Bank Windhoek proudly reaffirmed its commitment to Namibia’s creative sector at the 2025 Doek Literary Awards, recently held in Windhoek. The event celebrated the achievements of Namibian writers, poets, and visual artists whose work has enriched the country’s only literary magazine, Doek!.
The Fiction category went to Jeremy Tiboth for his piece “Poisoned Pawn”. Filemon Iiyambo, with his “Sonic Overload: Auralgraph From Cairo” piece, won the Nonfiction category. The Poetry award was won by Jedidja Kakuva for “In The Shadow Of Reflection”, “Man Enough”, and “When I Wake Up”. The Visual Art award went to Luigi Arnat for “Solitude”.
Tiboth is from Rehoboth and is currently studying Applied Maths at the Namibian University of Science and Technology. Iiyambo is a writer, former newspaper columnist, and social commentator currently working as a hydrogeologist in Windhoek. He holds a BA and a BA Honours in English Literature and Applied Linguistics from the Namibia University of Science and Technology. Kakuva is a data professional and aspiring writer living in Tsumeb, currently studying Mathematics and Physics. Arnat is a photographer and aspiring full-time artist living in Swakopmund. The winners of each category were awarded N$5,000.00.
Rémy Ngamije, the Doek Arts Trust’s chairperson and founder, said that the winners of this year’s awards represent some of the best writing that has been published in Doek! Literary Magazine with the writers themselves hailing from across Namibia’s vast geography. “I am delighted to welcome this year’s winners to our growing pool of award-winning alumni and congratulate them for having the skill, courage, and determination to write and tell stories.”
Bank Windhoek is an ongoing sponsor of the Doek Literary Festival and the Doek Awards, both of which play a pivotal role in fostering Namibian literature and providing a platform for emerging and established writers. “We are immensely proud to partner with an initiative that aligns so closely with our values: open, inspired, and dedicated to uplifting the communities in which we operate,” said Bank Windhoek’s Head of Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility, Bronwyn Moody.
Championing the Arts across Namibia
Bank Windhoek has established itself as a steadfast supporter of the arts. One of the most visible aspects of Bank Windhoek’s engagement is its acquisition and public display of Namibian artworks. As part of a nationwide branch revamp project, the Bank has curated and showcased local art, transforming its branches into vibrant spaces that celebrate Namibian creativity and provide artists with valuable exposure. Bank Windhoek’s support extends to the performing arts, where it sponsors renowned platforms such as the National Ballet, the Baroque Festival, the Bank Windhoek Choir Festival and the Swakopmunder Musikwoche.
Innovation in the arts is further encouraged through initiatives like the acclaimed “Is it possible to love a bank?” campaign. This creative endeavour recently earned four major accolades at the SMARTIES® Sub-Saharan Africa Awards in Cape Town.
Moody concluded that the Bank recognises that the creative industry is a source of entertainment and vital driver of innovation, economic value, and cultural identity. She said in an era where the digital economy is reshaping content creation and experience design, the role of creatives has never been more crucial.
Bank Windhoek, Doek’s patron and trustees, and all of Doek! Literary Magazine’s readers extend warm congratulations to all the longlisted writers, poets, and visual artists.
END.
