Omukokoli: A banker loved in life and death

When news of the death of banking executive Tomas Iindji broke yesterday, Namibians from all walks of life took to social media to express their shock and condolences to the bereaved family. Iindji has been hailed as a people’s person. A former Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) northern branch chairperson, Indji (44) died on Tuesday morning in a Windhoek hospital, where he had been battling an unspecified but allegedly serious ailment. His death was confirmed by his grieving widow, Dr Iyaloo Shiimi-Iindji, who said further announcements would be communicated in due course.Iindji, who worked in the banking industry for 20 years, was the head of banking at FNB Namibia before leaving in February to take up the position of head of business and commercial banking at rival Standard Bank.He was not only a banker, but also a master of ceremonies of note and Christian preacher who entertained fellow worshippers at Gloria Dei Lutheran parish in Ongwediva with his charisma. Poorer without himLeader of the official opposition Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, tweeted: “With deep consternation I receive the sad news of the demise of renowned banker Tomas Iindji. We commiserate with his dear wife and the banking fraternity. Rest easy, affable son of our people”.Former newspaper editor Festus Nakatana, who now works in the banking industry, said Iindji’s death is not only a huge blow to his “dearest young family, loved ones and friends, but to the entire Namibian nation”.“He has graciously served Namibia and her people. He was indeed a people’s banker. I wish his family immense strength and peace during this unimaginable time. May God grant [him] eternal rest,” Nakatana said. Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda said he has not met a business leader who understood the struggle of the people like Iindji did. He said Iindji was single-handedly responsible for the emergence, survival and sustainability of small businesses, particularly in the north. “As a struggling student at Stellenbosch, I used to frequent his office and I saw how business leaders and individuals came to his office crying and left smiling. I have known him for 15 years, where our paths crossed both personally and politically. Omukokoli, as we called him, would never abandon you. He was cut from a different cloth. Our people will be poorer without him,” he said. A man of all peopleNamibia Local Business Association (Naloba) vice-president Kanu Amadhila said the entire rank and file of the association is deeply shocked by the news of Iindji’s death. He added that he knew the late banker for more than 10 years. “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 [role with] financial support, especially among the small and medium enterprise [SME] sector. He was selfless and had a vision for our country’s economy to be on another level. His business leadership style was very rare in Namibia,” Amadhila said. “His banking service delivery included even Sundays as normal business days. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and offer our support during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Amadhila said.

Omukokoli: A banker loved in life and death

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Omukokoli: A banker loved in life and death

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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