sector is to take a slice of humble pie, “Don’t aspire to be a boss within a year, and when you are afforded the opportunity to lead, never become bigger than the game,” he laments.

His tenure at Nedbank Namibia has been impactful, with his work philosophy being central to his success. He works and leads by example, and this is a character trait Bertus is known for. His hands on approach and tireless drive for excellence means he has never been weary to get his hands dirty. As a leader, he believes that listening, showing empathy, being committed and never going back on your word are imperative traits of his personal servant leadership definition.

Nedbank Namibia honours the walk and definitive career of Matthee who has etched an impressive track record working in banking. His allegiance to the Nedbank Group Namibia demonstrates not only his passion for his work but his integrity and humble nature as a leader. Working his way to the top he has consistently treated others with respect, “I believe that you need to treat others the way you would like to be treated”, and this is something that has left a lasting imprint in his colleagues and fellow executives. Although a legend retires, he leaves behind his pragmatic approach to his work and a work ethic many colleagues wish to emulate.