MTC, Nedbank hand over houses to Mboma and Masilingi

MTC and Nedbank Namibia officially handed over two houses built at Rundu’s Kehemu residential area to Olympians Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi here on Monday.

In 2021, MTC announced a sponsorship of N.dollars 2 million for the athletes over three years.

MTC availed the sponsorship after Mboma scooped international accolades at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Part of the sponsorship breakdown was that MTC would build each athlete a house valued at N.dollars 300 000.

Speaking at the official handing over of the houses, MTC’s Chief of Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer Tim Ekandjo said housing is a big problem in Namibia, with over half a million people still living in shacks.

“This is why I am overjoyed to see us handing over these two houses to our girls. However, those that are homeless should not lose hope as banks such as Nedbank will prioritise low cost housing to make sure every Namibian has a roof over their head,” he said.

Explaining the collaboration with Nedbank, Ekandjo said after they made their commitment to build the houses, Nedbank approached them as they too had funds set aside for the same purpose.

Nedbank made a contribution of N.dollars 250 000 while four other individuals made a contribution totalling N.dollars 174 000, he said.

The two athletes’ three-bedroom houses were then constructed at a cost of N.dollars 537 000 each by a local company called Popa Construction.

Ekandjo urged Mboma and Masilingi to accommodate their families and while doing so to also take care of them.

“Go out and inspire other young people to become just like you,” he said.

Mboma thanked MTC, Nedbank, the Rundu Town Council and all other partners who contributed to the construction of the house.

In her absence, Masilingi’s family thanked everyone who made it possible for her to have a house. They said Masilingi and her grandmother stayed in a shack and were now proud homeowners.

Governor of the Kavango East Region, Bonifatius Wakudumo said seeing the beautiful houses constructed by MTC and Nedbank for the two athletes filled him with immense pride and joy.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency