THE National Building Society (NBS) kicked off its Christmas celebrations by giving back to the families of Zimbabweans who shaped the country’s music industry.

The Society’s recent engagement with the families of Zimbabwe’s music legends, Leonard Dembo and James Chimombe, both departed but whose legendary music still lives on, was part of its broader festive commemorations, dubbed the ‘Throw Back Festive Season’ campaign.

As part of the campaign, where tribute was paid to some of the country’s music icons, NBS handed over Christmas gifts to the Dembo and Chimombe families.

During the handover of the goods, NBS Head of Marketing, Ms Mildret Kujinga, said:

“We as NBS extend this token of appreciation to the Dembo and Chimombe families in honour of the amazing work of their fathers, legends of Zimbabwean music.

“Their legacy continues to inspire us, and their music lives on.”

For decades, Zimbabwe’s music legends have dug deep into their creative elements, not only to serenade us with exquisite lyrics and sounds, but through their music.  They have gone beyond to frame experiences, perceptions, and feelings that we would typically struggle to put into words. 

Yet some of Zimbabwe’s music legends have gone without the recognition they truly deserve.

“That is why the National Building Society has taken it upon itself to give appreciation to our music legends,” said Ms Kujinga.

NBS handed over Christmas gifts in honour of the country’s music legends.

Present to receive the gifts on behalf of their respective families were Tendai Chimombe, daughter of the illustrious icon, as well as Mrs Dembo and her son, Tendai Dembo.

“NBS employees had time to interact with the legends’ families. The families gave us rare insight into the lives they lived with their admired dads,” Ms Kujinga added.

One of those ‘admired dads’ was Leonard Dembo, also affectionately known as “Musoro we Nyoka”, who serenaded Zimbabweans with hits such as ‘Chitekete’ (1991), ‘Nzungu Ndamenya’ (1994) and ‘Shiri Yakangwara’ (1996), just to mention a few.

The legend’s son, Tendai Dembo, had nothing but positive words about his father:

“My dad was an icon. There can never be another Leonard Dembo. As I am also an artiste, I face the good and the bad…the good is that I ride on my father’s legacy, and it sort of opens doors as people still appreciate my father.

“The bad part is that I am always compared to my father. I’m an artiste, it’s a different journey. My dad did not emerge a star, he walked his journey. However, mine is a different journey, and I am still transitioning. As I am always compared, it can be disheartening at times.”

Tendai said he hopes to see corporates like NBS partnering with artistes to empower them with equipment, and also providing them with platforms to showcase their talent.

He added that Zimbabwe has incredible talent, but resources were few.

Leonard Dembo’s widow commended NBS for the gesture and spoke passionately about her loving husband, whom she referred to as “a loving husband and great dad.”

Having realized the challenges that Zimbabwe’s talented musicians go through, NBS is set to roll out a housing facility to serve the country’s artistes.

From our discussions with some of Zimbabwe’s’ artistes, we realized that there is a huge gap in terms of them not being able to own their own properties.

The daughter of the late music legend, James Chimombe, Tendai, said they would welcome help from NBS in terms of housing delivery for artistes who mostly do not have houses their own.

“My father was a good dad. I’m following in his footsteps and am also an artist in my own right, although in a slightly different genre from my dad. I would welcome help from NBS in terms of housing delivery for artistes like myself because most don’t have a roof of their own,” she said.

She anticipates a future with NBS, in view of their plans to launch a housing product for Zimbabwean artistes.

Ms Kujinga concluded:

“NBS intends to continue upholding the legacy of Zimbabwe’s music legends. Celebrating Christmas celebrations with their families is just but the beginning, where NBS will celebrate house ownership for artistes”

“As NBS we are happy to roll out the unique scheme that will ensure housing delivery for artists.”

NBS Is Second to None

The NBS Dzivarasekwa Housing Project is set to deliver 500 units in 2021

The National Building Society/NBS has achieved yet another milestone.  NBS has been shown to be second to none in terms of providing mortgage loans that facilitate homeownership to the citizens of our nation. Recent reports indicate that the Society has firmed up on its position to emerge as a leader in residential mortgage lending in Zimbabwe.

NBS’ rise in the market rankings has been built on steady growth in the provision and facilitation of affordable housing, anchored on its flagship mortgage loans. By making meaningful additions of new units to the national housing stock since its inception, NBS has contributed positively towards Government’s efforts to reduce the housing backlog, which is currently estimated at almost 1,5 million.

