Observer Money

Capricorn Group bids farewell to Swanepoel

21232 Mins Read

Chamwe Kaira 

Capricorn Group Limited has announced the retirement of long-serving board member Johan Swanepoel, who stepped down as an independent non-executive director on 5 November 2025. 

The update was released through a notice on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX).

Swanepoel served the group for more than 26 years, including five years as chairperson. 

The board praised his “exceptional leadership and vision,” saying he helped shape Capricorn Group into one of Namibia’s most respected financial institutions.

Although leaving the group board, Swanepoel will continue as chairperson of Bank Windhoek Limited, a Capricorn subsidiary, allowing the company to draw on his institutional knowledge and experience.

On the NSX, Namibia Asset Management Ltd (NAM) announced the appointment of Taschiona !Gawaxab as an independent non-executive director, effective 2 January 2026, subject to regulatory approval. 

!Gawaxab is currently head of ICT at Nedbank Namibia. 

She has extensive experience in technology operations, strategic leadership, and digital transformation. 

Before joining Nedbank, she held senior ICT roles at First Rand Group, where she led major standardisation projects.

She also served as a non-executive director at MTC from 2019 to 2025. The NAM board said her appointment will support its governance and technology ambitions.

Nictus Holdings Limited also reported director-related share trades in line with NSX rules.


PJ de W. Tromp, through Ultra Investments (Pty) Ltd, sold 15 000 Nictus shares on 7 November at N$3.30 per share, totalling N$49 500. 

The sale represents an indirect, non-beneficial interest and received prior approval from the chairperson.

BJ Gous, a director of Nictus subsidiary Corporate Guarantee and Insurance Company of Namibia Limited, purchased 20 000 Nictus shares on 10 November at N$3.35 per share, amounting to N$67 000. 

The purchase represents an indirect, beneficial interest and was approved by the chairperson.

The Alpha Namibia Industries Renewable Power Limited (ANIREP) board has appointed Gida Sekandi as its new chairperson with effect from 11 November. 

Sekandi was selected based on her executive background and broad board-level experience across listed and unlisted multinational companies.

Sekandi said, “It is a privilege to lead the Board of ANIREP at such a defining moment for renewable energy in Namibia, and I am deeply honoured by the confidence the Board has placed in me. I look forward to working closely with my fellow directors and management to build on our strong foundation and accelerate sustainable value creation for all stakeholders. Together, we will continue driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and responsible governance as we expand our contribution to a greener, more resilient energy future.”

Caption

Johan Swanepoel

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Capricorn Group Limited’s recent announcement about the retirement of Johan Swanepoel underscores how evolving boards can shape strategic outcomes in Namibia’s financial services landscape. Having devoted over two decades to the company, Swanepoel offered a wealth of expertise that will remain vital as he retains his chairperson role at Bank Windhoek Limited. His robust focus on leadership has helped cement Capricorn Group’s reputation, encouraging ongoing investments in diverse areas, from conventional banking solutions to modern technology ventures. Meanwhile, the appointment of Taschiona !Gawaxab as an independent non-executive director at Namibia Asset Management signals a broader shift in the industry. Her background in digital transformation and technology operations mirrors a growing trend: financial institutions increasingly rely on innovative tools to improve services and meet shifting consumer expectations.

This emphasis on forward-thinking strategies resonates with the direction of Namibia’s capital markets, as evidenced by director-related share trades at Nictus Holdings and the restructuring undertakings at other firms. Leadership changes at entities such as ANIREP, focused on renewable energy, also highlight the drive toward diversification across multiple sectors. While Capricorn Group’s strength stems from traditional finance, modern business growth often calls for collaboration outside typical boundaries. In particular, many financial stakeholders now look to emerging digital platforms—touchpoints that align well with the robust appetite for novel revenue streams. By pairing responsible governance with access to new markets, these ventures help companies remain relevant and competitive in a global context that prizes adaptability.

One avenue drawing interest is the world of cryptocurrency, where forward-looking finance professionals explore partnerships that span both payment solutions and entertainment platforms. As an example, enterprises seeking to broaden their portfolio or engage customers in innovative ways could consider platforms like Rocketpot.io. Offering a top-rated online crypto casino environment, it caters to those who appreciate seamless digital transactions and cutting-edge gaming experiences. Although this link between financial institutions and crypto-based platforms may appear unconventional, the shared focus on security, credibility, and enhanced user satisfaction can unify both parties under a single objective: sustainable growth. By embracing new ideas—whether in FinTech, renewable power, or online gaming—Namibia’s financial sector stands poised to remain as dynamic and robust as ever, ensuring continued development that resonates with shifting market demands and consumer preferences.