N$1m boost for Shack Dwellers housing model

A coalition of public and private partners has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling Namibia's housing crisis, with FNB Namibia contributing N$1 million towards the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) as part of a renewed collaboration that also includes the Pupkewitz Foundation and Ohorongo Cement.

The reaffirmation, made at an event in Windhoek last week, comes against the backdrop of nearly 42% of Namibia's population, close to one million people, living in informal settlements.

Hans-Wilhelm Schütte, the CEO of Ohorongo Cement, said the true heroes of the initiative are the federation’s members.

"Your discipline to save, your willingness to organise, and your determination to build, often under difficult circumstances, are what make this partnership meaningful. Real, lasting development begins with ownership and collective effort," Schütte said.

Homes

The impact of the partnership is already visible. In Gobabis, the servicing of more than 1 100 plots in the Freedom Square informal settlement has enabled SDFN members to transition into formal housing.

Nationwide, more than 3 000 homes are currently under construction through the SDFN’s community-driven model, which is rooted in savings groups, collective planning and active participation by beneficiaries in building their own homes.

FNB Namibia’s commercial banking CEO Philip Chapman said housing is the foundation on which families build their futures.

"Housing represents more than just shelter – it is dignity, security and the foundation upon which families build their futures. Ensuring that all Namibians have a safe and secure place to call home must remain a shared priority," Chapman said.

“This partnership is about moving families from vulnerability to stability, creating environments where children can grow and thrive, and ultimately securing futures for generations to come," he added.

Meryl Barry, the CEO of the Pupkewitz Foundation, pointed to the sustainability of the model.

"A defining strength of this partnership is its sustainability. Funds are responsibly managed, outcomes are measurable, and repayments reinforce a revolving fund that continuously expands reach,” she said.

Beyond housing delivery, the model stimulates local economies, supports job creation and enables asset formation for low-income households, Barry noted.