In 2016, NBS undertook its first housing project in Adelaide Park, Harare where 82 units were financed and completed by December that year. Following on from that achievement were several other housing projects that the Society was involved in, nationwide, including Stoneridge in Harare where 202 units were delivered, Woodbrooke in Bindura with 43 units, in Shurugwi 22 units built at Magakooshla and Amalinda in Harare with 60 units.

NBS looks forward to elevating its position in the provision of mortgage financing with the imminent delivery of 500 units through its Dzivarasekwa housing project. This massive project was initially embarked on as an offtake agreement with a private developer in 2017. Although some delays in implementation were experienced due to various reasons beyond the Society’s control, in October 2021, the project entered its final phase of construction. Thus, at the close of this year, the Dzivarasekwa development will be delivered to customers and key stakeholders, setting NBS firmly on the path to leadership in local mortgages space. 

Brick by brick, NBS is determined to reach the pinnacle of home financing in the country.  The Society will continue to leverage on its mortgage loan offering to meet the housing needs of Zimbabweans.  By remaining committed to its mandate, NBS aims to improve the country, the lives of fellow citizens, and the Society’s standing in the local market for mortgage loans.  The only way is up!

Committed to Digital Transformation

The National Building Society/NBS continues to record landmark achievements as it transitions to becoming a fully digitalised financial services institution. 

Through the introduction of Corporate Internet Banking (CIB), the power of a robust high-transaction processing solution has been delivered for the convenience of business clients. This user-friendly platform enables convenient management of bank accounts, including transfer of funds, making single and/or bulk payments, and providing access to statements from any location, at any time.  Furthermore, the CIB product augments the offering that NBS provides to clients in the business space, whether Small-to-Medium Sized Enterprises or Corporates. 

Speaking about the way NBS has contributed to their efforts to advance the Dratel brand in Zimbabwe, Tapiwanashe Shoko, CEO of Unlimited Procurement said,

“This relationship has helped us to catapult our business and stabilise our relationships with stakeholders, mainly our employees through the payment platforms that have enabled us to pay within 24 hours.  We have been very much appreciative of these products (from NBS), and we have seen a growth and stabilisation of our business.  We would like to encourage any SME in the country to consider switching to NBS.”

The launch of CIB is a reflection of the digital strategy that has been vigorously pursued since inception. NBS has remained focused on establishing a location-independent financial institution with omni-channels accessible to all clients on their digital gadgets, without the need to visit the physical branch network. Thus, today, NBS has an array of digital banking products and services, including Corporate Internet Banking.  These are available to individuals and businesses, through simple registration processes that give access to a secure and convenient self-care banking environment. 

Recognising the salience of emerging technologies, opportunities around sustainable innovations are being continually explored.  NBS is committed to transformation and innovation in our pursuit of Building Communities.

A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush

The journey is never ending. There’s always going to be growth, improvement, adversity; you just have to take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment. – Antonio Brown

The above statement speaks to us a Society and the road we have walked to be where we are today. On the 26^th Of October we reached a milestone as we had our first dividend declaration.

This dividend which represents a pay-out ratio of 30% is being declared on the basis of solid financial performance to 30 June 2021, which has seen the Society achieve a surplus of ZWL$90.2 million and balance sheet growth of 125% to close at ZWL2.4billion.  This momentous milestone event has been reached within five years of operation and is a testimony of the solid growth path that your Society has taken within its relatively short period of existence. 

As we look down memory lane, naturally, we have had some teething problems.  But, with the great stewardship of our shareholder and a dedicated workforce, we have managed to sail through the tide, against all odds. The dividend payment demonstrates the Society’s undertaking to maintain good corporate governance and sustained existence into the long-term.

The strategic refocus that NBS has made in its business model over the past year is bearing fruit as we strive to create a compelling investment proposition for NSSA and key stakeholders.  We have made deliberate efforts to progress gradually and surely with what we have rather than risking the loss of everything for quick gains.  Hence, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

To date NBS has provided 636 housing units across the breadth of Zimbabwe.  During construction of the houses, massive employment opportunities have been created, thus contributing to economic growth.  The Society remains laser-focused on delivering four key projects namely, Dzivarasekwa Housing Project (Harare), Newmara (Mutare), Brundish (Chinhoyi) and Glaudina (Harare) within the coming year. In addition, the mortgages scheme project at Knockmalloch will be delivered and a total of 51 units will be completed.

