Some watch things happen, some wonder what happened, while  others Make Things Happen. From its inception in 1997,  Nedbank Lesotho Limited has made things happen in Lesotho,  and displayed commitment to the socio-economic development  of the country, its residents, and its future.

Nedbank Lesotho continues to entrench itself as a leader in corporate social responsibility and indeed strives to be the preferred bank for Lesotho by making a difference for all stakeholders.

In 2008, Nedbank Lesotho provided support to worthy social, community, and developmental causes in the following areas:


Education

The year again saw the bank engaged in a number of education investment initiatives, including the sponsorship of lapdesks to deserving schools in Lesotho. To encourage excellence in education and support community brand- building in branch areas, the bank also sponsored Education Awards in Butha Buthe and Mafeteng, targeting primary- and high-school leavers.


HIV/AIDS

The bank has initiated awareness education and voluntary testing for staff, in partnership with the Lesotho Population Services International (PSI), as well as a staff support programme for those infected and affected by the pandemic. Nedbank Lesotho continues to support orphaned and vulnerable children that are infected and affected by HIV/Aids, partnering with organisations such Rotary and the Red Cross to raise funds, especially for the more needy rural areas. One of the institutions that is seen as a partner and receives ongoing support is Rachel’s Children in Maputsoe, a Home for HIV/AIDS orphans.


Sports and development

In line with the group’s strong brand equity with golf, sponsorship of the annual Mohokare Golf Classic was reaffirmed. The tournament promotes golf in the country and draws both amateur and professional participants.

Sponsorship of road running presents another brand growth area. In June 2008 the bank undertook brand name sponsorship of the Nedbank 21km race, which forms part of the annual Olympic Day Run. The Olympic Day Run is an opportunity for local marathon runners to hone their skills for participation in regional events, including the Soweto Marathon.

Staff, under the auspices of the Sports Club, hosted soccer and netball games for local communities and schools in Butha Buthe and Mohale’s Hoek as a means of promoting closer client and community relations.


Enterprise Development

Nedbank Lesotho continues to encourage entrepreneurial development and has an ethos of community responsibility through its annual sponsorship of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) movement. SIFE entrenches these values among students in tertiary and technical institutions by encouraging members to support local communities in economic development initiatives and business and management skills development.

For the first time this year the bank hosted a student from NULIS High School for the Adopt-a-student Day. The selected female student spent time with the MD Lazarus Murahwa, as well as key department heads, affording her a unique opportunity to learn the operations of the bank. This initiative was part of the commemoration of Public Service Day and will be undertaken annually.

Awards

Nedbank Lesotho received two awards from Professional Management Review Africa in the Lesotho Leaders and Achievers Survey 2008. The bank was ranked joint first overall in the investment services category and second overall in the bank category.

Documents

NEDBANK Lesotho Limited Financial Results For the Year Ended 31st December 2008