‘Iindji made us who we are’

…business community mourns former chairperson

The late executive and former chairperson of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Tomas Iindji, is described as a good banker who helped develop many businesses in the north.

Iindji (44) died at a Windhoek hospital yesterday.

Numerous friends and associates have expressed their condolences and shared Iindji’s positive influence on their lives and careers.

Businessman David Sheehama, one of Iindji’s friends, yesterday described the late banker as a people’s person, helping individuals become successful business people.

“He is a very good person. He was a good banker, he moulded and helped us in business. Without him we could not be where we are today,” he said, reflecting on their 20-year friendship.

Sheehama said he has learnt a lot from Iindji in terms of running a business, money management, and why one should embrace social responsibilities, such as donations, and respecting elders, communities and other business people.

“We go to church together, and sometimes he is the one who conducts church services. We go to business meetings together where he does business presentations. We have learnt a lot from him,” he said.

“His death has shattered me. I have no words,” Sheehama said.

Paavo Amwele of Huhu City yesterday said Iindji’s death has robbed his business of a hero, and someone who was helping the business community thrive and revive the economy.

“He helped us from the bottom, until we became successful business owners. Every business you see growing in the north, it was because of that man,” he said.

Amwele said he has known Iindji for more than 18 years.

“He gives us very good business ideas. When you visit the branch, he will come to you and assist you himself.

“He would even come to you and tell you of the new business packages the bank is offering business people, and he would explain everything to you and you go into a good agreement you would not regret,.” he said.

“I am here because of him,” Amwele said.

Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba) vice president Peter Amadhila said Naloba was shocked by the news of Iindji’s death.

“I have known him for more than 10 years, and he was a very very close friend of my father’s. As a business community, we have learnt a lot about business principles, tactics and applications, including about being persistent,” he said.

Amadhila said Iindji was a man of all people, always happy and smiling.

“He has helped a lot of businesses to be established, and played a crucial financial supporting role, especially in the small and medium enterprise sector.

“He was selfless and had a vision for our country’s economy to be on another level. His business leadership style is very rare in Namibia,” he said.

“His banking services delivery included even Sundays as normal business days,” Amadhila said.

He said Iindji will be missed.

“We, as an association of businessmen and women in Namibia, extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and offer our support during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace ,” he said.

Standard Bank yesterday said Iindji was a great man and his death is a great loss.

“We ask that you keep his family in your prayers during this difficult time,” Standard Bank wrote on its Instagram page.

Iindji’s former employer, First National Bank, on Facebook posted that Iindji was their colleague and friend for over 20 years.

“His dedication, enthusiasm, sense of humour and positive spirit enriched all our lives, both professionally and personally.

“Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and community during this time of sorrow. May his soul rest in peace,” FNB posted.

Iindji, who worked in the banking industry for 20 years, was the head of banking at First National Bank Namibia, and became the head of business and commercial banking at Standard Bank in February.