Banker who served till her last breath praised for excellence

Iyaloo Erastus (35), who worked for Bank Windhoek’s Maerua Mall branch in Windhoek and tragically collapsed and died while on duty, has been praised as a shining example of excellence in customer service.

According to a police report, the incident occurred on 5 April around 16h05 at Bank Windhoek, Maerua Mall.

Erastus collapsed and died after expressing feeling unwell to her colleagues. Despite prompt medical attention, she did not respond, and was pronounced dead at approximately 16h11.

According to Bank Windhoek spokesperson Samuel Linyondi, Erastus’s commitment to the bank’s values and her dedication to providing exceptional service made her an invaluable asset to the Maerua Mall branch.

“Iyaloo’s life is a poignant reminder of the importance of living each day with purpose and kindness. Her exemplary character, marked by her genuine care for others and unwavering commitment to excellence, will be remembered and celebrated forever,” Linyondi said.

Erastus began her career at Bank Windhoek in January 2011 as an inquiry clerk and quickly rose to the role of client service coordinator in 2012. Throughout her tenure, she earned praise from clients for her extraordinary commitment to serving their needs.

Despite transitioning to the marketing department for a period in March 2022, Erastus returned to Maerua Mall as a dedicated universal consultant until her untimely death.

“Our sincere condolences to the bereaved family, whom we have been in contact with through this difficult time,” Linyondi said.

In addition to her professional achievements, Erastus is remembered fondly by her family and friends.

Her uncle Kondjashili Shipoke described her as a selfless individual who prioritised the needs of others above her own.

“She was the foundation of family unity, she would organise family gatherings to bring loved ones together during festive seasons,” Shipoke said.

He further said her dedication to her job went beyond mere obligation.

“Iyaloo loved her job and most importantly served people/clients. Her dedication to her job went beyond mere obligation; she approached her job with unwavering passion, tirelessly assisting clients even after hours, or when she was on vacation or on sick leave,” Shipoke said.

She lived by a code of authenticity. She was beautiful in and out, he said, adding that she often referred to herself as ‘Kwanyama Queen’.

“To remember Iyaloo is to recall a legacy of love, kindness and selflessness. Her impact extended far beyond her immediate circle, underscoring the profound value she placed on family and community,” Shipoke said.

Melissa Canniffe says Erasmus was one of her closest friends and also a bridesmaid at her wedding.

“I hope everyone will honour and remember Iyaloo by the Latin phrase ‘Memento mori’ which translates to ‘Remember that you shall die!’ It warns people to be aware of their own mortality and to encourage us to view each passing day as a prize that can also be taken from us,” she said.

Erastus was buried on Saturday at the Oshandi village in the Ohangwena region.