Prominent businessman and founder of John & Penny group, Johannes Akapandi Endjala was buried at Okapya village in the Oshana region on Saturday.
Endjala died in a Windhoek hospital on 23 January due to illness. He was 58.
Those who spoke during his funeral described him as business intelligent, wise, a sponsor, family man and a friend to all, who financially and materially assisted many of his counterparts who found their businesses going through tough times.
Thousands of mourners thronged the Hosianna Elcin church on Friday and Saturday in Ondangwa for the memorial and funeral of the well-known businessman.
“You will always have a place in my heart dear husband. Rest your kind, generous and joyful soul. Together with our children, we will miss you. Your inheritance will remain firmly in our hearts,” says the widow.
She described her husband as a peaceful man who laughed with and loved everyone.
“He was a leader and a teacher,” she added.
Vice president Nangolo Mbumba in a speech read on his behalf by Oshana governor Elia Irimari, said Namibia has lost an illustrious son of the soil. A humble, friendly, respected and formidable business personality.
“During the liberation struggle, Endjala stood firm and supported the cause of freedom. He contributed by covertly accommodating and providing vital information to Swapo PLAN fighters,” he said.
In a message of condolences, former president Hifikepunye Pohamba remembered him as a hardworking businessman whose business acumen and determination made him prosper against all odds.
“His contribution to nationhood building in terms of business and other developmental efforts in Namibia speaks volumes.
Founding president Sam Nujoma, who also sent a message of condolences, said the business community and the country at large lost a pioneer and a visionary leader.
“Endjala inspired many Namibians in the second phase of the struggle for economic emancipation,” said Nujoma.
King Shuumbwa Nangolo said “the sorrow we feel when we lose a loved one is the price we pay to have had them in our lives”.
“The passing of Endjala has robbed us. He was a man of good character with a rare personality,” he said.
Former chairperson of Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) in the north, Tomas Iindji said Endjala’s death is a great loss to the business fraternity.
He said Endjala has contributed to the promotion of socio-economic wellbeing of all Namibians.
“With the passing of Endjala, we have lost a pioneer and committed activist who will be remembered for paving the way for countless numbers of aspirant local business people, and for radically transforming the business landscape in Namibia in general, and in the northern parts of our country in particular,” he said.
“Endjala was a business leader of great distinction and a person of rare qualities,” he said.
He is survived by his wife Penehafo and seven children.
– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na