ONGWEDIVA – Renowned northern businessman Heskiel ‘Spotsman’ Nanyeni has died.
Nanyeni served as Omuthiya mayor at some point.
He died on Friday at the age of 56.
His cousin Veico Haimbodi confirmed to New Era yesterday that Nanyeni died after a short illness.
Haimbodi said besides being known for being a businessman, Nanyeni was a freedom fighter during the liberation war, who returned to Namibia from exile at the dawn of independence and became an entrepreneur.
He owned a chain of business outlets branded as Spotsman in northern regions.
“Mr Nanyeni will be remembered as a celebrated business leader both at home and abroad for his illustrious contribution that transformed Namibia, especially the retail sector, into a multi-business conglomerate,” said Haimbodi yesterday.
He noted that Nanyeni was known as an outspoken person and a good negotiator who contributed a lot to the business industry.
His sister, Fenny Nanyeni, described her brother’s death as a great loss, not only to the family but to the business fraternity.
“The passing of my brother has robbed us. He was a man of good character with a rare personality,” she said.
She said Nanyeni has contributed to the promotion of the socio-economic wellbeing of all Namibians.
“In the passing of my brother, we have lost a pioneer and committed activist who will be remembered for paving the way for countless numbers of aspirant local businesspeople and for radically transforming the business landscape in Namibia in general and in the northern parts of our country in particular,” she said.
He is survived by his wife and 19 children.