With NBS there are no impossibilities but always a way to make things happen.  We are in pursuit of building communities and with us it will always end with a home.

The future in banking is here and its NBS- so Switch To NBS Today!!

With the resolution of the issues that caused delays around the full implementation of the NBS Dzivarasekwa Housing Project, a celebratory ceremony was held onsite on 7 October 2021.

The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Professor Paul Mavima was the Guest of Honour at the ceremony which was attended by numerous dignitaries and esteemed guests. 

The ceremony was held to assure all stakeholders of NBS’ commitment towards the completion of the housing project.  Commitment is a core value of the Society’s.  Thus, despite the challenges previously faced, the Society took the decision to proceed with the project, to maintain a firm presence onsite and to adopt a more hands-on approach.  The drive is the completion of the Dzivarasekwa housing project as initially envisaged. 

The Chairman of the NBS Board of Directors, Mr. Shingai Mutumbwa, gave his remarks at the ceremony.  He indicated that in the final phase, three different and new contractors had been engaged with the aim of shortening the delivery period which is anticipated to be in December 2021.

Mr. Mutumbwa also took the opportunity to thank NBS customers who had remained patient throughout the period of inactivity. On completion, the massive housing project will deliver 500 low-cost units, with different models, ranging from 1 roomed to 4 roomed houses.  Each will sit on a stand size averaging 200 square metres.

It seems exciting developments are happening at the National Building Society.  Today the Society opened doors to Zimbabwean SMEs, inviting all registered SMEs and entrepreneurs to open an account within their SME Suite which essentially has 3 account classes: silver, gold and platinum.  Speaking at the official launch, the NBS Head of Marketing Miss Mildret Kujinga said that NBS is in pursuit of building communities and the Society is set to prioritise SMEs on housing delivery projects.  She went on to say that they have bespoke mortgages products that will enable a good number of Zimbabwean entrepreneurs to secure homes with NBS as long as they log in their innovation with the NBS Suite and also embark on traceable business banking with the Society.

The launch event was graced by selected SME representatives who testified on how their businesses operating efficiencies had been improved by the facilities they get from NBS.  In pursuit of establishing empowered communities, NBS has rolled out digital platforms which will aggregate as a digital marketplace where sellers and off-takers can interact as well as exchange payments, all happening on the NBS banking ecosystem. Miss Kujinga went on to say,

“Finally, it seems the giant is awakening as the Society is signing up new high value clients and lots of corporate clients are now banking and investing with NBS”.

The Society has ramped up its digital offering which is key to creating business banking operating efficiencies designed to meet the diverse need of SMEs.  The launch event was covered by prominent media houses and top journalists who were keen to unpack the Society’s transformative story.  Recently NBS published its Half Year Financials which revealed a firm balance sheet.  It only makes sense and finally NBS seems to be becoming a household name in the banking sector.  Indeed the SwitchToNBS campaign has domineered the social media space.

Thursday the 1^st of April 2021 started as a normal day for Charlotte Mupure and her family.  However, it didn’t end well for them after receiving a call that their home had caught fire. The situation was dire; they had lost their house and belongings.

Things started looking up for Charlotte after she was referred to the National Building Society by a friend who had benefited from a mortgage loan and was satisfied with the service experience. 

Encouraged by the advice, Charlotte pursued the matter and visited NBS’ JMN Nkomo branch in Bulawayo.  She was able to get a mortgage loan to rebuild her home.  Speaking about the experience, Charlotte said,

“I am now a firm believer of the statement that a problem shared is half solved.  After sharing my ordeal with a friend, they referred me to NBS where I got the financial assistance required to reconstruct my house.  Today tremendous progress has been made at the house and my family now has a roof over their head”.

Charlotte went on to add,

“After going through the trauma of losing your house and belongings the last thing one needs is to be frustrated by processes and unfriendly service providers, but with NBS I got the best service. The Branch Manager and Customer Service Manager walked with me throughout the entire process and worked tirelessly to ensure that my paperwork was approved, and funds availed on time”.

As NBS continues its drive to empower communities in Bulawayo and across the country, SME Value Chain Financing is being availed.  We have given several businesses in this important sector access to specialised banking products and services, including Order Financing and Corporate Internet Banking for convenient digital transacting. 

