Lüderitz
The late Nicolaas ‘Rampie’ Links, who was the southern regional director of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and the chairperson of Swapo’s regional think tank in //Karas Region, was laid to rest on Saturday morning at Lüderitz cemetery. He was 47 years old.
Thousands of mourners thronged the St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Lüderitz to pay their last respects at the funeral service for the businessman and politician.
Links died on September 27 in a car accident on the gravel road between Keetmanshoop and Koës.
During the memorial service held at the Lüderitz Junior Secondary School Hall on Friday, Swapo secretary general Nangolo Mbumba, in his speech delivered by Swapo Party member of parliament Sophia Swartz, described Links as a dedicated and committed leader and a businessman who unwaveringly served Swapo Party at all times. “He was a Namibian patriot who dedicated his energy and resources to the service of the Namibian people, a stalwart of economic emancipation and prosperity for all,” said Mbumba.
Mbumba described Links as a true son of the soil who was always available to support Swapo Party financially and materially, especially during fundraising drives and election activities.
Links carried out his duties with utmost dedication and unwavering commitment and proved himself to be one of the truly patriotic business people in the great //Karas Region, Mbumba said.
Lüderitz mayor Hilaria Mukapuli described Links as a businessperson who played a key role in the town’s economic development.
Links made immense contributions to Lüderitz in various aspects through his involvement in sports development, social upliftment causes and his business endeavours.
As a businessman, Links created employment for people within the community. Links also dedicated his time and passion to the Luderitz and //Karas business community, and was instrumental in the growth and well-being of //Karas Region, Mukapuli said.
Links was born in Lüderitz on July 30, 1969. He started his working life at the Department of Correctional Services. He then moved to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. He had previously worked as a teacher in Lüderitz.
He is survived by his wife and three children – a son and two daughters – and four sisters.
More than 4 000 mourners from all over Namibia and South Africa attended his funeral, and accommodation establishments such as hotels and bed-and-breakfasts were fully booked during the weekend.