The acting chief executive officer of the Namibia Drydock and Ship Repair Company, Heritha Nankole Muyoba, died in a car crash near Kongola in the Zambezi region yesterday morning.
She was 52.
The accident also claimed four of her family members, authorities confirmed.
Namdoc’s finance manager Dries van Zyl confirmed the news of her death.
It is alleged that Muyoba was heading to Walvis Bay when her Toyota Land Cruiser SUV’s rear left tyre burst. The driver then lost control, with the vehicle overturning and rolling several times.
Two others, being the driver, who is her daughter, and her 12-year-old niece, sustained minor injuries.
Acting Zambezi regional commander Nehemia Joseph said an incident of culpable homicide, alternatively reckless and/or negligent driving, has been reported.
Investigations continue.
Muyoba has been instrumental in the Covid-19 fight, with Namdock constructing and funding an 18-bed private quarantine facility for its employees.
She also served on several boards, including Air Namibia.
Speaking to New Era, Erongo regional health director Anna Jonas said Muyoba worked well with the ministry of health.
“She was a good friend of the ministry and played an important role, especially in the fight against Covid-19. She was a part of our emergency operation centre, where we would meet on a monthly basis. We have benefitted so much from her leadership experiences. When our hospitals staff were depleted and had to work long hours, Muyoba was always there to give them support. Her support was not only limited to Walvis Bay, but to the entire region because her and the Namdock team were busy doing assessments on what other areas in the region needed support. We are so saddened by this great loss,” she said sadly.
Local businessman Johny Doeseb remembers Muyoba as a “humble person” and a philanthropist.
“We have lost a prominent leader in our community who stood up for the rights of women and Namibian children. This is such a great loss to all of us,” he said.
- ashikololo@nepc.com.na