We spoke to Bradley Sibanda, an NBS SME client based in the City of Kings (and Queens):

“As an SME, I do not have a lot of employees, so most of the work I do on my own by multi-tasking.  Banking with NBS has given me an opportunity to bank-on-the-go through their Transcator App and their internet banking facility”.

“I have started to engage the bank for other services such as Order Financing and this looks promising.  I am extremely happy about this.  It will help grow our business as we will be able to take up larger orders knowing that NBS will assist with the finance to pay for the order.”

Started 5 years ago, the journey of growth is ongoing for NBS.  The impact is being felt in the market as initiatives are taken to deliver on the promise to foster established communities.  Delivery of the national mandate is definitely being realised throughout Zimbabwe. 

With NBS, it will end with a home, so Switch-To-NBS today!

Thursday the 1^st of April 2021 started as a normal day for Charlotte Mupure and her family.  However, it didn’t end well for them after receiving a call that their home had caught fire. The situation was dire; they had lost their house and belongings.

Things started looking up for Charlotte after she was referred to the National Building Society by a friend who had benefited from a mortgage loan and was satisfied with the service experience. 

Encouraged by the advice, Charlotte pursued the matter and visited NBS’ JMN Nkomo branch in Bulawayo.  She was able to get a mortgage loan to rebuild her home.  Speaking about the experience, Charlotte said,

“I am now a firm believer of the statement that a problem shared is half solved.  After sharing my ordeal with a friend, they referred me to NBS where I got the financial assistance required to reconstruct my house.  Today tremendous progress has been made at the house and my family now has a roof over their head”.

Charlotte went on to add,

“After going through the trauma of losing your house and belongings the last thing one needs is to be frustrated by processes and unfriendly service providers, but with NBS I got the best service. The Branch Manager and Customer Service Manager walked with me throughout the entire process and worked tirelessly to ensure that my paperwork was approved, and funds availed on time”.

As NBS continues its drive to empower communities in Bulawayo and across the country, SME Value Chain Financing is being availed.  We have given several businesses in this important sector access to specialised banking products and services, including Order Financing and Corporate Internet Banking for convenient digital transacting. 

We spoke to Bradley Sibanda, an NBS SME client based in the City of Kings (and Queens):

“As an SME, I do not have a lot of employees, so most of the work I do on my own by multi-tasking.  Banking with NBS has given me an opportunity to bank-on-the-go through their Transcator App and their internet banking facility”.

“I have started to engage the bank for other services such as Order Financing and this looks promising.  I am extremely happy about this.  It will help grow our business as we will be able to take up larger orders knowing that NBS will assist with the finance to pay for the order.”

Started 5 years ago, the journey of growth is ongoing for NBS.  The impact is being felt in the market as initiatives are taken to deliver on the promise to foster established communities.  Delivery of the national mandate is definitely being realised throughout Zimbabwe. 

With NBS, it will end with a home, so Switch-To-NBS today!

It’s really the break of a new dawn for the vast majority of Zimbabweans.  There is renewed hope for our countrymen as NBS takes the lead and breathes life into their building communities’ mantra. Homeownership is indeed a key milestone that any citizen would love to achieve and, it seems the National Building Society has proven its sincerity. They have partnered Zimbabweans across the globe, at different societal segments, as evidenced by the many projects which can be aligned to value of money because they are quite affordable.

For Bindura residents, there is finally a glimmer of hope as we take a tour around Woodbrooke, one of many successful NBS housing delivery projects. We caught up with Mr. John Wilo, a mine worker and a beneficiary of the Woodbrooke housing project who could not hide his joy about how his life has been transformed by the Society.

Mr. Wilo took time to share his sentiments,

“I am grateful to my employer as well the building society for affording us a lifetime opportunity of owning homes.  I was handed over the green keys to my house in 2017, realising a dream that had long seemed impossible.  Now I feel empowered, and my family is secure.  I would love to thank NBS for making this possible and encourage the Society to do more right here in Bindura.”

In line with empowering communities, NBS intends to go a step further by availing an SME Value Chain Financing scheme to Bindura residents. This will entail giving SMEs access to specialised banking products and services, such as invoice discounting facilities and Point of Sale/POS devices. The scheme is a gesture demonstrating NBS’ recognition of the significant role that SMEs play in the economy and in building our nation.

It has been a journey indeed for NBS, the young giant society which has been in the market for only 5 years and is making waves and delivering the promise of fostering established communities. It seems, the national mandate is truly being delivered across the country.

With NBS, it will end with a home, so Switch-To-NBS today!